MICROFICHE REFERENCE LIBRARY

A project of Volunteers in Asia

the Seasons. by: Harlan H.D. Attfield

VITA Technical

Published by: Volunteers in Technical Assistance 1815 North Lynn St. Suite 200 P.O. Box 12438 VA 22209 USA Arlington, Paper copies are $ 3.50.

Available from: Volunteers in Technical Assistance 1815 North Lynn St. Suite 200 P.O. Box 12438 VA 22209 USA Arlington, Reproduced by permission Technical Assistance. of Volunteers in

Reproduction of this microfiche document in any form is subject to the same restrictions as those of the original document.

TECHNICAL BULLETIN46
GARDENING LVITH THE SEASONS Harlan H. D. Attfield
nutritional information This bulletin provides background, instructions for a large number of vegetables--including Illustrations in Bangladesh, cowpea, cucumber, okra--grown techniques and of the vegetables themselves are provided. The material ly adaptable and planting pumpkin, yam, of planting

is excellent for a beginning gardener and seams particularfor use in school and community programs.

Gtidetig

has been adapted from a booklet prepared as uri;th .?%e %iAOnA part of an innovative and meanin.gful approach to community development which iS underway in Bangladesh. The Sylhet Package Program: is funded by International Inc. (IVS), a respected US-based Voluntary Services, private development organization, in cooperation with three local agencies--the Rural Development Training Institute, the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee and the Government's Integrated Rural Development Program. In summary, the "package" project involves extension work to promote production of high-yielding rice, vegetables, fish, and ducks, health and family planning, functional education and cooperative development. Mr. Attfield, the author, has been associated with VITA as an expert Volunteer for six years a3d is the author of a number of books and articles, including Raiding ?7&6.& which is published by VITA. VITA is pleased to be able to make available the work of this author and the fine program of which he is a part. Please send testing results, cements, and suggestions to:

Technical

VITA Publications Service 3706 Rhode Island Avenue

Maryland 20822

Bulletins

Mt. Rainier, USA

3706 Rhode Island Amue

Mt Rama

Maryland,

USA 20822

c 0

VITA, Inc. 1979

DECIDING WHAT TO
Generally gardeners richer resistant should in value people also plant consider soil the vegetables food Vegetables

GROW

they

like

to eat. vegetables that soil,

But good are are easy and zre

value becausesome
should add richness to.the

than others. local

be selected

to grow under

conditions,

to insects Fresh vegetables

and disease. are an excellent teeth and blood. B vitamins, source of minerals and iron, provide C. A lack yellow of this The best fruits, and vitamins. which important the body vita-

They contain utilizes mins, Vitamin vitamin source yellow mainly

many of the minerals, Vitamin A, the

such as calcium They also and Vitamin

to make bone,

A is needed for of this vitamin

healthy is dark

eyes and good vision. and even blindness green, leafy vegetables,

can cause eye disease sweet potato, butter,

among children.

eggs and liver. healthy skin, eyes, nerves, and good blood. dry scaly source of rice, peas, The best (beans, (cooked A lack skin,

B vitamins of these swelling these peanut,

are needed for vitamins of the body,

can cause poor blood is green, leafy

(anaemia), health. pulses par-boiled

weakness,

and even poor mental vegetables, or raw hand-pounded

vitamins dhal,

soybean,

etc.),

in the husk)

whole wheat flour Vitamin is green. C helps leafy

(atta), prevent

meat and liver. infections, the teeth guava, helps healthy. papaya, cuts and wounds to heal The best amlaki, source oranges quickly, vitamin

and keeps the gums around vegetables,

of this

and lemons. and poorest of fresh family. source

Charts of these from the garden

and 2 show vitamins

which vegetables and minerals.

are the richest A regular supply for

important

vegetables

can mean good health

and good eating

the whole

CHART 1

GARDEN VEGETABLES CONTAINING LOTS OF Listed in order of their richness show which part of the vegetable 1. 2. Black Colocasia leaves (Krisno kochu pata) Carrot, (Gazor) leaves and root 14.

VITAMINS AND MINERALS

or food value. Underlined items contains the most food vcllue.

Coriander leaves (Dhonia pata) Indian Spinach (Puee shak) Cowpea, leaves pods (Ba' Soybean, green (kochi Soybean) Cauliflower, and leaves (Foam3 Broccoli (Broccoli) (Patt leaves shak) shek) and

26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33.

Chinese cabbage, pak-choy and pe-tsai Okra (Dherosh) Sweet corn, (Bhutta) Peas (Motor) French beans (Farash) Potato;'leaves tuber (Go1 aloo) Tomato (Tometo) Pointed gourd, and leaves (Patol) Onion leaves, (Piaj pata) and tender

15.
16.

3. 4.
5.

Turnip leaves (Shalgom pata Beet leaves (Beet pata)

.I
17.
18.

beans

Fenusreek leaves (Methi pata) Radish (Moola Pigeon (kochi Kohlrabi (Olkopi leaves shak) peas, tender Orhar) leaves shak)

flower

6.
7. 8. 9.

19.

20. Jute 21.

22.

Spinach (Palang

gourd

Sweet potato (red), leaves and root '(Misti aloo, lal) Red Amaranth (La1 shak) Green Amaranth (Danta shak) Mint leaves (Pudina pata) Celery leaves (Randuni shak)

Mustard, garden (Lai shak) Field bean, (Sheem) tender

34. 35. 36. 37. 38.

green

10.

23.
24. 25.

11.
12. 13.

Sword bean, tender (Makhon sheem) Bitter gourd, gourd and leaves (Utc-d Karolla)

Sweet pumpkin leaves (Misti kumra shak) Cabbage (Badha Kopi) Colocasia (Mookhi) root

Lettuce, leafy (Salad pata)

-3-

-CHART 2

,GARDEN VEGETABLES CONTAINING VERY FEW VITAMINS AND Listed .,in order of their food value

MINERALS

1. Eggplant (Begoon) 2. Onion, (Piaj) small red

9. Ash gourd (Chal kumra) 10. Radish root (Moola) 11. Snake gourd (Chichinga) 12. Vegetable (Dhundul) stem data) 13. Bottle (Lad marrow

3. Pumpkin, yellow (Holed kumra)

4.

Beet root (Beet)

5. Colocasia (Mukheer

gourd

6. Pumpkin flowers (Kumra fool)

14. Cucumber (Shosha and Kira) 15. Momordica (Kakrol) 16. Ridge c.

7.
'8.

Coca yam (Chupri aloo) Turnip root (Shalgom)

(Jhinga)

gourd

CHART 3

VEGETABLES EASY TO GROWAND

RICH IN VITAMINS AND

MINERALS

1. 2. 3.

Black Carrot Radish Pigeon

Colocasia

7. Green Amaranth

13. Field

Bean

8. Indian
(for Pea leaves) 9. Cowpea 10. Soybean

Spinach

14. Sword Bean 15. Bitter 16. Okra Gourd

4.
5. 6.

Sweet Potato Red Amaranth

11. Jute
12. Mustard, garden

17.

French

Beans Gourd

18. Pointed

LEARNING TO SOW

Many garden in Chart almost planting 4. the seeds are during any time. schedules only

vegetables winter,

have traditional months for some vegetables

planting preparing producing

seasons, the ground the year should regions with Only then

as shown and sowing

While the customary In order

can be planted and followed. This calendar geographic times.

and grown at round, serve will local will he of his proper Calendar the have

to keep a garden

need to be established as a guide and try because different Calendar

The Planting

shown on the next page was used in Sylhot. home gardener different variations be able region. different climates. in climate Each gardener should

familiarize planting

himself

to set up a Planting

based on the climatic

conditions

CHART 4

VEGETABLES AND Sumner. Ash gourd Bitter gourd Beet Broccoli Carrot Cauliflower gourd Cabbage Chinese Field i French Kohlrabi

THEIRSEASONS
., Mustard Onion Pea Pigeron Radish Round the year Black Cowpea Eggplant Green Amaranth Indian Okra Papper (hot) Red Amaranth Sweet potato spinach colosasia

Winter

Jute
Kakrol Pointed Ridge gourd Snake gourd

cabbage bean bean

Spinach Sword bean Tomato Turnip

-5-

(KOTWALI THANA)

JANUARY
Amaranth Chinese cabbage Radish (for leaves) Spinach Eggplant Indian spinach Okra Sweet corn

MARCH
Amaranth Ash gourd Bitter gourd Cowpea Eggplant Indian spinach Jute (sweet) Kakrol Okra Pepper (hot) Pointed gourd Sweet corn Sweet potato (for

APRIL
Amaranth Snake gourd Ash gourd Sweet corn Bitter gourd Black colocasia Cowpea Sweet potato Cucumber (for leaves) Indian spinach

Jute (sweet)

leaves)

Kakrol Okra Pepper (hot) Pointed gourd Ridge gouril

MAY
Snake gourd Amaranth Ash gourd Sweet corn Black colocasia Cowpea Sweet potato Cucumber (for leaves) Indian spinach Jute (sweet) Kakrol Okra Pepper Pigeon pea Pointed gourd Ridge gourd

JUNE
Amaranth Cowpea Indian spinach Kakrol Pigeon pea Pointed gourd Sweet corn

JULY
Amaranth Cowpea Field bean Kakrol Pointed gourd Radish Sword bean

AUGUST
Amaranth Broccoli Cabbage Cauliflower Field bean Kakrol Okra Pointed gourd Radish Sweet pumpkin Sword bean

SEPTEMBFR
Amaranth Spinach Broccoli Sweet corn Cabbage Sweet pumpkin Carrot Sword bean Cauliflower Tomato Eggplant Turnip Field corn French bean Kohlrabi Mustard Okra Radish

OCTOBER
Amaranth Mustard Beat Okra Broccoli Onion Cabbage Pea Carrot Pepper (hot) Cauliflower Radish Chinese cabbage Spinach Cucumber Sweet corn Sweet potato Eggplant French bean %;;iopumpkin Garlic Kohlrabi Turnip

NOVEMBER
Amaranth Mustard Beat Onion Broccoli Pea cabbage I;;zw;; (hot) Carrot Cauliflower Spinach Chinese cabbage Sweet corn Cucumber Sweet potato French bean &;Fopumpkin Garlic Kohlrabi Turnip

DECEMBER
Amaranth Beat Carrot Chinese cabbage French bean Mustard Pepper (hot) Radish +i;a;;h Turnip

STEP-BY-STEP GARDENING GUIDE To be successful knowledge is necessary. in growing food at home, some basic gardening

'GARDEN COCATION The garden should be located Its size where it will will receive sun A most of the day. small, large, well depend on what is being to work on it. should Jdst also before than a be located to care for cooking when need

grown and how much time cared for one. neglected

is available The garden will

garden

is more productive be more convenient

near the home where it and where vegetables watering raise should air, raised garden. FENCING Once a good location is to build a strong is useless find that from time to time, river, ringwell using water it should only will

can be picked

they are at the peak of freshness. be near a source Some people water pond, canal, the rainy or tubewell. the dirty

As the garden will of water, have been able to

such as a During *

a few vegetables season extra be located and land that land,

from the kitchen. At this Plants time, Soil growing

not be needed. cannot do so. be found

the garden must breathe on very wet on slightly for a family

on land that and turn

does not become flooded. yellow.

is under water

land will

grow slowly

As most homes are built around the bari

enough space can probably

is found fence to start a fence

for

the garden, a garden until

the next goats this

step and is

to keep out chickens, made of local kinds types in other

2
produces food for

cattle.

It

is done. fences with with "living the

Most people

materials

cheap and satisfactory. bamboo; others sharp thorns fence" or spines. certain

Many gardeners Some gardeners of trees makes a good fence,

make their

use different

of bushes or branches make a permanent

by planting

or bushes around use cassava

edge of the garden.

Pigeon pea (Orhar) the family.

and at the same time

Some farmers -7-

countries

(Shimla close off closed

aloo)

for

the same purpose. After they

Generally, well,

fairly the tops The spaces

large

stems are planted cut are the animals the stems are many years.

together. with sticks

are growing of bamboo. roots 1). it

are occasionally between for fences from all

so the stems grow stronger or stakes the cassava of fencing

and thicker;

People who use these of the fence the garden

able to harvest Whatever type

on each side must protect

is used,

around the home (Illustration

'PREPARING'THE LAND Almost will any type of soil be to keep it fertile; can be made to produce fertile, poor, it if produce it is very tasty vegetables. will without is in good It must the is to sweepand comBullet:n the to feed probably But in comIf the land around the house is already the task

3
also contain entire ings, post. straw, home. plant. batar use plenty plenty

need some manure and maybe some commercial most cases the land will mercial order condition, of plant material, ground oil fertilizer. and kept it food, is loose Of course, in good condition. in texture that these the food the garden

fertilizer.

enough vegetables When the soil the roots absorb

must be in good

and easy to work.

The best way of producing garbage,

two conditions manure, meal, rotted

in the soil water hyacinth leaves, Technical found

of organic

such as animal cake and fish

sewage and sludge, together VITA's easily

Compost is a type wood ashes,

of fertilizer

made by mixing waste materials. materials

grasses,

cowdung and other

No, 8 explains

how compost can be made using

around

The hoe is a convenient two weeks before to eight should there out all small off inches planting,

tool

for should 3).

preparing After

the garden the soil

plot.

At least of five way, it If to. pull into this

the soil

be spaded or plowed to make the pieces

to a depth

or more (Illustration several growing

is broken of earth

be spaded again is grass pieces the grass with start

days later before roots that

smaller. and earth

where the garden roots

is to be placed, planting. fall lifted.

care must be taken Then shake all of pieces

and grass

Break the grass must be picked

the hoe so they can be easily Any grass to grow again. If there

the earth and

the grass

roots.

up and removed of DEAD grass

or they will

are plenty

-8-

..

u *I-c,

-.

-9

Illustration

2.

A garden

needs a strong

fence.

weeds in the garden, make the soil for compost. richer.

they

should

be dug into

the soil. should

They will

later

rot

and used

Living

weeds and grass

be removed and later

Some vegetables acidic or sour. to grow better recommendation first four

will

not grow well like to l/2 beet,

if

the soil okra,

in the garden onion soil.

is too seem A general (chun) the into

Some vegetables, is to spread inches l/4

spinach,

and lettuce

when lime or wood ashes are added to the garden pound (2 to 4 chattacks) space, should be remembered that square yard of garden of soil.

of lime lime

or wood ashes on every or six to be applied often,

and then dig it be enough.

It

does not have

usually

once every

year or two will

RAISE THE SOIL INTd'BEDS OR MOUNDS

It

is possible that

to grow vegetables plants feet grow better vegetables if

on flat

land,

but most garden"beds" or are

ers find

grown on raised can be as short then all

4
irrigated tion 2). in Chart

"mounds." two to three using length.

Generally, wide.

are planted

on beds that

The length

as 10 feet

or as long as 100 feet. a watering the same size, perhaps

If
three

the garden pot, feet

is to be hand-watered the beds can be or more in can be given

can or earthen is a tube-well

wide and nearby,

10 feet

If

there

the garden

by running

water

down the furrows

(ditches)

between the beds (Illustrathe suggested bed sizeg

If

"furrow-irrigation" be followed.

is to be practiced,

7 should

Here is how to make the beds. the future (black) organic rice bed (Illustration 4). manure at the rate material available,

Start

by staking

out

the

four

corners square

of feet

Dig up the soil This

and add some well-rotted to every water three to add any other hyacinth, well into leaves, the soil into

of 4-6 pounds 5 and 6).

(2-3 seers) well-rotted

of bed space (Illustrations hulls and ashes.

is a good time materials along

such as compost, place point the soil

Now dig the manure and other This will form ditches more well-rotted all

(Illustration
the center (Illustration

7).
8).

Next, At this

from the outside

edges of the string the outside of soil,

of the bed.

of the bed

manure or compost can be added

to the top of the bed and dug into

the top 3 to 4 inches

-ll-

Illustration

3.

How or plow the soil to a depth of 5 - 8 inches or more.

Illustration

4.

Use stakes to mark off the size of the bed.

lu .-

0 .C

-13-

Illustration

7.

Mix the manure well into the soil.

Illustration

8.

Make furrows (ditches) along the edges of the bed.

Illustration

9.

Smooth and flatten

the top of the bed.

Illustration

10.

A mound ready

for

planting.

-15-

Commercial compost. for every evenly

fertilizers case, l/4

may be used if pound (2 chattak) long.

there

is a lack

of animal should of soil.

manure or

In

this

each of Urea, The fertilizer the top 4 inches the earth raise of the

TSP and MP can be used be spread

bed 3 feet

wide and 10 feet

over the top of the bed and dug into Finally,

makethe

top flat

by pushing

back and forth in their pieces

with (Illusbeds

the hoe until tration 9). even higher, the plant's beds should

the bed stands During and sometimes This roots

6 to 8 inches support the sides and healthy. no large

above the level

of the ground

the monsoon many gardeners keeps the excess water

the earth

beds with

of split the

bamboo and stakes.

drained

from the beds and allows to be seen.

to grow strong

When the work is finished pieces of earth

be smooth on top with

Some vegetables or in other usually eggplant, branches, places these grown on mounds. plants a trellis,

can be grown on mounds around Chart 5 lists of black and will With the exception "climbers"

the edges of the garden, which pigeon are pea and colocasia,

around the-house. are all

the vegetables need some sticks,

bamboo

or even a house on which to grow. by digging some rotted and mix well. a pit l-l/2 feet compost, deep and l-1/4 or any other up until 10). feet organic a small to make a

To make a mound, start wide. material hill lip Next, is made. or ridge all fill the pit Flaten with available. Add earth around

manure,

Mound the earth

the top and press

down the earth

in the middle

the top edge of the mound (Illustration

CHART 5

I
Ash gourd Bitter Bottle Cowpea*

VEGETABLES COMMONLY PLANTED ON MOUNDS ' Cucumber* Eggplant* Field Indian Kakrol A "star" after a vegetable means it be planted in mounds or beds. bean spinach* Pointed gourd

gourd gourd

Pigeon pea* Snake gourd Sword bean Sweet pumpkin can

Black Colocasia

-16-

TIMETO'PLANT
Some vegetables are easy to grow and can be planted Other vegetables are delicate and later Chart directly be in the beds. started planted) tables and should moved (transvegecare.

in a seed-box

or seed-bed beds.

to the permanent are easy to plant

6 shows which

and which ones need special

CHART 6

VEGETABLESTHAT SHOULD BE TRANSPLANTED Broccoli Cabbage Cauliflower Chinese cabbage Eggplant Indian Lettuce Mustard Pepper Spinach Tomato Ic spinach

SEED TO PLANT DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN Black Beet Bitter Carrot Coriander Cowpea Cucumber Field French bean bean gourd Colocasia (roots) Onion Peas Pigeon pea Pointed Patato Radish Red Amaranth Soybean Sweet corn Sweet potato (cuttings) Sweet pumpkin Sword bean Turnip gourd (tuber)

Green Amaranth

Jute
Kohlrabi Okra

-17-

GerminationTest. they are not sure if tion piece 13). test" centage all can determine

Sometimes gardeners the seeds will the quality grow. (Illustration with sprout.

sow too many seeds because However, a simple "germinawhat perand

of the seeds and indicate 11). Roll

of the seeds will of paper or cloth

Count out ten seeds and put them on a soaked up the paper or cloth (Illustrations to ten days, have sprouted 14). in the garden is a very small of a hoe. by the furrow It The drill one inch of water in four 12 and carefully (germinated). this

put one end into

a cup filled

When the seeds have had time to sprout out of the ten seeds have small that Direct

unwrap the paper and count If eight indicates

the number of seeds that sprouts

growing

out of them,

80% of the seeds are good (Illustration Sowing. Seeds can be planted method. directly planting

"drill" (narrow should

method or the "broadcast" groove) only a pointed and a piece Remember: and healthy. it also piece

A "drill"

made on the top of the bed for deeper than the size of string will stretched probably the plants

seeds in a row.

can be made with use two stakes rows straight. with earth.

of bamboo or the corner of the seed. between

be slightly

Some gardeners and covered

them to keep their a seed is placed. each on each the be

Once the drills a plant Chart tells

are made, the seeds can be planted grow wherever will

If the seeds are too close grow large plant bed. in the row;

together,

not have enough room to can be planted start by planting they should

7 shows how much space is needed between how many rows of plants then plant from each edge. or fourth rows. Always

If two rows are needed, than 4-5 inches if of the beds;

one row near each side of the bed, row is needed,

but no closer two sides evenly

a third

spaced between the two outside

-18-

Illustration

11.

Count out ten seeds and put them on a soaked piece of paper or cloth.

Illustration

12.

Carefully

roll

up the paper.

-199

Illustration

13.

Put one end of the paper into a cup filled with one inch of water.

After four to ten days, unwrap the paper and count the seeds that have sprouted.

CHART 7

1 FOR FURROWIRRIGATION 1

Vegetables planted on 24 inch wide beds Beans, french Beet Carrot Chinese cabbage Garlic Kohlrabi Mustard, Onion Peas, bush Radish Soybean Spinach Sweet corn Turnip leaf

Rows of plants per bed

two

Distance between plants 8" 4" 3" 12" 3" 6" 8" 4"
8-10

three three two four two two three-four two three two three two three

3". 4"-6" 6"

8-10

4"

Vegetables planted on 30 inch wide beds

1

Rows of plants per bed

Distance between plants

\

Broccoli Cabbage, drumhead Cauliflower Eggplant Okra Pepper Tomato

two two two two two two two

18"' 18" 18" 18" 12" 12" 18"

-21-

Thinning,. be necessary room. might it Spacing it plants

If the plants properly to pull

grow too close others that seeds,

together is called like they

in a row, "thinning." well,

it

will It but

to remove some of them so that by removing up little how close With large are harder plants

each plant

has enough growing

not seem right

are growing peas, are planted.

sometimes is fairly like seeds,

needs to be done. easy to control amaranth as they and carrot,

beans and corn, Small roll off

together

to space because they

the hand as fast

are planted. Some seeds can be broadcasted 8. To do this, visible several first after times the seed and firm (ditches} thinning, growth. CHART 8 them into (scattered) the soil over the with the reAs of them. lots

Brcadcasting. bed smooth. move some dirt the plants tender

top of the bed, as shown in Chart Then broadcast back of a hoe.

make the top of the pressing them in,

If the seeds are still from the furrows At the last for its proper

between the beds to cover to provide be sure to leave

grow, the beds can be thinned

vegetables.

enough space be-

tween each plant

r-~~
I I

SEED THAT CAN BE BROADCASTED

I

Beet Carrot Coriander Green Amaranth Lettuce

Peas Radish Red Amaranth Sweet Jute Turnip

.J

I
[ 1

Seed.box. boxes" plants or a specially to the garden cracks

Vegetables prepared beds,

to be transplanted "seed bed." Later, continue

are first they to grow until The bottom to allow 15). of one part

grown in "seed; harvest. A to drain

COW-

are moved as small of. the box should well-rotted use a and one part

where they

seed box is a flat have small away. soil The soil mixture

box made of wood or bamboo. or holes between the boards sand (Illustration one part -22rotted

excess water Some gardeners

in the seed box can be a mixture and two parts soil,

dung (manure)

of one part

manure or compost,

sand. cracks grass,

On the bottom of the seed box, and holes, it pour the mixture should its

place

some straw

or dry grass

to cover straw or

the

but not enough to stop of seed box soil be moistened, depth in a pool down with

drainage. up to a l/2 either of water

On top of this Before until

inch from the top of the sowing the seeds in the or by letting absorbs board, with a thin or loose the the soil enough

box, and press

a board or by hand.

seed box, the soil seed box stand half moisture. with soil and l-1/2 planted a pointed inches and pressed stick.

by sprinkling,

When the seeds are sown, rows can be made with Each row should (Illustration be twice 16). apart

as deep as the size kinds

of the seed,

Then the SE& is covered

down gently.

If many different

of seeds are being of the box in such (Illustration 17). In from legs on sprout

in one seed box, the seedlings cover

be sure to mark each row or section can be identified when they until in a shady place

a way that

The seed box should the dry season, drying out too fast.

be kept

the seeds have sprouted. to keep the soil place

the box with In order

some banana leaves

to keep ants away from the seeds,

the seed .box and set these If only earthen dish

in cans or pots of water. use a flower pot or shallow 11). bed.

3 few seeds are to be planted, it

and prepare

the same way as a seed box (Illustration can also be grown in one corner for good drainage The soil add 1 chatak Sometimes should level.

Seed bed. It should be located growth. raised rice seeds. ashes. 6 to 8 inches

Seedlings on high If the soil it.

of a garden of water, be loose every rolled and for 15

land to allow

above the ground

good root hulls feet square

is heavy and sticky, by 5 feet).

add sand, cowdung and of TSP for ants try to remove the in

to improve this

Some gardeners

of bed space (3 feet

To prevent

the seed can be dipped

in kerosene

and then

When the coated the rows before cover the seedlings part covering with the seed-bed

seeds are planted, them over with mats placed over soil.

a little

more ash can be spread it may be necessary The mats will during

over to

Sometimes After starts

a bamboo frame. uncovered, except

protect

from the hot sun and heavy rains. the seed. bed can be left am to 3:00 pm), or when it

the seeds have sprouted the hottest to rain.

and are growing,

of the day (10:00

-& --A : ..

.-:

;-

Illustration

14.

A seedbox well-rotted

prepared with a mixture of one-part manure (cow dung) and two-parts sand.

-24-

Illustration

15.

Make neat rows with pointed stick.

a thin

board or

Illustration

16.

Mark the rows so you will recognize the different seedlings when they sprout.

Illustration

17.

Try to shade the seedlings after transplanting.

for

3 - 4 days

-26-

Care of.Seedlinss. seedlingsarewatered the night. the plants prepared seedlings. Transplanting. for transplanting. out, so that while pulled for two weeks the seedlings life

Water seedlings the soil plants will practice

early

in the morning. damp and cold This will "hardening"

When throughout After cause the

in the evening,

remains sunlight.

This may cause the tender to grow more slowly, in the garden.

to become sickly, grow stronger is called,

or rot. and be better

can be exposed to full but they This

At about three Water the seed-box the soil keeping will A small stick be soft

weeks of age the seedlings. or seed-bed and they before will not suffer

are ready are lift Be a shallow

the seedlings

from many broken roots. the seedlings, sure to lift fured hole the seedling

or hoe can be used to carefully around the roots not the stem. die. the seedling as possible.

as.much soil will

by the leaves, place

If

the stem is instick, dig at the

or crushed, it

the seedling

probably

Using-a

in the garden bed and carefully

in the hole

same depth covered

Tomatoes can be planted slightly deeper, was in the seed-box. . Now the hole can be so some of their stem is below the surface of the soil. and lightly pressed down by hand. on a cloudy that day, or late and thin in the afternoon will when

Try to transplant the sun is not very hot. or seed-bed the seedlings lost through too long. when transplanted

Try not to leave Plants are long

the seedlings

in the seed-box not grow properly of is

to the garden.

Some gardeners

remove the ?ower leaves this way, less water more quickly. around

at the time of transplanting. the leaves, and the plant falls over, prop

In
recovers it

If a seedling base of the plant.

up and pack the soil

the

Many good gardeners days with transplanting. Mounds. tice spaced. After Growing a piece good and will help the small

shade their plants

transplanted 18). more quickly

seedlings This practice

for

a few is very

of banana stem (Illustration recover

from the shock of

vegetables three are up, all

on mounds is very or four but the strongest

easy. plant

The common praccircle evenly is removed.

among gardeners

is to plant

seeds in a small

the plants

-27-

A GARDEN'NEEDSWATER After the seeds or seedlings Water will press are planted, the soil gently they must be around the watered.

6
thrown vegetables, is sprinkled may seem like there irrigation the roots from dry-out. like

seeds or the roots ways to water pot that the plants. (ditches) nearby, cabbage,

of the seedlings. One is with is by putting

There are two basic a can or earthen on and around into the furrows of water Water Some it that below soil method. water

a garden. The other irrigation"

is used to sprinkle between the beds. "furrow tomatoes soil

or pour water

If

there

is a source

is the preferable

on top of the beds causes the loose on their leaves.

to cake and become hard. are damaged when water it may be discovered Not only also reaches the upper

and cauliflower, addition, later

In

when the top of a bed is wet,

enough water that water

has been applied; to reach will moist reach

was not enough water insure

down to the roots. the roots, in turn but it which

does furrow

to keep the sub-soil

protects

If
out.

there

is a tube-well with

near the garden, the well when the The furrows from the well

a "header irrigation

ditch" system

can be is layed is the ditch

dug to connect A simple

the furrows way to bring the,water

the water

to the header it

to use a bamboo pipe made level ground. so that

(Illustration

2).

between the beds must be has soaked into

does not run off

before

Every good gardener under the surface. stick should inches or hoe, it much water seedlings, is often By digging is possible as harmful during

frequently

investigates the soil

the condition roots

of the soil with a TOO supply

down to the depth of the plant to see whether as not enough water. season. (5 cm) should ten inches A uniform

is too wet or dry. moisture

be maintained can be dry,

the growing

When the plants Later,

are young the top two

the top two inches

be kept moist. (26 cm) should hundred a normal

but the lower soils

be kept moist. foot furrow for can be hand pump. ten days or

In
filled

average

(not too sandy), a one

pumping with will it

in ten minutes

by continuous

tube-well

If watering

is done properly,

not have to be repeated

-28-

two weeks, tell us that

but this

depends on individual

garden

conditions. is late

Good gardeners when

the best time to water

the garden

in the afternoon,

the sun is low. CARING'FOR THE'PLANTS' NEEDS Gardeners strong prove have learned many ways to help their Here are a few practices plants which grow will imand healthy. a garden. Needing. watch must be kept the plants Some gardeners hoe, especially causes the top-soil roots. Mulching. be reduced material, tion grass. 19). For the gardener Mulching dry grass, inches who wants to make work easier, is the old practice leaves, rotted water the plants protect days, and cool. of putting hyacinth weeding loose or rice can hulls After for planting weeks. later against this a vegetable crop, careful a hoe. with a this

Remove weeds by hand when can be done with the soil loosening

are small, advise during

the dry season. and sometimes

They say that

to dry out more quickly,

damages the plant

by Umulching." such as straw, Three to four

organic

over the surface During

of the beds, around

and between the rows (Illustraof weeds and away. and the months the soil if from washing the soil

of mulch will prevent

keep down the growth

the monsoon the mulch will the mulch will water. will Even on the hottest

In
soil

the dry season, underneath

the sun from drying After

saves irrigation the mulch rots, .Staking. with soil. rot, roots around soft twine

the mulch is lifted two or three

be found to be moist

and can be mixed into Tomato plants or cloth

the beds to make the garden more fertile. tied to bamboo or wooden stakes and fruit from touching much of the fruit can be tied the may

are usually to lie Be careful the soil. tightly

to prevent are allowed

the branches

If

tomato p lants

on the soil, Tomato plants A strip

or be damaged by insects as the stake the stem.

and snails.

to stakes stem or tying and gently

on the same day as transplanting. is pushed into Tie it the stem to the stake.

not to cut the buried of cloth but loosely

is best for

around the stake,

-29-

Some gardeners top of the bed. without This

let

their

tomatoes

grow freely

on a mulch covering the soil

the

keeps the fruit

and branches

from touching

the use of stakes. Stopping Growth. Suckers Another practice 20). more fruit ash gourds, little it with tomatoes is to "prune" that reduces (pick the amount in a vegetables pick off the from taking

off)

the %uckers,U growth, way. grow lots

are small

stems and leaves to be produced. and cucumbers, fruit. to produce indian

grow from the Other vegetables

base of larger of leaf like similar will fuzzy, pumpkins,

stems (Illustration and encourages bottle gourds,

Removing the suckers

can be pruned this,

When too much manure (cow dung) of leaves, tips but very and force Cucumbers, support. and cucumbers from the vines.

is used in the garden, To correct more fruit. cowpeas, stop the plant

green growing

This will

up too much garden space, Climbing will strips branches. Indian Plants. spinach

spinach, tied

and bitter with

gourds

need some kind of climbing of cloth. A trellis

Most gardeners are often

use poles

or bamboo

to the supports

(macha) can be built and bitter gourds. of a home. planting leafy A trellis other vegetables

for

pumpkins,

field

beans, will

sword beans, grow nicely over the

pointed a fence location

gourds

Many of these

vegetables In this

or the roof

can be made anywhere, vegetables (Illustration

but a good 1). green or

is near the outside be saved for If

edges of a garden.

way, space inside

garden will

Manure Tea. yellow fertilizer by putting earthen it it sit for leaves, they

grow slowly and water.

and have light It

probably

need fertilizer. manure (cow dung) of fresh water. After Stir with

"Manure tea" manure into the mixture dilute it the garden,

is a good liquid is made easily drum, or and let until

made from fresh two or three pot and filling one week. it Before

handfulls using

a bucket, with

occasionally

the liquid, watering

more water

is the color

of weak tea.

the tea can be poured

around the base of each plant.

-3o-

CHART 9 .GIVE.MANURE.TEA.TO LEAFY VEGETABLES Black colocasia Cabbage Chinese cabbage Green Amaranth Indian spinach

Jute
Mustard, Radish Spinach garden (for leaves)

Red Amaranth

WATC#ING FOR I/SECTS A!9 DISEASE" Most of the insects without aware'that other insects" pests insect's pest, toads, that spiders, that Thest plague garden plants can be controlled are it is are the use of insecticides. an insect's :*atural While most gardenera eat insects, natural be called time looking eat a lot major

8
the problem insects. the hunting same pest along with Without those tion. that What happened

and some birds enemies might insects

not aswidelyknown insects. to eat. it

enemies for

"hunting of their a --

because they

spend most of their like

Some of the hunting others,

prey at one time; body which causes is often to die. that

the mini-wasps, the pest's natural

lay eggs on an enemies before. off pests. or restricthat

When an insecticide with time

is used to control may have the killed

made worse by killing is treated only this natural possible yard,

A plant

an insecticide

back a few weeks later is that the pest's the pest. flew

in higher off those all

numbersthan the insect

enemies were accidentally to kill that

It

is rarely

any hunting

insects

to hold them in check,

did not die, without

in from a neighboring it

were able to multiply not to upset

As good gardeners, exist Illustration and bugs can 21. All

is important pests

the natural pests

balances

between pest and "hunter." of these off,

The most common garden aphids can be crushed Olkowski,

are shown in Caterpillars the stem.

are easy to remove by hand.

be picked

while

by a hand along

%Adapted from an article California, U.S.A.

by Helga and Bill

Pest Control

Experts,

-31-

Small, behind

soft will

insects

can be washed off by their natural

with

mild

soapy water,

or dusted

with are left

wood ashes.

It

is not necessary

to get all

the pests.

The few that

be handled plants

enemies. insect damage, and they get sick. watched to other are more

Healthy resistant and proper however, a serious for advice.

can usually

outgrow soil will should

to disease. a plant disease

If

rich sick. like

fertile

and strong not often be carefully

seeds have been used, Sometimes, and removed plants. Officer is needed,

care is taken, gets very if it looks attacks

get itI ".

then plants

It

from the garden

the disease crop,

is spreading

If

a plant

ask the Thana Agricultural to do, what kind

He can usually

tellYQuwhat

of medicine

and where you can

TIMETO'HARVEST
Sometimes vegetables tasteless. This it s ripe, before around bought and then selling are just experience. at the market leave are stale harvest and crop is because many farmers them. when they right their sitting and tasty. is begin more eating. as to be picked

9 .
diminish food from a garden The more that are mustard the plants grow,

the vegetables

too long before

In
for

a home garden picking

vegetables something just before

can be harvested learned cooking everything with

are ripe They should

Knowing wh n vegetables

because taste as soon as it will leaves

and food value to getting is ready for

as soon as a vegetable is to pick is harvested, and spinach.

is harvested.

The secret produce.

the more a garden

Good examples in one season.

If

the outer,'bigger harvests

are cut continuously

as many as five

may be obtained

Sweet potato leaves are one of the few vegetables that can be har-a--+-A -**n- JJ mn+b YEILG" GYSI lll"llr I of the year. The tender vine tips taste good, and they are rich winter, in vitamins there will leafy and minerals. be plenty of tips vegetables

If

vines

are planted supply.

near the end of all summer

and tender

stems to harvest

long when other

are in short

-32-

CHART 10 HARVEST.THESE.VEGETABLES OFTEN Beat leaves Bitter gourd leaves leaves leaves outer leaves outer pods pods leaves pods Black colocasia Cabbage, outer Cauliflower, Cowpea, tips Field Chinese cabbage, bean, tender

Jute
Okra,

leaves leaves tender gourd leaves leaves tips tips pods leaves tender (5") fruits leaves

Mustard Pointed Radish Spinach

and tender

Sweet potato Sweet pumpkin Sword bean, Red Amaranth Turnip leaves

French bean, tender Green Amaranth Indian spinach leaves leaves

'PLANT'AGAIN

In

order

to provide fallow. another

an abundance be planted. season. should

of food,

a garden

should

never

be left

As soon as one vegetable "Succession every This over also

is harplanting" does

10
seasons. avoided. same time, later there planting," supply it all

vested,

should

is the planting weeks during not come all Different which

of a few vegetables the growing at once, times grow test everything By planting but rather

two or three of time. planting be at the

way the harvest a long period be tried their

planting

to determine

vegetables

and how to extend

The old custom of planting A good example is okra. ripens is no tender four okra left

at the same time should a whole crop of okra be eaten. By practicing row three This will

at the same time is planted

and cannot

Then two weeks "succession weeks later, provide a good

in the garden.

one row of okra of okra for

one week, another

and so on until

or more rows have been planted. many months in succession.

-33-

Good Companions. grow well grow faster combinations planted when planted than others. that might

There are many combinations

of vegetables

that

side-by-side

in the same row or bed. one vegetable to grow. Chart should continues listed

Some vegetables can be harvested

If

grown together,

and out of the way while at the same time, Saving Seed. vegetable listed before plants. 12. in Chart filling.

the other be tried

11 shows
be planted

some first.

in the garden.

If
first

both vegetables

are not

the vegetable is often

chnla7A all IU

It
Tbn., I LZJ

desirable be stored properly

to save the seeds from garden from all of the vegetables containers. thoroughly in a dry place. Bottles _ shaped, ripe, Later, in the sun Sn air-tight and store

Seeds can be gathered

easily

make good seed containers

but they need to be dried

Ccrk the bottles

Gourds, fruit

cucumbers and
that with water

pumpkins:

Take seeds from a nicely vine. When it several on a flat stand for

medium-site the pulp

l

was picked and let off

from a healthy the mixture

is fully days. surface. strong

mash the flesh

and water Tomatoes: and let

is poured

and the seeds dried well-formed in a small a couple with fruit

Pick very ripe, thoroughly the mixture

from healthy, Fill The pulp

plants. with float water

Mash the tomatoes

pot or can. of days. leaving

the pot will

stand for water

to the top and can be poured off Wash them in fresh Simply select 9 Beans:

the water, and leave

the seeds on surface. when the dry,

the bottom. rest shell until tray.

and spread

to dry on a flat untouched

the best plants next

of the crop is harvested. e Amaranth: Select

When the pods are brown and completely season. plants and leave

out the seeds and save them for seeds are produced

the healthiest the tops

them in the garden Before the "seed or of paper

on the top branches harvest

of the plant.

heads" become too dry,

and dry them on a piece

To remove the seeds,

rub the dry seed heads between and best dried, shell ears and let

two fingers. them ripen on the

@Corn:
stalk. future Later, planting. When the kernels

Select strip

the earliest

back the husks and hang the full

cobs in a dry place.. them for

have thoroughly

them out and store

-34-

CHART 11

r---Carrots

.THESE.VEGETABLES.MAKE.GOOD.COP4PAMIOMS Corn and Spinach

Cabbage and Radishes Cabbage and Amaranth Cabbage and Lettuce and Radishes spinach Cowpea and Amaranth Cowpea and Indian Corn and Mustard

Jute

and Amaranth

Onions and Radishes Peas and Carrots Radishes and Amaranth Tomatoes and Amaranth Tomatoes and Radishes

CHART 12 SAVE.SEED FRQM THESE VEGETABLES Bitter Chinese Cowpea Cucumber Eggplant Field bean French bean Green Amaranth gourd cabbage (Pe-tsai) Okra Peas Pigeon pea Pointed gourd Red Amaranth Ridge gourd Spinach Snake gourd Sweet corn Sweet pumpkin Sword bean Tomato

Indian Jute
Kakrol Mustard

spinach

PLANTING DIRECTIONS FOR EACH VEGETABLE

Every vegetable grows best. simple It planting has certain conditions alphabetical for under listing which it

The following instructions as a guide; be necessary

provides vegetables.

many garden

is meant only will

a certain

amount of experisoil the and

mentation weather gardener of garden

to accommodate local it for does provide raising

conditions. with

Nevertheless, point

a good starting

a variety

vegetables.

-36-

AMARANTH (LAL AND DANTA SHAK)

Planting

Time:

Any month

Any soil containing Soil Condition: some compost or cow dung. Spacing: 3" - 4" between plants Seed: l/4 inch

Depth to Plant

Days to Germination:

4 - 6

Planting Instructions: Broadcast with ~011, then watczr the bed. Care: Keep the soil moist until fits are 2 to 3 inches tall. leaf growth.

the seed over well-prepared

beds.

Cover lightly

the seeds have germinated. Begin thinning when the Keep the beds weeded. Give manure tea to promote

exce

Pick the leaves ent source of vitamins

often to prolong the harvest and minerals. Seed collection

period. The leaves is easy.

are an

-370

ASH GOURD

Planting

Time:

March,

April,

May

Soil Condition: Any soil containing -, generous amounts of organic material (cow dung, compost, etc.) Spacing: :2; ~e;;;~~i:~ngn;r mound

Depth to Plant

Seed: l/2"

- 1"

Days to Germination:

6 - 12

Planting Instructions: Plant five to six seeds on a mound. up, remove all but the best two or three plants. Care: This vegetable is an active climber, Utherwise, it tree or the roof of a house. grown on a trellis.

When the seedlings

are

so it is best to let it grow over a should be tied to some branches or

li!;i!;;s;inp : The first fruits will be ready for eating after about eaves and stem tips make a tasty vegetable, rich in vitamins Seed collection is easy.

3 months. The and minerals..

-3a-

BEET

Planting

Time:

October

to December

Soil Condition: Loose, sandy soil containing some organic material (Rotted manure, compost, etc.) Spacing: iii - 12" between rows - 5" between plants Seed: l/2 inch

Depth to Plant

Days to Germination:

5 - 7

Planting bed. Care: F4

Instructions:

T:le seed can be planted

in rows or broadcasted

over the top of the

If the seed is broadcasted, the seedlings %o 5 inches apart. Keep the beds moist.

should

be thinned

out until

the plants

Beet leaves are rich in vitamins ==P 1s rea y to eat 2 to 3 months after planting.

and minerals

and quite

tasty.

The root

-39-

BITTER GOURD (KAROLLA)

Planting

Time:

February, April

March,

Any soil containing Soil Condition: a generous amount of organic material, (cow dung, compost, etc.) Spacing: 2 seedlings per mount 3 feet between mounds Seed: 11 ?'I - 1" 8 - 12

Depth to Plant

Days to Germination:

Planting Instructions: Plant three the two strongest looking plants.

or four

seeds on a mound.

Later

remove all

but

Care:
-plant

A bamboo trellis can be built for the vines to climb. This is a good vegetable near the edge of the garden, where the vines can grow over the fence.

F==

The green The gourds are ready for harvesting 3 months after planting. Seed -1s. eaves and stem tips make a tasty vegetable, rich in vitamins and minera collection is easy.

-4o-

BLACK COLOCAS IA

(KRISNO KOCHU)

Planting

Time:

April

and May

Soil Condition: Sandy soil rich in organic materials (compost, well-rotted manure, etc.) 1 plant per mount 1 - 2 feet between mounds Root: 2 - 3 inches 5 - 7

Depth to Plant

Days to Sprouting:

Planting Instructions: young plants with tiny

Plant a piece of root roots are planted.

(root-cutting)

in each mound.

Sometimes

Care:
earth

Keep the soil moist, but not too wet. near the base of the stems four to five Harvest

Good drainage times a year.

is important. Place Remove any rotten stems.

both the leaves and the stems. The leaves are an excellent and minerals. Plants will continue to produce year after year.

-41-

BROCCOLI

Planting

Time:

August

to November

Sandy soil containSoil Condition: ing generous amounts of organic material (cow dung, compost, etc.) Spacing: 24" between rows 18" between plants Seed: l/4 inch

Depth to Plant

Days to Germination:

3 - 4

Planting seedings

Instructions: are 2 inches

Plant seed in a seedbox or seedbed. tall, about 4 to 5 weeks after sowing.

Transplant

when the

Care: Some gardeners shade the seedlings for the first 3 to 4 days after transplanting. Beds can be mulched to keep the soil moist and control the growth of weeds. Give liquid fertilizer (manure tea) several times during the growing season.
l+W~~S~h~

Cut the first head before the tiny yellow flowers begin to open. More be produced. The more heads that are picked, the more the plant will

produce.

-42-

CABBAGE

Planting

Time:

August through October

Any soil containing Soil Condition: generous amounts of organic material (cowdung, compost, etc.) Spacing: 24" between rows 18" between plants Seed: l/4 inch

Depth to Plant

Days to Germination:-

4 - 9

Plant seed in a seedbox Plantin Instructions: %i%f-+b20 d ays after sowing. Care: Many gardeners shade their seedlings Beds can be mulched to conserve planting.

or seedbed.

Transplant

the seedlings

for the first water.

3 to 4 days after

trans-

v otlter

The heads are ready to eat 3 months after eaves wall prolong the harvest period,

planting.

Early

picking

of the

-43-

CARROT

Planting

Time:

September to December

A loose sandy soil. Soil Condition: Avoid too much cow dung and other Compost can be used. manures. Spacing: 2":: - 8" between rows - 3" between plants Seed: l/4" - l/2"

Depth to Plant

Days to Germination:

7 - 12

Seeds can be sown in rows or broadcasted Planting Instructions: Seeds can be soaked in water for 12 hours to speed germination. Care: Thinning should be done 7 - 10 days after beone when the leaves are about 4 inches tall. to grow deformed roots. Harvesting: The young carrots can be harvested roots are ready to eat in 3 months.

over the bed.

germination. A second thinning can Too much cow dung causes carrots

2 months after

planting.

Bigger

-44-

CAULIFLOWER

Planting

Time:

August

to November

Soil Condition: Any soil containing generous amounts or organic material (compost, manure, etc.) Spacing: 24" between rows 18" between plants Seed: l/4" 3 - 6 to l/2"

Depth to Plant

Days to Germination:

Planting Instructions: to permanent beds after

Plant seed in a seedbox or seedbed. 15 days.

Transplant

the seedlings

Care: When seedlings are set out, press the soil tightly around the roots. gardeners shade the seedlings for the first 3 to 4 days after transp!lanting. can be mulched to keep the soil moist and control the growth of weeds. Harvesting: Ready to eat 3 to 4 months after a tasty vegetable. planting, The outer green

Some Beds

leaves

make

-45-

CHINESE CABBAGE (PE-TSAI

Planting

Time:

October-January Mix plenty of into the beds.

Soil Condition: organic material

Depth to Plant

Seed:

l/E

inch

Days to Germination:

3 - 5

Plant inq Instructions: are 15 to 20 days old.

Plant seeds in a seedbox or seedbed. Grow on raised beds.

Transplant

when seedlings

Care: Lots
m.

of moisture in the soil is needed for growth. Many gardeners mulch the Give liquid fertilizer (manure tea) several times during the growing season. two months after sowing. Seed collection is easy. Cut and eat

Harvesting: The vegetable is ready within the outer leaves to prolong the harvest.

-460

COWPEA

Planting

Time:

March to

July

Soil Condition: Any soil containing generous amounts of organic material (compost, manure, etc.) Spacing: 2-3 p?ants per mound 2 feet between mounds Seed: l/2" 4 - 5 - 1"

Depth to Plant

Days to Germination:

Plant four to five seeds on a mound. Later, remove all but Plantinq Instructions: the srongest two or three plants. Seeds can also be planted in rows (6 inches between plants, 2 - 3 feet between rows) or broadcasted over the top of the bed. Care: Ects Provide a large branch or trellis on the tender beans. Dust with for the plants to climb. ashes, if necessary. Watch for small

The young beans are ready to eat five to eight F== he green leaves and tender stem tips make a good vegetable, minerals. Seed collection is easy.

weeks after planting. rich in vitamins and

-47-

CUCUMBER

Planting

Time:

April - May October - November

Soil containing a Soil Condition: generous amount of organic material (cow dung, compost, etc.) plants per mound between mounds Spacing: : -- 33 feet Depth to Plant Seed; l/2" 4 - 8 - l!'

Days to Germination:

Plant five to six seeds on a mound. Pl antinq Instructions: are up, remove all but the best two to three plants.

Wnen the seedlings

Care: During the winter season, cucumber can be grown over mulched mounds or beds. In the monsoon, tie the vines to a branch or trellis to keep the plants off the ground. Harvestins planting. Harvest the fruits when 4 to 6 inches long, Pick the fruits often to prolong the harvest. about 3 months after Seed collection is easy.

-48-

EGGPLANT

Plantinq Time: February, September aard October Soil soif Condition: containing

March,

Grows well on sandy organic material.

Spacing:

:+I:: - 36" between rows - 24" between plants Seed: l/2 inch

Depth to Plant

Davs to Germination:

6 - 14

Plantinq Instructions: Plant seeds in a seedbox or seedbed. Transplant when the seedlings are 4" to 5" high, about 15 days after sowing, Plants can be grown on beds or mounds. When the plants are one foot tall, they should Care: Water every seven tc ten days and give liquid fertilizer twice before the plant flowers. be supported with a stick. (manure tea) once or

Harvesting: The young fruits will be ready to eat about 10 weeks after Pick the fruits often to prolong the harvest. Seed collection is easy.

sowing.

-49-

FIELD BEAN (SHEEM)

Planting

Time:

July, August, September

Any soil containing Soil Condition: generous amounts of organic material (compost, manure, rotted leaves)

- 2 plants per mound - 6 feet between mounds Seed: l/2" - 1"

Depth to Plant

Days to Germination:

3 - 5

Planting Instructions: one or two seedlings.

Plant

four

to five

seeds on a mound.

Later,

remove all

but

have germinated. Watch Care: Many gardeners mulch the mounds after the seedlings Dust with ashes, if necessary. forinsect damage on the flowcars and tender beans. Provide a large branch or treYl5; for plants to climb. Beans are ready to eat about 10 weeks after the harvest. Seed collection is easy. planting. Pick the beans

molong

-5o-

FRENCH BEAN

Plantinq

Time:

September to December

Soil Condition: Mix plenty of organic material into the soil (compost, manure, etc.). Bed should be well drained. Spacing: 10" - 18" between rows 6 - 8" between plants Seed: 1 inch 3 - 5

Depth to Plant

Days to Germination:

Planting

Instructions:

Seeds may be planted

in rows or broadcasted.

Beans do not like soil that is too wet. Many gardeners mulch the beds to conCare: Ee soil moisture and controi the growth of weeds. Watch for insect damage on the flowers and tender beans. Dust with ashes, if necessary. Beans are ready to eat about the harvest. Seed collection 10 weeks after is easy. planting. Frequent picking

mg

-5: -

GARLIC ANDONION

Planting Soil soil,

Time:

October

- November

Condition: containing

We!l-drained, sandy organic material

Spacing:

7" - 12" between rows 3" - 4" between plants Seed: l/4 inch

Depth to Plant

Days to Germination:

5 - 12

It fakes Planting Instructions: an old garlic into cloves (small garden bed. Soak onion seeds in seedbed. When the seedlings are
Care: week. Keep the bed free

too long to grow garlic from seeds. Break apart Plant each clove l-l/2 inches deep in the bulbs). water for 12 hours. Plant the seed in a seedbox or 3 to 4 inches tall, transplant to the gar;icn beds. Some gardeners loosen the soil once or twice a

of weeds.

Harvistingz When the leaves turn brown and ry them in the sun for a few days.

(3 - 4 monthsj, carefully dig up the Store them in a cool, dry place.

bulbs

-52-

INDIANSPINACH

Planting Time: Best I~me:

Any month February to

June

Any soil contain ing Soil Condition: generous amounts of organic mater ial (well-rotted cow dung, compost, e tc.) Spacing:

2 feet row to row 8 - 10" between plants

Seed: l/2 inch

Depth to Plant

Days to Germination:

4 - 6

Planting Instructions: Plant seedlings are 4 inches tall. three seedlings per mound.

seeds in a seedbox or seedbed. Transplant Seedlings can be grown on mounds or beds.

when the Plant

Tie the plant Care: Keep the soil moist. week to stimulate leaf growth. Harvestin 9 : Begin harvesting is cut, the more branches it

to a stick.

Give manure tea every

when the vine is three feet long. The more the vine d will grow. Seed collection is easy.

-53-

JUTE (SWEET)

Planting

Time:

March to May

Any soil containing Soil Condition: some organic materials (compost, well-rotted cow dung, etc.) Spacing: 3" - 4" between each plant Seed: l/4 4 - 6 inch

Depth to Plant

Days to Germination:

Planting Instructions: with soil, tnen water Care: Keep the Soil i%?its are 3 inches growth.

Broadcast the bed. moist tall.

the seeds over well-prepared

beds.

Cover lightly

Begin thinning when the until the seeds have germinated. Keep the beds weeded. Give manure tea to promote leaf

!?%?ifter Seed collection

Start picking 5 months is easy.'

the leaves 1 month after planting. Stems can be harvested The leaves are a good source of vitamins and minerals.

-54-

KAKROL

Planting

Time:

March to August

Any soil well preSoil Condition: -with cow dung or compost I plant per mound 3 - 5 feet between mounds Root: 3 inches 3 - 4

Spacing:

Depth to lPlant

Days to Sprouting:

Plantinq Instructions: from healthy, productive

Plant one root cutting per mound. Select pieces of root Plants will continue to produce year after year. vines.

Care: Put a large bamboo branch into the ground for the vines to climb. Mulching around the plants holds soil moisture, and keeps weeds from growing. Watch for insect damage. Oust with ashes, if necessary. The fruits from Kakrol become too big. are ready to eat 3 months after planting. Harvest

-seeds

-550

KOHLRABI

Planting

Time:

September, November

October

Any soil well Soil Condition: pared with cow dung or compost Spacing:

pre-

l,O:: - 12" between rows - 6" between plants Seed: l/4 inch

Depth to Plant

Days to Germination:

4 - 6

in the garden. Planting Instructions: Plant seeds in a seedbox or directly plant seedlings from the seedbox when the plants are about 2 inches tall. Care: Mulch the beds to conserve soil moisture and control the growth inches

Trans-

of weeds. in diameter,

Harvesting: Once the bottom of thl stem has reached -. . It 1s ready to harvest (2-3 months .

two or three

-560

MUSTARD (LA1 SHAK)

Plantinq

time:

September to December

Any soil rich in Soil Condition: organic materials (rotted cow dung, compost, rotted leaves, etc.) Spacing: 18" - 24" between rows 8" - 12" between plants Seed: l/4" 3 - 5 - I/2"

Depth to Plant

Days to Germination:

Plant Plantiriq Instructions: (in rows, or broadcasted).

the seeds in a seedbox or directly

in the garden

Care: If seeds are broadcasted, the seedlings should bethinned out to stand 8 to I2 inches between plants. Mulch the beds to conserve soil moisture and control the browth of weeds. Give liquid fertilizer (manure tea) several times during the growing season. This will encourage more leafy growth.

w-9

e outer

The vegetable is ready to eat within two months after sowing. eaves often to prolong the harvest. Seed collection is easy.

Cut and eat

-57-

OKRA

Planting

Time:

February to May August to October

Any soil well preSoil Condition: Some pared with cow dung or compost. gardeners add lime to the soil two to four weeks before planting. - 30" between rows - 24" between plants Depth to Plant Seed: l/2" 5 - 8 - 1"

Days to Germination:

Instructions: Seeds may be planted Planting moist until the seeds germinate.
Care: Mulch the beds to conserve soil

directly

in the garden.

Keep the soil

moisture

and control

the growth

of weeds.

Dried Harvesting: Pick the fruits before the seeds are too big. Seed collection to eat. Prepare them like dry lentils or beans.

okra seeds are good is very easy.

-58-

PEA (BUSH TYPE)

Plantinq

Time:

October

and November

Soil Condition: organic material Spacing: 1:"

Mix plenty of into the beds.

- 24" between rows " - 8" between plants Seed: 1 inch 610

Depth to Plant

Davs to Germination:

Instructions: Planting broadcasted or planted

Plant seeds directly in lines (rows).

in prepared

beds.

Seeds can either

be

Care: Lots of moisture in the soil is required for good growth. Many gardeners fib the beds. Provide short sticks to support the plants if needed. Peas are good to grow along the fences of a garden. The young pods are ready to harvest about when the pods are dry after four months. 7 to 8 weeks after sowing.

-59-

PEPPER (HOT)

Pjantinq

Time:

March to May October to December

Soil Condition: 6 Any soil containing organic materials (Well-rotted cow dung, compost, rotted leaves, etc. Spacing: 2 feet between rows 12" - 18" between plants Seed: l/2 inch

Depth to Plant

Days to Germination:

5 - 10

Planting Instructions: the seeds tor 12' hours bed after one month.

Plant before

seeds in a seedbox Transplant sowing.

or seedbed. Some gardeners soak the seedlings to a permanent

Mulch Care: Shade the seedlings for the first 3 to 4 days after transplanting. sheds to conserve soil moisture and control the growth of weeds, Keep the beds moist for the first 15 days after transplanting.

Harvesting:
fully ripe

Green peppers are ready 3 to 4 months after planting. peppers for drying. Seed collection is easy.

Pick the

PIGEON PEA

(ORHAR)

Plantinq

Time:

May

- June
in

Soil Condition: organic material leaves, manure).

Sandy soil rich (compost, rotted

3 feet Spacing: 2 - 3
Depth to Plant

between rows feet betti?en plants Seed: 1 inch 3 - 5

Days to Germination:

Plantinq Instrtictions: Seeds may be planted on beds or mounds. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. Because this vegetable occupies the ground for a long time, it is best to plant it near the edges of the garden, or in other places around the house. Care: control Some gardeners put a mulch around the plants the growth of weeds. Plants flower when the weather turns Seed collection is easy, to conserve soil moisture and

Harvesting: ln December

or January.

cool.

Pods are ready

for

picking

-67-

POINTED GOURD (PATOL)

Planting

Time:

March to August

Any soil well preSoil Condition: pared with cow dung or compost. 1 piant per mound 3- 5 feet between mounds Root: 3 inches 3 - 4

Depth to Plant

Days to Sprouting:

Planting Instructions: tram healthy, productive

Plant one root cutting per mound. Select pieces of root Plants will continue to produce year after year. vines.

Care: Put a large bamboo branch into the ground for the vines to climb. Mulching Watch for around the plants holds soil moisture, and keeps weeds from growing. insect damage. Dust with ashes, if necessary. The fruits from Pat07 are ready the seeds become too big. to eat 2 months after planting.

-62-

RADISH

Planting

Time:.

July

to December

Loose, sandy soil Soil Condition: containing organic material (rotted cow dung, compost, etc.), Spacing: i:i - 10" between rows - 4" between plants Seeds: l/4" 3 - 4 - l/Z"

Depth to Plant

Days to Germination:

The seeds can be broadcasted or planted in rows. Some Planting Instructions: gardeners boardcast the seeds thickly, and harvest the small plants as a leafy vegetable. Care: Keep the beds moist and free of weeds. leaves. Dust with ashes, if necessary. Watch for insect damage on the

Harvesting: The leaves are ready to harvest 15 to 20 days after planting. The root is ready to eat 2 to 3 months after planting. Grow this vegetable as a "quick crop" for the leaves.

-63-

RIDGE GOURD

Planting

Time:

March, April,

May

Soil Condition: Mix plenty of organic material into the soil (cow dung, compost, etc.) Spacing: 2 - 3 seeds per mound 2 - 3 feet between mounds Seed: l/2" - 1"

Depth to Plant

Days to Germination:

7 - 10

Planting Instructions: m the three strongest

Plant four to five looking plants

seeds on a mound.

Later,

remove all

Care: Grow on a trellis or put a large bamboo branch into the ground for the vines l?Flimb. In the beginning it may be necessary to tie the vines to the support. Harvesting: keep gourds The gourds are ready for eating 10 to I2 weeks after planting. Seed collection picked off the vines to prolong the harvest.

is easy.

-64-

SNAKE GOURD

Planting

Time:

March, April,

May

Soil Condition: Mix plenty of organic material into the soil (cow dung, compost, etc.) - 3 seedlings per mound z - 3 feet between mounds Seed: l/4" - 1"

Spacing_:

Depth to Plant

Days to Germination:

7 - 10

Planting Instructions: but the three strongest

Plant four to five looking plants.

seeds on a mound.

Later,

remove all

Care: Put a large bamboo branch into the ground for the vines beginning it may be necessary to tie the vines to the support.

to climb.

In the

Harvesting: The gourds are ready for eating 3 to 4 months after planting. the gourds often to prolong the harvest. Seed collection is easy.

Pick

-65

SPINACH

Planting

Time.:

September to December Mix plenty of into the beds.

Soil Condition: organic material Spacing:

6" - 8" between rows 6" between plants Seed: l/2" 3 - 7

Depth to Plant

Days to Germination:

Planting Instructions: Soak the seeds for 12 hours. Sow in rows or broadcast the seed over the top of a bed. Keep the bed moist until the seeds germinate. Care: Many gardeners @Zing. Give liquid season. Harvesting: The first sowing. Cut the outer easy. muich the beds to preserve moisture and keep the weeds from fertilizer (manure tea) every week during the growing

leaves leaves

will be ready to harvest four often to prolong the harvest.

to five weeks after Seed collection is

-66-

SWEET CORN

Planting

Time:

September to November February to June rich in well-

Soil Condition: Sandy soil organic materials (compost, rotted manure, etc.)
Spacing:

2 feet between rows 6 inches between plants Seed:

Deoth to Plant

inch

Days to Germination:

4 - 6

Planting

Instructims: plenty ot well-rotted

Plant seeds directly cow dung and compost,

in the garden.

Prepare

the beds with

Care: Many gardeners mulch the beds to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds. Iforn does not grow well, maybe the soil is acid. This can be corrected by adding powdered fime (chun) to the soil. Harvesting: collectzon Harvest is easy. the corn when the kernels are still soft and milky. Seed

-67-

SWEETPOTATO (VINING TYPE)

P'l?nting

Time: October - November Any month

For Tubers: For Leaves:

Sandy, loose soil Soil Condition: contalnlng some well-rotted manure or compost Spacing: 2 feet between rows 8 " - 10" between plants

Plant by using 18 inch vine cuttings. The cuttings at the Planting Instructions: is tip are the best. Plant the cutting at an angle, so that half (or two-thirds) If under the earth, leaving the rest of the stem and vine tip above the ground. vine cuttings are not available, cut a sprouting tuber into sections and plant the pieces leaving the sprouts above the ground. Care: Remove weeks once or twice until the vines cover the beds.

iliE%%,

The six inch vine tips make an excellent vegetable, rich in vitamins Tubers are ready to harvest 5 to 6 Harvest the tips around the year. Let them cure (rest) in an open but covered place for a week months after-planting. before eating.

SWEET PUMPKIN (SQUASH)

Planting

Time:

August

to November

Any soil containSoil Condition: ing generous amounts of organic material (cow dung, compost, rotted leaves) Spacing: 2 plants per mound 3 feet between mounds Seed: 1 inch 4 - 10

Depth to Plant

Days to Germination:

Plant five to six seeds on a mound. Planting Instructions: are up, remove.ar I but the best two plants.

When the seedlings

Care: Sweet pumpkin can be grown on.mulched beds, or on a trellis to save space. E-watering causes excessive leaves and less fruit. If the leaves become too many, pinch off the tips of the vine; Harvesting: Leaves and stem tips can be harvested ready in four months. Seed collection is easy. after two months. Fruits are

-69-

. e

SWORD BEAN (MAKHON SHEEM)

Planting

Time:

July,

August, September

Soil Condition: Any soil containing some organic material (compost, manure, rotted leaves, etc.) Spacing: 1 - 2 plants per mound - 6 feet between mounds Seed: l-l/l 3 - 7
inches

Depth to Plant

Days to Germination:

Plantinq Instructions: one or two seedlings.

Plant

four

to five

seeds on a mound.

Later,

remove all

but

Care: Many gardeners mulch the mounds after the seedlings forinsect damage on the flowers and stem tips. Dust with Harvesting: the tender

have germinated. Watch ashes, if necessary pick off

Beans are ready to eat 10 weeks after planting. Continuously beans to prolong the harvest. Seed collection is easy.

-700

TOMATO

Plantinq

Time:

September, October November, December

Any soil containSoil Condition: ing some compost or other organic The beds should be well materials. drained.

Spating:

::'I

- 36" between rows II - 24" between plants Seed: l/4" to l/2"

Depth to Plant

Days to Germination:

6 - 10

Insfbidtions: Plant seeds in a seedbox or seedbed. When the seedliings are Plantinq 3 inches tall, transfer them to another seedbox. Plant them deeper than they were growing in the first seedbox. When the plants are 10 inches tall, transplant them to the permanent beds. Some gardeners transplant only once, while others sow seeds directly in the garden.
Care: Stake the young plants Leave the tomatoes Seed collection and prune off on the plant is easy. the excess branches. until they are fully ripe, about 3 months

TURNIP

Planting

Time:

September to December

Loose, sandy soil Soil Condition: containing some organic material (rotted cow dung, compost, etc.) Spacing: 8" - 12" between rows 4" between plants Seeds: l/2 5 - 8 inch

Depth to Plant

Davs to Germination:

Plantinq of a bed.

Instrticfions:

Seeds can be planted

in rows or broadcasted

over the top

Care:
plants

If the seed is broadcasted, are each 4 inches apart. The turnip planting. leaves

the seedlings

should

be thinned

out until

the

make a tasty

vegetable.

The root

is ready to eat

%%%Z$ter

-72-