It'll soon be plantin' time, and what better way to get prepared than to do a mouthwatering review of what's out there to grow in your own back yard this spring. Join us now as Paul James counts down to the number-one vegetable crop in America. Here we go! 10-9-8-7...
10. Corn
Native to Central America and planted worldwide since the 15th century, corn is a warm-season crop that requires plenty of fertilizer.
9. Radishes
Radishes are native to western Asia. The original radish was probably black-skinned , and it wasn't until the 18th century that the more familiar versions came along. The root vegetable arrived via European settlers and was planted in colonial gardens. Radishes are a cool-season crop best planted in late winter or early spring and again in late summer or early fall. Unfortunately, they contain almost no nutritional value but are great for adding zest to salads.
8. Carrots
Carrots, another cool-season crop, originated in Afghanistan. The first carrots were deep purple until a 16th-century mutation turned them orange. They are related to the poisonous hemlock and won't grow well in heavy soils.
7. Squash
Indigenous to the Americas, Squash comes in summer and winter varieties. Summer squash (crookneck, zucchini) should be planted when temperatures are consistently in the 70s. Winter squash (acorn, butternut, spaghetti) should be planted a month or so later and harvested as a fall crop.
6. Lettuce
Lettuce comes from the Mediterranean region and is another cool-season crop. Loose-leaf lettuce is nutritious; iceberg is more common but has almost no nutritional value.
5. Onion
Among the earliest of all food crops is the lowly Onion. In cultivation around 3000 B.C., onions were grown because they tasted good and were thought to enhance sexual potency. Onions can be grown from seed, although most gardeners plant sets in late winter or early spring. Scallions can be harvested just a few weeks after planting.
4. Cucumbers
While wild Cucumbers grew in the Himalayas some 10,000 years ago, domesticated varieties come from India and have been grown for the last 3,000 years. Cukes are great for salads but offer next to nothing in the way of nutrition.
3. Beans
An easy-to-grow, warm-season vegetable, beans came from Argentina or Brazil and are available in many tasty varieties--bush or pole beans, string, lima or dried beans. They will not tolerate cooler temperatures, especially if the soil is damp .
2. Peppers
Peppers got their start in South America (most probably central Bolivia) and range from mild to hot in flavor. They prefer hot growing conditions over cool ones.
1. Tomatoes
And here we are: Tomatoes are the number-one food crop grown in backyard America today. Botanically, these "vegetables" are really fruits. But we love 'em by the bushel no matter what they are!
