April 8, 2009
How to Grow Cabbage and Related Crops in the Home Garden
The common vegetables related to cabbage are collectively called the cole crops. Cole crops grow best in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees F. Cabbage and broccoli are the easiest to grow and should be planted from transplants in early spring. In central Iowa, plant broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower in mid-April. MORE
How to Grow Tomatoes in the Home Garden
Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable in the home garden. Tomatoes are available in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and shapes.
How to Grow Squash in the Home Garden
Summer squash such as zucchini, and winter squash such as acorn and buttercup grow well in fertile, well-drained soils containing high levels of organic matter. They also require full sun.
How to Grow Snap Beans in the Home Garden
Snap beans, crisp green beans that "snap" easily, are warm-season vegetables and should be planted after the danger of frost is past. The two main types are classified as bush beans or pole beans.  MORE
How to Grow Beets in the Home Garden
Beets grow best in loose, well-drained soils in sunny locations. Begin sowing beet seeds in early April and make successive plantings every 2-3 weeks ensure a continued harvest into fall. MORE
How to Grow Onions in the Home Garden
Onions are one of the most popular vegetables in the home garden and are easy to grow. They can be grown for green onions and dry bulbs. Onions grow best in well-drained, slightly acidic, fertile soils in full sun. MORE
How to Grow Potatoes in the Home Garden
One of the most popular vegetables in the home garden is the "Irish" potato that you can grow in any loose, fertile, slightly acid soil in full sun. MORE
See also ISU Extension pamphlet PM1890, "Potatoes" available on the Internet from the ISU Extension Online Store
How to Grow Radishes and Carrots in the Home Garden
Cool-season vegetable crops, such as radishes, lettuce, and peas grow best in cool temperatures and can be planted is early spring as soon as the ground can be worked in late March or early April. MORE
Carrots can be planted planted from seed starting in early April. MORE
How to Grow Peppers in the Home Garden
Peppers are easy- to-grow vegetables that are as pretty on the plate as they are in the garden. Green peppers or bell peppers are sweet to the taste and usually dark green, though depending on the cultivar, the fruit will turn red, yellow, orange, or some other color at maturity. MORE
Hot peppers are also easy to grow, but they are a challenge to eat. MORE
How to Grow Peas in the Home Garden
Garden, snow, and snap peas should be planted as soon as the ground can be worked in spring.  MORE