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Organic Gardening:

Organic Vegetable Cultivation Table

by Frann Leach

This table gives brief (you might even say terse) cultivation, growing and harvest information for a large number of crops, more than on the individual pages, in fact. For more information, refer to the individual pages, except for the odd ones which aren't given a page of their own. This is usually the ones that have the least appeal to me - but you may disagree.

If you have a yearning to grow Couve Tronchada or Cardoons, I'm sorry, this is all the information I have. All this data was collected by me (as was most of the rest of the contents of this site) over the winters when I was living in London with my two children. I never had the space for these oddities, so I don't know a lot about them.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Crop type Plant type Family, Botanical name	Height, Spread, Recommended cultivars	Sow/Plant, Depth & Spacing, Propagation, Harvest	Cultivation notes
Chinese Artichoke (Japanese Artichoke, Chorogi, Crosnes), HP, Labiatae, Stachys affinis, S. tuberifera, S. sieboldii	15"	Plant tubers February to March 6" deep, 12"x18". Harvest late Autumn onwards. Ensure entire crop is harvested	Tolerate soil conditions pH 6.0 to 7.5, but do not like poorly drained or very acid soils. Dig in plenty of manure previous autumn, if possible. Protect from frost. Water well in dry weather and mulch. Feed fortnightly with SM3 in poor soil. Can be stored in ground. Virtually pest and disease free.
Globe Artichoke, HP, Compositae, Cynara scolymus	3'x3' Green Globe Improved, Gros Camus de Bretagne	See main Globe artichoke entry
Jerusalem Artichoke, HP, Compositae, Helianthus tuberosus	6'+ New White, Fuseau, Dwarf Sunray, Silver Skinned	See main Jerusalem artichoke entry
Asparagus, HP, Liliaceae, Asparagus officinalis	12", 12" Minerve, Lorella, Giant Mammoth, Regal, Connover's Colossal, Sutton's Perfection	See main Asparagus entry
Aubergine (Egg plant), Annual, Solanaceae, Solanum melongena	30"x24" Black Beauty, Black Prince, Early Bounty, Bambino, Easter Egg, New York Purple	See main Aubergine entry	Cloche outdoor plantings or erect a clear screen around plants. Remove cloches during the day in warm weather only. Prone to aphid attacks. Start feeding every 10 days with tomato fertiliser in July. Pinch out at 9", stake. Tie side shoots to canes. Allow 5/6 fruits/plant, 1 per stem.
Basella (Malabar Spinach) (greenhouse), Biennial t/a annual, Basella rubra	Tall climber	March at 60° F, Sow ¼" deep in pots or trays. Prick out into individual 3" pots. This is a climber: grow on a fence. Harvest leaves as required.	A tropical plant grown for its edible leaves, which are used like spinach. Normally grown under glass, trained up trellis or in a hanging basket. Will thrive in warm weather. Susceptible to frost injury.
Broad bean (Faba bean), maincrop, Hardy annual, Leguminosae, Vicia faba	15"-42" Aquadulce (autumn), The Sutton, The Midget (dwarf), Red Epicure, Express, Masterpiece Green Longpod, Imperial Longpod, Feligreen, Windsor	See main Broad bean entry
Drying bean (Haricot/Kidney bean), Half hardy annual, Leguminosae, Phaseolus vulgaris	18"-5'+ Brown Dutch, Mexican Black, Chevrier Vert, Rose d'Eyragues, Chinese Yellow, Comtesse de Chambourd, Limelight,	See main French bean entry	In early autumn, when pods are yellow, pull up whole plant and dry, put in a sack and beat with stick to thresh the beans.
French bean (outdoor), Flageolet bean, Runner bean - bush types, Annual, Leguminosae, Phaseolus vulgaris	18"-8' Limelight, Chevrier Vert, Aramis, Purple Tepee, Kinghorn Wax, Royalty, Pros, Delinel; Runners: Pickwick, Gulliver, Hammond's Dwarf Scarlet	See main French bean entry
French bean (greenhouse), Annual, Leguminosae, Phaseolus vulgaris	18"-8' Blue Lake, Hunter, Largo, Kingston Gold, Purple Podded, Rob Roy	See main French bean entry	Feed weekly with SM3. After first crop, remove lower leaves, drop plants to ground in coils. New growth will climb strings.
Lablab bean (Hyacinth bean), Leguminosae, Dolichos lablab aka Lablab purpureus	4-6'	6"x36"	The plants are not heavy croppers, you need at least a 20' row. The green pods, dried beans and leaves are edible.
Lima bean (Butter/Madagascar bean), Perennial t/a half-hardy annual, Leguminosae, Phaseolus lunatus or Phaseolus limensis	2-6'+ Burpee Improved. Bush, Burpee Fordhook, Prizetaker	Singly in 3" pot in April at 60-85°, 1" deep or direct in late May (about 2 weeks after first runners) in 2" deep trench, eye down, lightly cover. 8"x24"(bush) or 4"x24" (climbers) 3-4 weeks after last frost. Harvest September to November, when beans plump up pods, Pick gently to encourage new blossoms	Requires full sun (no shade at all). Manure growing position well in Autumn. Climber: provide stake. Mulch with well rotted compost. Protect from cold for first 4 weeks. Water in sever drought only (roots may rot). Keep well weeded, especially at harvest time, but don't hoe deeply.
Runner bean & climbing French bean (Pole bean), Pea bean, Perennial t/a half hardy annual, Leguminosae, Phaseolus coccineus and Phaseolus vulgaris	10'-12' Runners: Czar, Desiree, Mergoles, White Emergo, Lady Di, Red Rum. French: Blue Coco, Purple Podded, Blue Lake, Earliest of All	See main Runner bean entry
Soya bean, Leguminosae, Glycine max	1-6'	Sow direct late spring when soil is warm, 1" deep, 3"x15". Harvest at green pod stage or at maturity	Hoe between plants as soon as plants an be seen and keep well weeded. Stop cultivating at knee high.
Beetroot, Sugar beet and other Beet grown for roots, Hardy biennial t/a annual, Chenopodiaceae, Beta vulgaris conditiva, B. vulgaris saccgarufera	6-12", 6-12" Boltardy, Forono, Burpee's Golden, Albina, Chioggia, Bull's Blood (decorative) Baby: Pronto	See main beetroot entry
Broccoli, Chinese (Chinese Kale), CruciferaeBrassica oleracea alboglabra.	18"	See main Chinese broccoli entry
Broccoli, green (Calabrese), Hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Brassica oleracea botrytis cymosa var. italica	2' Green Comet, Shogun, Mercedes, Citation, Romanesco	See main Calabrese entry
Broccoli, purple/white sprouting, Hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Brassica oleracea botrytis cymosa	3'x3' Christmas Purple Sprouting, Red Arrow, Red Spear, Rudolph	See main Broccoli entry
Broccoli, Perennial, HP, Cruciferae, Brassica oleracea botrytis asparagoides	3' Nine Star Perennial	Sow March to May in modules ¼" deep, transplant June or July 36"x36" to permanent site. Replace every 3 years. Harvest April and May	Requires a fertile well-drained soil. Keep well hoed and mulch to conserve moisture. May need staking. Protect from birds, especially in winter/spring. Harvest top shoot first, taking about 6" of stem. When it runs to seed, cut down stems and top dress with good manure or compost.
Brussels sprout, Hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Brassica oleracea gemmifera	18"-42" Single harvest: Early Half Tall, Peer Gynt F1, Oliver F1, Richard F1, Citadel F1, King Arthur F1. Continuous: Bedford Asmer Monitor, Rubine, Citadel, Achilles, Ormavon, Rampart, Fortress, Noisette	See main Brussels sprout entry
Cabbage, Chinese (Pe Tsai), Hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Brassica rapa pekinensis & Brassica rapa chinensis	12"-15" Ruffles (fluffy top), Tip Top, Kasumi, [Minato] Santo, Jade Pagoda, Nagaoka 60 day, Sampan	See main Chinese cabbage entry
Cabbage, red, Hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Brassica oleracea capitata var. rubra	10"-12" Red Drumhead, Ruby Ball (summer), Autoro, Hardoro, Blood Red	See main Cabbage entry
Cabbage, Savoy, Hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Brassica oleracea capitata	12"-15" Best of All, Ormskirk, Rearguard Baby: Protovoy	See main Cabbage entry
Cabbage, spring (and spring greens), Hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Brassica oleracea capitata	10"-15" April, Harbinger, Offenham	See main Cabbage entry
Cabbage, summer/autumn, Hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Brassica oleracea capitata	12"-15" Golden Acre, Hispi, May Star, Primo.	See main Cabbage entry
Cabbage, walking stick (Jersey cabbage) (not edible, but grown the same way), HP, Cruciferae, Brassica oleracea longata	6-7' in first year, 15' plus in second year	Sow as early as possible late winter/early spring at 19-21°C 65-70°F. Plant out 30"x30" apart mid to late Spring, taking care to plant roots and stem deeply. Stake as plant grows to maintain straightness. Harvest stems when at least ¾" diameter, 5-7' tall in autumn, or preferably leave until after flowering (up to 3 years) for strongest walking sticks.	Good rich or well fertilised soil is important and a site sheltered from strong winds. Strip off lower leaves from stem as plant grows.
Cabbage, white, Hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Brassica oleracea capitata var. alba	12"-15" Hidena F1, Polinius F1, Coleslaw Langedijk 4, Holland Late Winter	See main Cabbage entry
Cabbage, winter white, Hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Brassica oleracea capitata var. alba	12"-15" Decema, Winter White, Celtic F1, Tundra F1	See main Cabbage entry
Cabbage, winter, Hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Brassica oleracea capitata	12"-15" Christmas Drumhead, January King, Winter Salad	See main Cabbage entry
Capucine, Tropaeolaceae, Tropaeolum tuberosae	3'	Sow early April under glass. Transplant late May 20"x20". Harvest late Autumn.	Virtually pest and disease free. Tubers are the crop, and will grow freely in a warm situation. May be stored in the ground.
Cardoon, Perennial t/a annual, Compositae, Cynara cardunculus	6'	Sow 2" deep, March in gentle heat indoors, prick out into 3" pots, plant out mid-May 15"x48" or station sow 3-4 seeds in April 15"x48^ in trenches 12-18" deep). Blanch with cardboard collar and raffia in August/September leaving 2" leaves uncovered. Harvest 4-5 weeks later. Flowerheads can also be cut and used like globe artichokes.	Stake at 12". Virtually pest and disease free.
Carrot, early types, Hardy biennial t/a annual, Umbelliferae, Daucus carota	12"-15" Amsterdam, Nantes, Nairobi, Newmarket, Rondo, Early French Frame, Lisa, Parmex	See main Carrot entry
Carrot, maincrop, Hardy biennial t/a annual, Umbelliferae, Daucus carota	12"-15" Bangor, Berlicum, Autumn King, Vita Longa, Chantenay Redcore	See main Carrot entry
Cauliflower, autumn, Hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Brassica oleracea botrytis	18"-24" Dok Elgon, Canberra, Vetch Self Protecting, Flora Bianca	See main Cauliflower entry
Cauliflower, early, Hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Brassica oleracea botrytis	18"-24" All the Year Round, Snowball, Abuntia, Snow King, Barrier Reef, Dominant, Alpha, Predominant	See main Cauliflower entry
Cauliflower, miniature, Hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Brassica oleracea botrytis	10-"15" Garant, Idol, Lateman, Montano, Predominant	See main Cauliflower entry
Cauliflower, summer, Hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae. Brassica oleracea botrytis	18"-24" All the Year Round, Snowball, Abuntia, Snow King, Barrier Reef, Dominant, Alpha, Predominant	See main Cauliflower entry
Cauliflower, winter, Hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Brassica oleracea botrytis	18"-24" Snow's Winter White, Early March, English Winter, Walcheren Winter, Snowball, Late Enterprise, Thanet	See main Cauliflower entry
Celeriac, Hardy biennial t/a annual, Umbelliferae, Apium graveolens rapaceum	18"x12" Balder, Claudia, Iram, Marble Ball, Monarch, Alabaster, Globus, Snow White, Tellus	See main Celeriac entry
Celery, leaf (ParCel), Hardy biennial t/a annual, Umbelliferae, Apium graveolens	12"-18" Amsterdam, ParCel	See main Celery leaf entry
Celery, self-blanching, Hardy biennial t/a annual, Umbelliferae, Apium graveolens dolce	12"-18" Golden/White Plume, Celebrity, Golden Self-Blanching, Victoria, Latham Self-Blanching	See main Celery entry
Celtuce (Stem lettuce), Hardy annual, Compositae, Lactuca sativa angustana	2'	See main Celtuce entry
Bulbous chervil, Umbelliferae, Chaerophyllum bulbosum	12"	Sow November direct 12"x6". Harvest July (roots only: leaves are poisonous)	Virtually pest and disease free. Keep weed free. Lift when leaves start to discolour. May be stored in ground. Store roots until October/November to develop the chestnut-like flavour.
Chick pea (Garbanzo, Egyptian pea), Half hardy annual, Leguminosae, Cicer arietinum	15"-18"	Sow April at 70° F under glass. Plant out groups of 3 in June at 10"x20" (cloche). Harvest September. Hang whole plants to dry in warmth.	Dig in plenty of manure before planting and warm soil with cloches. Mulch between rows. Remove cloches during the day only in warm weather. Water well in dry weather. Top dress fortnightly. Wear gloves when shelling peas. Dry out in trays. Virtually pest and disease free.
Chicory, non-blanching (Radicchio), red and green cutting types, HP t/a annual, Compositae, Cichorium intybus	3'-4' Crystal Heart, Cesare, Sugarhat, Alouette, Medusa, Palla Rossa Bella/Verona	See main Chicory entry
Chicory, Sugar Loaf (Saladini Misuglio), Grumolo grown for CCA or seedling crop, HP t/a annual, Compositae, Cichorium intybus	3'-4' Jupiter, Scarpia, Poncho, Misuglio. CCA: Trieste, Milano	Sow patches April to July for seedling crop, June onwards for CCA, Barely cover, 15"x9" (late sowing transplant under cover) CCA seedlings can be cut at 2½-3", main crop July onwards	Late crops can be grown under cover, sowing July to August outdoors and transplanting in September. Virtually pest and disease free.
Chicory, Witloof (blanched), HP t/a annual, Compositae, Cichorium intybus	3'-4' Winter Witloof, Robin (red), Apollo, Videna, Zoom F1	See main Chicory entry	Dig up roots October to November when leaves are dying. Trim off roots, cut off all but ½" leaves. Store in dark in dry sand. Plant roots close but not touching in sand/soil (for support only) at 45-55° F, ½" crown showing, water, exclude light for 4 weeks, harvest chicons, discard roots. Virtually pest and disease free.
Chinese Spinach (Vegetable Amaranth), Hardy annual, Amaranthaceae, Amaranthus tricolor aka Amaranthus gangeticus	3-6', 2-3'	Sow end May ¼" deep, transplant 12"x12". Pick young leaves as required	Often grown as an ornamental, most showy in full sun. Grown for its edible leaves, which are used like spinach. Likes a sunny position on a rich soil but seems happy in most places, but dies off if subjected to frost. Keep well watered in dry weather if possible and hoe to control weeds.
Chop Suey greens (Shungiku), Hardy annual, Compositae, Chrysanthemum coronarium, C. carnatum	6" Maiko	Sow March and every 3 weeks until September. September under cover, ¼" deep, in 12" rows, do not thin, best crops in spring and autumn. Harvest April to November when 2-5" tall (6 weeks)	Tolerates light shade. Ideal catch crop. Likes fertile, moist soil. Provide some shade in summer to prevent bolting. Pick off flower buds. Plants will resprout if chopped off at ground level. Virtually pest and disease free. Does not store well.
Choy Sum (Flowering Pak Choi & Rape), Cruciferae, Brassica rapa purpurea, B.r. oleifera	12"-18", 12"-18" Purple flowered Pak choi, Bouquet hybrid flowering rape	See main Chinese cabbage entry
Collards (Flowering or Scotch Kale), HP, Cruciferae, Brassica oleracea var. acephala	18"-24", 18"	Sow June to August ½" deep. Transplant 6-24"x36". Cut whole young plants or pick young leaves	Work soil into a good tilth before planting and apply manure or compost. Requires full sun and ample moisture. Keep weed free. Stake if necessary.
Corn: Popcorn, Half hardy annual, Gramineae, Zea mays	up to 8' Peppy F1, Strawberry	Sow April in trolls at 70° or May to June in 62°F(17°C) soil (cloche), 1½" deep. Fleece to protect against birds. Plant out late May, 12"x12" . Corn should always follow beans , clover or alfalfa for preference. Harvest September (120-150 days) when becoming hard.	Likes an open, fertile site sheltered from strong winds. Dig 2-3" layer of manure or compost into site in Winter. Pinch out side shoots at 6". Fill trench in July after soaking. Water when tassels appear. Fondle flowers & silks to aid pollination. Cut off black galls and burn. Peel husks off harvested cobs and leave in a dry airy place, trial popping occasionally. Should pop in a minute or two in hot oil when ready. Store kernels in airtight jars.
Corn: Sweetcorn, Half hardy annual, Gramineae, Zea mays, Z. saccharata	up to 8' Standard: Pilot, Earlibelle, Sunrise. Golden Bantam, Gill's Early Market, Golden Beauty, Seneca 60, Canada Cross. Supersweet: Candle, Sweet Nugget, Conquest, Sweet 77	See main Corn entry
Corn salad, (lamb's lettuce, mâche), Hardy annual, Valerianaceae, Valerianella locusta, Valeriana olitoria	6"-9" Jade	See main Corn salad entry
Couve Tronchuda (Portuguese cabbage), Biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Brassica oleracea costata	6'+, 20"	Sow early April in seedbed ¾" deep, transplant in June or July to 30"x24". Harvest September and October	Will grow in any well-drained garden soil. The midribs of the leaves are the main harvest, though young leaves can also be used. ( "It is doubtful whether this .... is worthy of the space it occupies.")
Land cress (American cress) and Australian cress, Hardy biennial, Cruciferae, Barbarea praecox or B. verna and Lepidium var.	10"-30"	See main Land cress entry
Cucumber, greenhouse (climbing), Half hardy annual, Cucurbitaceae, Cucumis sativus	3'6", 6'6" Sporu, Telegraph	Sow chitted seeds in late February at 68° F (20°C) ½" deep on edge, plant 2/growbag in late May Provide climbing support. Can also be planted in frame, provide trellis. Harvest June to September (55-90 days) When dark green and firm	Most useful in winter and early spring, goes to seed quickly at other times. Grows well in light shade, particularly summer crops. Likes a moist soil containing plenty of organic matter. Cloche at the onset of hard weather. Australian cress is virtually pest and disease free.
Cucumber, outdoor , Half hardy annual, Cucurbitaceae, Cucumis sativus	3'6", 6'6" Burpee Hybrid, Kyoto, Burpless Tasty Green, Tokyo Slicer, Yamato, Chinese Long Green, Crystal Apple, Petite Pepina, Japanese Climbing	See main Cucumber entry
Dandelion, Perennial, Compositae, Taraxacum officinale	4"x9" Améliore Géant	See main Dandelion entry
Endive, curled (frisée), Half hardy annual, Compositae, Cichorium endivia	14"-18" Green Curled, Moss Curled, Ione, Pancaliere, President, Ruffec, Wallonne	See main Endive entry
Endive, broad leaf (Batavian/ escarole), Half hardy annual, Compositae, Cichorium endivia	14"-18" Batavian Green, Winter Lettuce Leaf, Golda, Casco d'oro, Cornet de Bordeaux	See main Endive entry
Evening Primrose, Onagaceae, Oenothera biennis	2"-5"	See main Evening Primrose entry
Fennel, Florence (Sweet fennel, Finocchio), Annual, Umbelliferae, Foeniculum vulgare azoricum	2' Perfection, Sirio, Sweet Florence, [Zefa] Fino, Cantino	See main Fennel entry
Fenugreek (Methi), Annual, Leguminosae, Trigonella foenum-graecum	2'		See main Fenugreek entry
Garlic, HP, Liliaceae (Alliaceae), Allium sativum	1'-3' Marshall's Long Keeper or greengrocer's pink or red	See main Garlic entry in vegetables section, or Garlic entry in herbs section!
Gherkin, Cucurbitaceae, Cucumis anguria	Up to 7'	See main Cucumber entry
Ginger (greenhouse only), , Zingiberaceae	2' Fresh plump root from greengrocer	Plant February to early March 3" deep. Harvest early December	See main Ginger entry
Gobo or (Japanese) Burdock , Hardy biennial, Compositae, Arctium lappa	3'-4'	See main Gobo entry
Good King Henry (Mercury, Lincolnshire asparagus), Perennial, Chenopodiaceae, Chenopodium bonus-henricus	18"-24"	See main Good King Henry entry
Gourd (not edible, but grown the same way), Half hardy annual, Cucurbitaceae, Lagenaria vulgaris, L. siceraria, Trichosanthes sp., Luffa sp.	Most are tall climbers Striped Pear, Bottle, Miniature Bottle, Bicolour, Long Green Snake, Serpent, Loofah	Sow March in greenhouse individually in 3" pots. Transplant end May five plants per hill. Harvest July onwards when very hard. Cut with several inches of stem, dry 4-6 weeks on racks.	Grow in a greenhouse, training up trellis if possible. Good fertile soil, but not too rich. Too much nitrogen will encourage foliage at the expense of fruit. Gourds can be grown inside moulds to control the shape. Wipe off any moisture during drying and never wash or disinfect. Scrape off any mould with a knife.
Hops, Perennial, Urticaceae, Humulus lupulus	Up to 20'	See main Common Hop entry
Horseradish, HP t/a annual, Cruciferae, Cochlearia armoracia	2'-4'	See main Horseradish entry
Iceplant, HHP, Aizoaceae, Mesembryanthemum crystallinum	8"	See main Ice Plant entry
Jicama, , Leguminosae, Pachyrhizus tuberosus	Climber	Sow indoors March to April, Harvest late May to Early June.	Seeds are poisonous. Grown for turnip-like roots, used as water-chestnut substitute. Preferably grown in a greenhouse, giving them plenty of sun. Remove flowers.
Kale (Borecole), Hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Brassica oleracea acephala varsabellica	1'-3' Pentland Brig, Frosty, Dwarf Green Curled, (For very early crops: Spurt, Fribor, Showbor)	See main Kale entry
Rape kale, Hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Brassica napus	1'-3' Favourite, Hungry Gap, Asparagus Kale, Ragged Jack,	See main Kale entry	MUST NOT BE TRANSPLANTED.
Kohl rabi, Biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Brassica oleracea acephala var. gongylodeslica	12" Summer: Green Vienna Winter: Purple Vienna, Delicacy Purple, White Vienna Baby: Logo	See main Kohl rabi entry
Komatsuna and Senposai (Mustard Spinach), , Cruciferae, Brassica rapa perviridis	12"-18" Komatsuna, Green Boy F1, Tendergreen, Hiroshimana, Shirona, Senposai no. 2	See main Komatsuna entry
Leeks, Hardy biennial, Liliaceae, Allium porrum	15"-30", 6"-15" Blue Green Autumn Verina/Cortina, Blue Green Winter Derrick, Musselburgh Improved, Minis: King Richard, Lavi, Lancelot	See main Leeks entry
Lentil (climbing), Annual, Leguminosae, Lens esculenta aka Lens culinaris	20"-24"	Sow early Spring in sandy soil 1" deep, 8-12"x18-30". Harvest When leaves turn yellow	Requires a sandy, well-drained but moisture retentive soil in a sheltered warm position. Hoe regularly to control weeds. Water in dry spells. Dry whole plants.
Lettuce, iceberg and cos types, Half hardy annual, Compositae, Lactuca sativa	10"-15" Iceberg: Saladin, Webbs Wonder, Tiger (red), Sioux (red); Cos: Valmaine Baby: Little Gem, Jewel, Bubbles, Ice cube Winter: Winter Density	See main Lettuce entry
Lettuce, cutting, Half hardy annual, Compositae, Lactuca sativa	8"-10" [Red] Salad Bowl, [Red] Lollo, Valeria, Lumina	See main Lettuce entry
Miner's lettuce (Winter Purslane, Claytonia), Hardy annual, Portulacaceae, Montia perfoliata	8"x8"	See main Miners' lettuce entry
Lettuce, winter, Half hardy annual, Compositae, Lactuca sativa	10" Catalagna, Rouge Grenobloise, American Fordhook mustard, loose-leaf	See main Lettuce entry
Chinese Mustard, Mibuna and Mizuna (Kyona), , Cruciferae, Brassica rapa nipposinica	12"-18", 12" Mibuna, Mizuna, Tokyo Beau F1, Tokyo Belle F1	Sow May to June (not Mibuna), late June to August, August to September under cover. 4"x4" for small plants, 8"x8" for medium plants, 12"x12" for large plants. Harvest July to August, August to January, January to May (Young: 35-60 Mature: 55-80)	Fairly hardy. Prefers fertile soil, but not too fussy. Tolerates light shade. Growing under fine nets recommended in summer. Keep well watered. Protect from heavy rain/snow. Remove buds. Cut whole heads of young plants, leaves and of older plants, leave to resprout.
Chinese Mustard, White celery mustard (Pak choi, Gai Choy, Green in Snow), Annual, Cruciferae, Brassica rapa chinensis, B. juncea	10"-18", 12" 1 Amsoi; 2 Red Giant, Osaka Purple, Miike Giant; 3 Gai Choy; 4 Green in Snow	Sow direct late June to August ¾" deep. Transplant: 1 15"x15", 2 12"x12" , 3 9"x9", 4 8 "x8". Harvest early September to mid October (9 weeks) Use before first frost.	Pak Choi is least hardy, Green in Snow very hardy. Requires a rich moist soil and will grow in partial shade. Thinnings of 3" and over may be eaten. If leaves chopped off at ground level, resprouting occurs. Can transplant under cover in Autumn, or cloche, or just leave it outdoors to grow in the cold.
Oca, , Oxalidaceae, Oxalis tuberosa	15"	Plant invidial tubers in April in largish pots in heat. Plant out 20"x20" in May (cloche) or transplant to 25cm or larger pots to grow under cover. Dig tubers late in the season - they have a lemony flavour.	As stems lengthen, earth up like potatoes. Virtually pest and disease free.
Okra (Bhindi, Gumbo, lady's finger), Greenhouse annual, Malvaceae, Abelmoschus esculentus	15" Long Green	Sow February at 65-70°F in 3" peat pots, plant out mid May in greenhouse, early June outside 21"x21" (cloche), Harvest from June on indoors, September on outdoors	Cover outdoor crops with polythene tunnels. Pinch out at 9-12". Soil must be well composted. Cut regularly to ensure a succession.
Everlasting onion, HP, Liliaceae (Alliaceae), Allium perutile	About 1'x1'	Plant individual bulblets March to April. Final spacing: 24"x15"	A single bulb will form a clump within a year
Japanese bunching onion, HP, Liliaceae (Alliaceae), Allium fistulosum	20"	Sow April to May in 15" rows, do not thin. Harvest late August on	Lift and divide clumps every three years
Potato onion (Underground onion), Perennial, Liliaceae (Alliaceae), Allium cepa aggregatum	4'	Plant individual bulblets February to March 1" below surface of soil, 12"x9". Harvest August to September Dry in sun before storing	Mulch with well rotted manure so that roots can obtain plenty of moisture. Scrape away a little soil to reveal roots a few weeks before lifting. Bulbs left to mature will produce several offsets.
Onion, pickling, Liliaceae (Alliaceae), Allium cepa	12"-18" Paris Silverskin, Barletta, Brunswick, North Holland, Flat Yellow Plastro, Purplette, The Queen	See main Onion entry	If white onions preferred, sow 3-5cm (1½-2") deep. Don't leave in soil too long, or may resprout. If not pickled immediately, can store until required for pickling.
Onion, seed (Japanese), , Liliaceae (Alliaceae), Allium cepa	12"-30" Imai Yellow, Senshyu Semi-Globe Yellow, Buffalo, Keepwell, Express Yellow, Kaizuka Extra Early, Yellow Globe	See main Onion entry	Do not store.
Onion, seed (maincrop), , Liliaceae (Alliaceae), Allium cepa	12"-30" Caribo, Sturon, Hygro, Rijnsburger Robusta, Mammoth Red, Southport Red, Ailsa Craig, Bedfordshire Champion, Wijbo	See main Onion entry
Onion, sets, Liliaceae (Alliaceae), Allium cepa	12"-30" Stuttgarter Giant, Rijnsburger, Giant Fen Globe, Sturon	See main Onion entry
Onion, spring, , Liliaceae (Alliaceae), Allium cepa	12"-18" White Lisbon, Ishikura, Evergreen Long White, Winter Hardy	See main Spring onion entry
Tree onion (Egyptian onion), Perennial, Liliaceae (Alliaceae), Allium cepa proliferum, A. cebe	3'-4'	plant sets Summer or early Autumn 1" deep, 15"x9" and firm well. Top sets produce large bulbs only in 1st year. Harvest from the following summer	Immune to onion fly. Produces strongly flavoured bulbs in flowerhead clusters. It is important to support young plants and remove top sets when big enough, before they grow out.
Welsh onion (Scallion, Japanese leek), HP, Liliaceae (Alliaceae), Allium fistulosum	20"	See main Welsh onion entry
Orach (Red mountain spinach), Hardy annual, Chenopodiaceae, Atriplex hortensis	5'	Sow March to July direct every 4 weeks 1" deep, 24"x15". Pick young leaves as required.	Grown for its edible leaves which are used like spinach. Requires rich, moist soil. Pinch out flower spike to prevent bolting. Water well in dry weather. Virtually pest and disease free.
Pak choi, Half hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Brassica rapa chinensis	3"-18" Chingensai, Mei Qing Choi, Joi Choi F1, Tai-Sai	See main Pak choi entry
Pak choi, rosette, Hardy, Cruciferae, Brassica rapa rosularis	3"-18" Tatsoi	See main Pak choi entry
Hamburg parsley, Hardy biennial, Umbelliferae, Petroselinum crispum tuberosum	12"-24"	Sow April 1" deep, 9"x15". Slow to germinate, mark rows with radish to assist in weeding. Harvest very young leaves as required in salad, roots November on	Tolerates light shade. Likes moist position. Soil preferably manured previous autumn. Mulch with straw in winter and store in the ground. Pick leaves as parsley substitute all winter. Virtually pest and disease free.
Parsnip, Hardy biennial, Umbelliferae, Pastinaca sativa	12"-15" White Gem, Tender and True, Gladiator, Avonresister, The Student, Offenham Baby: Lancer	See main Parsnip entry
Patience dock, Perennial, Polygonaceae, Rumex patientia	5'	April, ¼" deep, 4"x4", transplant to 24"x24"	Likes rich moist soil in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade.
Asparagus Pea (Winged pea), Hardy annual, Leguminosae, Lotus tetragonolobus purpureus	18"x18" (bush)	Sow April to May in situ/April in trays 1" deep, 12"x15" (transplant at 3"). Harvest 1-2" pods August to October	Pea sticks appreciated. Up to 10 weeks harvest. Virtually pest and disease free.
Pea, autumn, Annual, Leguminosae, Pisum sativum	18"-24" 18": Kelvedon Wonder, Hurst Beagle	See main Pea entry
Carlin pea, , Leguminosae, Pisum sativum	6'	2"x48"	Can't get either the seeds or any other info.
Pea, first early, Annual, Leguminosae, Pisum sativum	15"-6' 18": Kelvedon Wonder (mildew resistant), Hurst Beagle, 24": Early Onward, 30": Titania, 4': Gradus	See main Pea entry
Pea, maincrop, Annual, Leguminosae, Pisum sativum	15"-6' 2': Recette, 28": Twiggy, 3': Lord Chancellor, 5': Alderman	See main Pea entry
Pea, mange tout, Annual, Leguminosae, Pisum sativum macrocarpum	4' 6"-6' 2': Sugar Bon, 3': Oregon Sugar Pod, 5': Sugar Snap, Carrouby de Maussane	See main Pea entry
Pea, petit pois, Annual, Leguminosae, Pisum sativum	3'6" 2': Cobri, Waverex, 3': Gullivert, ?:Minnow	See main Pea entry
Pea, second early, Annual, Leguminosae, Pisum sativum	2' 6"-4' 30": Hurst Greenshaft, Onward, 4': Miracle, ?:Daybreak	See main Pea entry
Pepper, hot, Perennial t/a annual, Solanaceae, Capsicum annuum acuminatum	15" Chilli Serrano, Long Red Cayenne, Apache F1, Hungarian Wax, Jalapeno	See main Pepper entry
Pepper, scotch bonnet (greenhouse), Perennial t/a annual, Solanaceae, Capsicum annuum acuminatum	15" Seed dried from shop-bought peppers	See main Pepper entry
Pepper, sweet, Perennial t/a annual, Solanaceae, Capsicum annuum grossum	15" Early Prolific, Gypsy, Queen Star, Redskin, Ace, Bell Boy (GH), Worldbeater	See main Pepper entry
Pokeweed, HP, Phytolaccaceae, Phytolacca americana	4'	Sow under glass in Spring. Transplant to 30"x30" as soon as they are of a reasonable size. Harvest young shoots in Spring, leaves as required	Virtually pest and disease free.
Potato, early, Half hardy annual, Solanaceae, Solanum tuberosum	15"-24" Vanessa, White Cobbler, Concorde, Maris Bard, Epicure	See main Potatoes entry
Potato, in tubs, Half hardy annual, Solanaceae, Solanum tuberosum	15"-24" Dunluce, Foremost	Plant chitted potatoes when sprouts 1" long. Put 4 tubers onto 4" soil & manure in barrel/bin/bag, cover with 4" soil. Firm down and water. Harvest June onwards (90-120 days) when flowers are fully open	Chit as normal. Add 4" layer of soil when stems 6" high and repeat until plants 2" from top of container. Add final layer, keep well watered. Feed weekly with SM3. Start harvesting when flowers begin to fall. Keep well watered.
Potato, maincrop, Half hardy annual, Solanaceae, Solanum tuberosum	15"-24" Desiree, King Edward, Majestic, Maris Piper, Picasso, Maris Bard, Cara	See main Potatoes entry
Potato, salad, Half hardy annual, Solanaceae, Solanum tuberosum	15"-24" Belle de Juillet, Blue Eigenheimer, Jaune de Holland, Red Star, Pink Fir Apple	See main Potatoes entry
Sweet Potato (greenhouse), Half hardy annual, Convolvulaceae, Ipomoea batatas	Vine	Plant June 4-5" deep in a 10" ridge, 9"x15". Harvest Autumn (18-20 weeks) when leaves yellow, or as soon as frost threatens.	Manure growing site before planting. Bury purchased tubers in moist sand until shoots form, then remove shoots and plant out. Keep well weeded. Earth up as tubers form. Lift runners to prevent new plant formation, which reduces the crop. Dry in sun, cure at 85-90° for 10-15 days. Store at about 50°, humidity 75-80%. Do not handle or move until time to use.
Purslane, Summer (Pigweed, Little Hogweed), , Portulacaceae, Portulaca oleracea	15" Green (hardier), Yellow (v. succulent)	See main Summer Purslane entry
Radish, oriental (Mooli), Hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Raphanus sativus	6"-36" Misato Green Flesh, Minowase Summer Cross, April Cross, Mantanhung (beauty heart), China Rose	See main Radish entry	Use nets to protect against flying insect pests. Will stand for several weeks without deteriorating.
Radish, podding, Hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Raphanus sativus	3' Munchen Bier	Sow March to August thinly ½" deep, rows 12" apart, thin to 12". Harvest pods June to November	Pick green pods before seeds start to swell.
Radish, summer, Hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Raphanus sativus	6" Cherry Belle, Inca, Red Prince, Crystal Ball, Long White Icicle, Pink Beauty	See main Radish entry
Radish, winter, Hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Raphanus sativus	9" Cherokee, Black Spanish Round, Violet de Gournay, China Rose	See main Radish entry	Grow following another crop or apply 1oz/sq yd FBB 1 week before sowing. Roots can grow up to 20" long! Store in dry sand. If they run to seed, pods can be used as podding radish.
Rampion, Hardy biennial t/a annual, Campanulaceae, Campanula rapunculus	3'	Sow May to June shallowly, 4"x9". Harvest leaves any time, roots October onwards	Often found on shady banks. Prefers light, deep soil with a high moisture content. Keep well weeded. Difficult to eradicate once established. Virtually pest and disease free. Can be stored in the ground.
Rocket (Salad rocket, Italian cress, Roka), Annual, Cruciferae, Eruca vesicaria sativa	3'	See main Rocket entry in vegetables section or Salad rocket entry in herbs section!
Saladini, Oriental, , Cruciferae, Brassica spp.	6"-12"	Sow February to March under cover, April to May, August to September, October to November under cover. Barely cover seed. Sow thinly, aiming for seedlings about ½" apart (CCA). or thin to 9"x9" for large plants. CCA: 3-4 weeks at 2-3", after 2 cuts, thin and cut at 6" for stirfry	Mixture includes Pak choi, Chinese leaves, Chinese mustard, mibuna, mizuna and komatsuna. If growing for large plants, treat as separate entries.
Salsify (Vegetable oyster) and Scorzonera (Viper's grass), Hardy biennial and HP t/a annual, Compositae, Tragopogon porrifolius and Scorzonera hispanica	3'-4' Salsify: Mammoth, Sandwich Island Scorzonera: Habil	See main Salsify entry
Scolymus (Spanish oyster) , , Compositae, Scolymus hispanica	3'	See main Salsify entry
Seakale or scurvy grass, HP, Cruciferae, Crambe maritima	30"	See main Sea kale entry
Shallot, HP t/a annual, Liliaceae (Alliaceae), Allium esculentum	12" Sante, Topper, Pikant, Delicato, Dutch Red, Long Keeping Red, Long-Keeping Yellow, Hative de Niort	See main Shallots entry
Skirret (Crummocks), Perennial t/a annual, Umbelliferae, Sium sisarum	3'x15"	Sow end March-April and September for spring use, 9"x18". In second year, replant divided crowns 3" deep. Harvest early October onwards. Does not store well.	Requires fertile well drained soil that has been manured for a previous crop. Keep well watered and feed occasionally.
French or Buckler's Sorrel, Perennial, Polygonaceae, Rumex scutata	4"-12"	See main French sorrel entry
Spinach beet/Perpetual spinach, , Chenopodiaceae, Beta vulgaris	6"-12"	See main Leaf beet entry
Spinach, New Zealand (Warrigal cabbage), , Aizoaceae, Tetragonia expansa aka Tetragonia tetragonioides	24"-36"	See main New Zealand spinach entry
Strawberry spinach,Annual , Chenopodiaceae, Chenopodium capitatum	6"-18" Strawberry sticks	Sow March to April in gentle warmth. Prick out into 5" pots. Plant out late May, 8" apart. Harvest leaves June to November, fruits July onwards.	Pinch out growing tip to encourage branching.
Spinach, summer, , Chenopodiaceae, Spinacea oleracea	12"-15" Monnopa (low oxalic), Jovita, Medania, Norvak, Symphony, Long standing round Baby: Teton	See main Spinach entry
Spinach, winter, , Chenopodiaceae, Spinacea oleracea	12"-15" Sigmaleaf, Green Market, Long Standing Prickly	See main Spinach entry
Sprouting seeds, jam jar, , Leguminosae, Phaseolus angularis, Medicago sativa	Adzuki Bean, Alfalfa, Triticale	Wash and soak 1 cup in 4 cups tepid water overnight. Drain, rinse and put in a jam jar covered in muslin. Lay jar on side in a tray in the dark. Keep warm. Harvest by size of sprout: adzuki beans: 1", alfalfa: 1-2" (5-7 days), triticale: 2-3".	Adzuki beans need a temperature of 70° F. Rinse adzuki beans 4 times a day, alfalfa twice a day, triticale 2-3 times a day. Adzuki beans take 3-4 days, alfalfa 3-6 days, triticale 2-3 days.
Sprouting seeds, tray, , Leguminosae, Trigonella foenum-graecum	Fenugreek, Triticale	Sprinkle on damp flannel or kitchen towel. Cover with flannel or kitchen towel, keep warm and moist. Harvest by size of sprout: fenugreek: 3", triticale: 2-3".	Keep warm and moist. When sprouts are 1½" long, place tray on windowsill to green up. Fenugreek takes 4-7 days, triticale 2-3 days.
Sprouting seeds, Mung beans (Chinese bean sprouts), , Leguminosae, Phaseolus aureus		Soak overnight enough for ½" deep layer. Drain, rinse, put in well perforated plastic carton, cover with damp cloth. Harvest when sprouts are 2-3" (3-6 days).	Put 2 lb weight onto 5" carton & pro rata. Keep dark (or use tin foil to exclude light) and warm. Rinse twice daily. Virtually pest and disease free.
Sprouting seeds, Mustard and cress, rape, , Cruciferae, Sinapis alba, Lepidium sativum, Brassica napus	White, Tilney; Curled, Armado, Greek, Super Salad; Broad Leaved Essex	Sprinkle on damp flannel or kitchen towel. Keep moist. Harvest Cress 10-14 days, mustard, rape 7-11 days. If growing mustard & cress together, sow cress 3 days before mustard. Rape is the sprout most often found sold as "mustard & cress".	Sow seeds thickly and evenly & press down lightly. Cover to exclude light and keep warm. Remove cover when seedlings are 1½" high, place in light.
Sprouting seeds, outdoors, , Cruciferae, Sinapis alba, Lepidium sativum, Brassica napus, Medicago sativa	Mustard, Cress, Rape, Alfalfa	Broadcast in small patches or intersow March to September. Barely cover, keep moist Cress should be sown 3 days earlier than mustard or rape. Cress 10-14 days, mustard, rape 7-11 days.	Four to five cuts may be made in succession in cool weather and moist soil. Rape can be left to grow 8-10" high for use as greens.
Squash, summer (Courgette, Zucchini), Half-hardy annual, Cucurbitaceae, Cucurbita pepo	18" All Green Bush, Taxi F1 (yellow), Little Gem, Table Dainty	See main Squash entry
Squash, summer (other), Half hardy annual, Cucurbitaceae, Cucurbita pepo	18" Zapallito de tronco, Caserta, Spaghetti, Golden crookneck, Prolific straightneck, Sweet dumpling, Custard pie	See main Squash entry
Squash, winter (Marrow), Half hardy annual, Cucurbitaceae, Cucurbita pepo ovifera	18" Prokor, Smallpak, Ambassador F1, Early Gem F1, Long Green Trailing, Golden Delicious	See main Squash entry
Squash, winter (Pumpkin), Half hardy annual, Cucurbitaceae, Cucurbita maxima, C. pepo and C. moschata	18" Hubbard, Banana, Butternut, Baby Blue, Buttercup, Hundredweight, Mammoth	See main Squash entry
Sunflower, Annual, Compositae, Helianthus annuus	4'-12' Russian Giant	See main Sunflower entry
Swede (Rutabaga), Hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Brassica rutabaga, V. napus napobrassica	12"-24" Marian, Sutton's Western Perfection, Purple Top, Acme, Lizzy	See main Swede entry
Swiss Chard (Ruby Chard, Seakale Beet, Silver beet), Biennial t/a annual, Chenopodiaceae, Beta vulgaris var. Cicla	2' Green: Lucullus, Fordhook Giant. Red: Ruby, Feurio (bolt-resistant)	See main Leaf beet entry
Texsel greens (Abyssinian or Ethiopian mustard or cabbage), , Cruciferae, Brassica carinata	3'-5'	See main Texsel greens entry
Tomato, bush, Half hardy annual, Solanaceae, Lycopersicon lycopersicum	18" Red Alert, Sleaford Abundance F1; Dwarf: Pixie F1, Tiny Tim; Phyra, Tumbler F1	See main Tomatoes entry
Tomato, cordon, Half hardy annual, Solanaceae, Lycopersicon lycopersicum	10' Ailsa Craig, Shirley F1, Tigerella, Big Boy F1, [Super]Marmande, Harbinger; Cherry types: Cherry Belle F1, Sungold F1, Gardener's Delight, Supersweet 100; Britain's Breakfast	See main Tomatoes entry	The following varieties are greenback resistant: Moneymaker, Shirley, Tigerella, Piranto, Ailsa Craig, Alicante.
New Zealand Tree Tomato (greenhouse only), Tender perennial, Cyphomandra betacea	20'-25' New Zealand	Sow Spring in greenhouse in individual large pots. Harvest from third year.	Pinch out growing tip at 4'. Keep frost free in winter. Prefers conditions similar to those for citrus fruit. Virtually pest and disease free.
Turnip, Half hardy biennial t/a annual, Cruciferae, Brassica rapa	12" Summer: Jersey Navet, Snowball, Oasis (melon flavoured) Baby: Tokyo Cross Winter: Golden Ball, Manchester Market	See main Turnip entry
Water chestnut (needs heat)	3'	Plant in a large tub at 4" depth early Spring in heat, then cover with 8" depth of water. Harvest Autumn.	Harvest after the plant dies down in Autumn, draining the tub first.

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