Growing Vegetables

General Tips

Originally on http://www.recipes4us.co.uk

Seed Sowing, Care, Harvesting

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Below are general guidelines for growing Vegetables. It's probably easier than you thought and there's nothing nicer than harvesting and cooking your own home grown produce.

Many vegetables can also be grown in pots outdoors. A lot has been said about not being able to grow certain vegetables, e.g. carrots, in pots, but much of this talk is just not true. Ok, you won't get 12-inch long carrots in a 6-inch pot, but you can still grow many fresh veggies in pots, especially if you choose varieties which have been adapted for growing in confined spaces.

Most vegetables prefer a sunny position although light shade for part of the day is acceptable.

Aubergine

Plant Height	Up to 75cm/ 30"
Time between sowing and harvesting	About 20 weeks
Sowing time	Late Feb - April - temperature +18C/64F
Where to Sow	Indoors in small pots 7.5cm/3" diameter filled with compost.
How to Sow	2 seeds per pot - 6mm/1/4-inch deep. Germination takes up to 21 days
After Germination	Remove the weakest seedling
Growing on - in pots	Harden off plants and finally move outdoors once all danger of frost has passed. Once the plants are established with a good root system, pot up individual plants into 20cm/8" containers (min) or 2 per growbag, in a hot sheltered sunny position. Pinch out growing tips when plants reach 30cm/12-inches. Stake plants.
Growing on - in ground	As above but plant in beds or borders 45cm/ 18" apart.
Aftercare	Water regularly, but do not keep the compost very wet. Fine spraying of plants with water helps encourage fruit to set. Limit to 5 or 6 fruits per plant. Once the fruit start to swell, feed with tomato food each time you water.
Harvesting	Cut fruit as needed once they have reach a good size and colour (between 10-17cm/4-7" depending on the variety) but before the shine disappears from the skin. Crops over about 8 weeks.

Plant Height	Up to 120cm/4ft
Time between sowing and harvesting	About 14 weeks
Sowing time	March to May - temperature +9C/48F.
Where to Sow	Outdoors in open ground
How to Sow	5cm/2" deep - 20cm/8" between seeds - in rows 60cm/24" apart
After Germination	Keep weed free
Growing on - in pots	Not recommended
Growing on - in ground	Water in dry weather
Aftercare	Tall growing varieties will need support. Place stakes at the end of the rows and string between the posts at 30cm/12" intervals up the stakes. Pinch off the top 7.5cm/3" of each plant once the first beans start to form.
Harvesting	Cut young pods at 7.5cm-10cm/2-3" for cooking whole. Harvest pods for shelling when the beans start to show through the pods. Crops over a period of about 10 weeks.

Plant Height	Up to 45cm/18"
Time between sowing and harvesting	About 10-12 weeks
Sowing time	Indoors April to May - temperature +16C/61F. Outdoors Late May - Early July - temperature +17C/63F
Where to Sow	Indoors in pots of compost Outdoors in containers or open ground
How to Sow	5cm/2" deep Indoors - 1 per 7.5cm/3" pot Outdoors in containers - 10cm/4" between seeds in groups/blocks Outdoors in open ground - 10cm/4" between seeds - staggered in rows 45cm/18" apart or in groups/blocks
After Germination	Protect from slugs. Keep well watered.
Growing on - in Containers	Harden off indoor sown plants then transplant to larger pots or growbags spacing the plants 10cm/4" apart in groups/blocks
Growing on - in ground	As above or in rows spacing the plants 7.5cm/4" apart and rows 45cm/18" apart
Aftercare	Support plants with short sticks or twigs if necessary. Keep very well watered and feed with liquid fertiliser once the flowers have faded and the pods begin to form.
Harvesting	Begin cutting pods at 10cm/4".Crops over a period of about 12 weeks.

Plant Height	+ 5ft
Time between sowing and harvesting	About 12-14 weeks
Sowing time	Indoors April to May - temperature +16C/61F. Outdoors Late May - mid June - temperature +17C/63F
Where to Sow	Indoors in 7.5cm/3" pots of compost Outdoors in containers or open ground
How to Sow	Indoors: one per pot - 5cm/2" deep Outdoors: 5cm/2" deep - 22cm/9" apart - in rows 45cm/18" apart
After Germination	Protect from slugs
Growing on - in pots	Harden off indoor sown plants then transfer to large pots (min 30cm/12" diameter) spacing the plants at least 17.5cm/7" apart around the edge of the pot. Support each plant with a tall sturdy cane (6ft) and tie the tops of the canes together to form a wigwam effect.
Growing on - in ground	As above but space the plants 22cm/9" apart in rows 45cm/18" apart , tying the tops of the canes together.
Aftercare	Pinch off the tops of each plant once they reach the tops of the canes. Liquid feed from time to time through the cropping season..
Harvesting	Cut pods regularly at approx 15-20cm/6-8", before the beans start to swell. Crops over a period of about 8 weeks Do not allow seeds to ripen as this stops pod production.

Plant Height	Up to 30cm/12"
Time between sowing and harvesting	About 10-12 weeks
Where to Sow	Outdoors in open ground or in containers at least 22cm/9" wide
Sowing time	Outdoors late March to July - temperature +10C/50F.
How to Sow	2 seeds 2.5cm/1" deep - 10cm/4" between seeds - in rows 30cm/12" apart or in groups/blocks
After Germination	When the seedlings are 2.5cm/1" thin to 1 seedling per station. Throw away the thinnings as these do not transplant well.
Growing on - in pots	Keep well watered and avoid dry spells to prevent the beets becoming woody or splitting
Growing on - in ground	As above
Aftercare	As above
Harvesting	Start pulling the beetroots once they have reached the size of a golf ball, pulling alternate plants to give space for the remaining roots to reach maturity (about the size of a cricket ball).

Plant Height	Up to 60cm/2ft
Time between sowing and harvesting	About 12 weeks
Where to Sow	Outdoors in a seed bed
Sowing time	Late April to May - temperature +12C/54F.
How to Sow	12mm/1/2" deep - very thinly - in rows 15cm/6" apart or in groups/ blocks
After Germination	Start thinning plants as soon as they can be easily handled to prevent them becoming weak and spindly. Finally thin to 7.5cm/3" apart.
Growing on - in pots	Once the plants are 7.3cm/3" tall, pot up individual plants into 20cm/8" containers (min) about 2.5cm/1" deeper than they were growing in the seed bed.
Growing on - in ground	Once the plants are 7.3cm/3" tall, transplant to final growing positions planting them firmly about 2.5cm/1" deeper than they were growing in the seed bed and spacing the plants 30cm/12" apart in rows or in blocks.
Aftercare	Water in dry weather and feed occasionally with liquid fertiliser. Pull surround earth up around the base of each plant during the growing season. May need staking in the autumn.
Harvesting	Cut the central spears once they are well formed but before the flower buds start to open. Side shoots will appear and these should be harvested regularly without completely striping the plant. Do not allow any of the flowers to open to ensure continuous cropping over a period of about 8 weeks.

Plant Height	Up to 90cm/3ft
Time between sowing and harvesting	About 28-36 weeks
Where to Sow	Outdoors in a seed bed
Sowing time	Late March-April - temperature +10C/50F.
How to Sow	12mm/1/2" deep - very thinly - in rows 15cm/6" apart or in groups/ blocks
After Germination	Start thinning plants as soon as they can be easily handled to prevent them becoming weak and spindly. Finally thin to 7.5cm/3" apart.
Growing on - in pots	Not recommended
Growing on - in ground	Once the plants are 7.3cm/3" tall, transplant to final growing positions planting them firmly with the lowest leaves just above soil level. and spacing the plants 60cm/2ft apart in rows or groups/ blocks.
Aftercare	Water in dry weather and foliar feed in early summer. Pull surround earth up around the base of each plant during the growing season and stake plants.
Harvesting	Cropping starts in about September and can continue over a period of up to 20 weeks. Begin picking sprouts from the base of the stem when they are the size of a small walnut. Remove any open "blown" sprouts and discard. Only pick a few sprouts from each plant at any one time, working upwards. Once all the sprouts have been harvested, cut off the green leafy tops and cook like cabbage.

Plant Height	Up to 60cm/ 2ft
Time between sowing and harvesting	About 18 weeks
Sowing time	March - April - temperature 16-21C/60-70F
Where to Sow	Indoors in small pots 7.5cm/3" diameter filled with compost.
How to Sow	2 seeds per pot - 6mm/1/4-inch deep. Germination takes up to 21 days
After Germination	Remove the weakest seedling
Growing on - in pots	Harden off plants which have been raised indoors and finally move outdoors once all danger of frost has passed. As the plants get bigger, pot up into larger pots in stages ending with one plant per 20cm/8" container or 3 per growbag. Place in a hot sheltered sunny position.
Growing on - in ground	As above but plant in beds or borders 45cm/ 18" apart.
Aftercare	Water regularly, but do not keep the compost very wet. Limit to 6-10 fruits per plant. Feed with tomato food once the fruit start to swell each time you water.
Harvesting	Start picking fruit when they are green once they have reached the size of a tennis ball and the skin is smooth and glossy (probably at the beginning of August). This will ensure continuing new fruit production. A mature pepper will turn red (or whatever colour) at the end of the season but remember leaving peppers to fully ripen will halt new fruit production. Crops over about 8 weeks.

Plant Height	Up to 20cm/8"
Time between sowing and harvesting	About 12 weeks
Where to Sow	Outdoors in open ground or in containers at least 20cm/8" deep
Sowing time	Late March to July - temperature +10C/50F.
How to Sow	12mm/1/2-inch deep - very thinly - in rows 30cm/12" apart or in groups/blocks
After Germination	When the seedlings are 2.5cm/1" tall, thin to 5-7.5cm/2-3" apart. Throw away the thinnings as these do not transplant well. Do not leave thinnings on the soil surface as they attract carrot root fly.
Growing on - in pots	Keep well watered and avoid dry spells to prevent the carrots splitting.
Growing on - in ground	As above
Aftercare	As above
Harvesting	Start pulling baby carrots from June onwards. Crops over 16-20 weeks.

Plant Height	Up to 45cm/18""
Time between sowing & harvesting	18-24 weeks
Where to Sow	Outdoors in a seed bed
Sowing time	Late March to early May - temperature +10C/50F
How to Sow	12mm/1/2" deep - very thinly - in rows 15cm/6" apart or in groups/ blocks
After Germination	Start thinning plants as soon as they can be easily handled to prevent them becoming weak and spindly. Finally thin to 7.5cm/3" apart.
Growing on - in pots	Not recommended
Growing on - in ground	Once the plants have5-6 leaves, transplant to final growing positions planting them at the same level as they were in the seed bed and spacing the plants 60cm/2ft apart in rows or in groups/ blocks.
Aftercare	Keep well watered, especially in the early stages and feed regularly with liquid fertiliser once the heads start to mature. Bend the leaves over the developing curds (heads) to protect from the sun.
Harvesting	Begin cutting the heads whilst they are still quick small to prevent having a glut of fully matured heads. Crops over a period of about 12 weeks.

Plant Height	Trailer - Bush varieties up to 60cm/2ft
Time between sowing and harvesting	10-14 weeks
Sowing time	Indoors- late April - temperature +19C/66F Outdoors - Late May - Early June - temperature +19C/66F
Where to Sow	Indoors in pots of compost Outdoors in containers or open ground
How to Sow	Requires very rich, well drained soil/compost Indoors - 12mm/1/2" deep on its side - seed 1 per 7.5cm/3" pot Outdoors in containers - 2.5cm/1" deep on its side in large containers (at least 30cm/12inches wide) or 2 per growbag Outdoors in open ground - 5cm/1" deep on its side at least 45cm/18 inches apart on all sides.
After Germination	Keep well watered. Protect from slugs.
Growing on - in Containers	Harden off indoor sown plants then transplant to large containers or growbags, spacing as above.
Growing on - in ground	As above
Aftercare	Pinch out growing tips of trailing varieties when they reach 60cm/2ft long. Keep very well watered but only water around the plants and feed with liquid fertiliser once the fruits begin to form.
Harvesting	Continual cropping is necessary to prolong the harvesting period. Start cutting courgettes at about 10cm/4" and Marrows at about 20cm/8". Cropping only continues until 1st frosts (about 8-12 weeks).

Plant Height	Trailer
Time between sowing and harvesting	12-14 weeks
Sowing time	Indoors- late April - temperature + Outdoors - Late May - Early June - temperature +19C/66F
Where to Sow	Indoors in pots of compost Outdoors in containers or open ground
How to Sow	Requires very rich, well drained soil/compost Indoors - 12mm/1/2" deep on its side -1 per 7.5cm/3" pot Outdoors in containers - 2.5cm/1" deep on its side in large containers (at least 30cm/12inches wide) or 2 per growbag Outdoors in open ground - 5cm/1" deep on its side at least 45cm/18 inches apart on all sides.
After Germination	Keep well watered.
Growing on - in Containers	Harden off indoor sown plants then transplant to large containers or growbags, spacing as above.
Growing on - in ground	As above
Aftercare	Pinch out growing tips after 6 or 7 leaves have developed. This will produce side shoots. These can be left to trail on the ground or trained up netting. Keep very well watered but only water around the plants and feed with liquid fertiliser once the flowers have faded and the fruits begin to form.
Harvesting	Cut fruit at 15-20cm/6-8". Cropping only continues until 1st frosts (about 6 weeks).

Plant Height	Up to 30cm/12" depending on variety
Time between sowing and harvesting	6-14 weeks Depending on Variety
Where to Sow	Outdoors in open ground or in containers
Sowing time	Late March to July - temperature +10C/50F.
How to Sow	12mm/1/2-inch deep - very thinly - in rows 30cm/12" apart or in groups/blocks or in containers. Successive sowing is recommended to prevent a glut. Sow a few seeds every 2 weeks.
After Germination	Start thinning seedlings when the 1st true pair of leaves appear. Protect from slugs. Keep the soil moist but not very wet.
Growing on - in pots	Gradually thin to final spacing depending on variety grown (between 7.5cm/3 inches for salad leaf varieties up to 30cm/12" apart for whole cabbage/cos varieties)
Growing on - in ground	As above
Aftercare	Keep the soil moist with regular watering, preferably before mid afternoon. Continue to protect from slugs
Harvesting	Cut whole heads once the hearts have firmed up. With loose leaf and baby leaf varieties, cut a few leaves from the outsides of each plant at any once time. These crop over 16-20 weeks.

Plant Height	Up to 60cm/2ft depending on variety
Time between sowing and harvesting	Spring/salad Onions - 12 weeks Others - +22 weeks Depending on Variety
Where to Sow	All - Outdoors in open ground or in containers
Sowing time	Spring/Salad - March to July - temperature +10C/50F Others - March- April - temperature +10C/50F Can also be grown from sets
How to Sow	Spring/Salad Onions Others - 12mm/1/2-inch deep - very thinly - in rows 30cm/12" apart or in groups/blocks. Sets - plant 10-15cm/4-6" apart in rows 30cm/12" apart or in groups/blocks.
After Germination	All - Thin seedlings to 2.5cm/1". Keep the soil moist but not very wet and weed free.
Growing on - in pots	All - Water in dry weather and feed once or twice during the growing season.
Growing on - in ground	Spring/Salad Onions - Water in dry weather and feed once or twice during the growing season. Keep weed free Others - thin to 10cm/4" apart. Keep weed free. Water in dry weather and feed once or twice during the growing season.
Aftercare	Spring/Salad Onions - as above Others - Break off any flower stems which may appear. Stop watering once the bulbs have swollen and pull back any covering earth to expose the bulb surface.
Harvesting	Spring/Salad Onions - Pull as and when needed Others - Once the foliage has turned yellow and toppled over, leave the bulbs for a further two weeks then carefully lift with a fork. Onions which are not going to be used immediately should be spread out and left to dry (outside if the weather is clement or inside if rainy). Discard any soft or damaged bulbs.

Plant Height	Up to 90cm/3ft+ depending on variety
Time between sowing and harvesting	Peas - 12-16 weeks Mangetout - 16-20 weeks
Sowing time	Peas - Late March - May temperature +10C/50F Mangetout - April - May +12C/54F
Where to Sow	Outdoors in large containers or open ground
How to Sow	5cm/2" deep In containers - 7.5cm/3" between seeds in groups/blocks In open ground - 7.5cm/3" between seeds - staggered in rows at least 45cm/18" apart depending on how tall the variety grows or in groups/ blocks
After Germination	Protect from birds and slugs. Keep well watered and weed free.
Growing on - in Containers	Start to support with twigs when the plants get to 7.5cm/3" high. Continue to keep watered.
Growing on - in ground	As above.
Aftercare	Medium and tall varieties will require extra support as they grow. Keep well watered and feed with liquid fertiliser once the flowers have faded and the pods begin to form.
Harvesting	Peas - Begin cutting pods when the peas are well formed but with small spaces between each pea. Start at the bottom of the stem. Pick regularly to prevent pods fully maturing on the plant. Crops over a period of 4-6 weeks. Mangetout - Begin cutting pods at about 7.5cm/3" when the peas are just beginning to develop. Pick regularly to prevent pods fully maturing on the plant. Crops over a period of 4-6 weeks.

Plant Height	Up to 45cm/18"
Time between planting and harvesting	16-22 weeks
Where to plant	Outdoors in open ground or in containers
Planting time	March- April - temperature +10C/50F
How to plant	Most people buy "seed" potatoes. These are just small potatoes which have been certified as virus free. When you receive them usually in February, set them with the rose "eyes" uppermost in a light frost-free place. They will begin to sprout in about 6 weeks. Once the sprouts are about 2cm/3/4" long plant as below. Open Ground - Plant the whole sprouted potato, sprouts up, about 12cm/5" deep and at least 30cm/12" apart in rows at least 60cm/2ft apart or in groups/blocks. Containers - Best for growing small "new" potatoes. Use containers at least 30cm/12" deep. Place a 10cm/4" layer of soil or compost in the bottom of the container then rest the sprouted potatoes (space as above) on top of the soil. Add enough soil/compost to cover them by 2.5cm/1" only. See "growing on" below.
After Germination	Protect from frosts. Keep weeded.
Growing on - in pots	Once the shoots emerge and have reached 15cm/6", add another 10cm/4" layer of soil/compost. Repeat to within 5cm/2" of the top of the container. Make sure you keep the tubers well covered with earth so they don't go green as this is poisonous. Keep watered. This method will give you a pot full of potatoes from base to top.
Growing on - in ground	Keep weed free. Make sure you keep the tubers well covered with earth so they don't go green as this is poisonous. Water well in dry weather.
Aftercare	As above.
Harvesting	Early/New Potatoes - Flowering usually indicates that potatoes have reached an edible size. Lift as required. Maincrop - These can be lifted as required or left in the ground until the foliage has died back. They can then be lifted for storage.

Plant Height	up to 15cm/6"
Time between sowing and harvesting	3-8 weeks
Where to Sow	Outdoors in open ground or in containers
Sowing time	Late March to July - temperature +10C/50F.
How to Sow	12mm/1/2-inch deep - very thinly - in rows 15cm/6" apart or in groups/blocks. Successive sowing is recommended to prevent a glut. Sow a few seeds every 2 weeks.
After Germination	Thin to 2.5cm/1" apart. Protect from birds. Keep the soil moist but not very wet.
Growing on - in pots	Make sure plants are kept watered regularly. Avoid prolonged dry periods to prevent splitting.
Growing on - in ground	As above
Aftercare	As above
Harvesting	Pull alternate plants as required. These crop over 16-18 weeks.

Plant Height	Up to 25cm/10"
Time between sowing and harvesting	20-24 weeks
Where to Sow	Outdoors in open ground
Sowing time	Late May to early June - temperature +17C/63F.
How to Sow	12mm/1/2-inch deep - very thinly - in rows 37cm/15" apart or in groups/blocks
After Germination	When the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin to 5-7.5cm/2-3" apart. Throw away the thinnings as these do not transplant well.
Growing on - in pots	Not recommended
Growing on - in ground	Continue thinning in stages until the plants are 23cm/9" apart. Keep watered and avoid dry spells which may cause the roots to split or become woody.
Aftercare	As above
Harvesting	Start pulling when the globes are the size of a grapefruit. Crops over 16-20 weeks.

Plant Height	Up to 20-90cm/8" - 3ft depending on variety
Time between sowing and harvesting	About 20 weeks
Sowing time	March - April - temperature 16-21C/60-70F
Where to Sow	Indoors in small pots 7.5cm/3" diameter filled with compost.
How to Sow	3 seeds per pot - 2cm/3/4-inch deep.
After Germination	Keep soil moist but not too wet.
Growing on - in pots	Harden off plants and finally move outdoors once all danger of frost has passed. As the plants get bigger and develop good root balls, divide and pot individual plants up into larger pots in stages ending with one plant per 20cm/8" container (min) or 3 per growbag. Place in a warm sheltered sunny position.
Growing on - in ground	As above but plant in beds or borders 45cm/ 18" apart.
Aftercare	Water regularly, but do not keep the compost very wet. Irregular watering may cause the fruit to split. Feed with tomato food once the fruit start to swell each time you water. Tall/Cordon varieties will need staking, tying the plants to the support at 20cm/8" intervals. Pinch out side shoots which will appear where the leaves join the stems, when they are about 2.5cm/1" long. Once tomatoes have developed on 4 or 5 trusses, pinch out the growing tip. Dwarf and bush varieties need little maintenance apart from feeding and watering as above. You may wish to cover the soil beneath the plants with polythene or straw to protect the fruit.
Harvesting	Pick fruit when ripe and fully coloured as and when they mature. Crops over about 8 weeks.