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«Vegetables-Previous Page | ||||
ARTICHOKE Artichokes are native to the eastern Mediterranean and Canary Islands. You can grow artichokes in your home-garden, as long as your climate doesn't tend to extremes. However, the plants are fairly large and bulky--so you'll need a bit of space. With winter protection, artichoke plants can produce for up to 7 years. But in most areas, artichokes are treated as annual plants. The plant has dramatic leaves and if you don't like to eat artichokes you can let the "fruit" flower. The edible part is actually an unopened flower bud. The flowers look like giant thistle blooms in shades of purple, blue and green. Quite spectacular! |
 Dramatic Artichokes The botanical name for artichoke is Cynara Scolymus. Cynara refers to dog. The serrated edge shape of the leaves reminded botanists of dog's teeth. |
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 Squash blossom & fruit (Cucurbita spp.) |
SQUASH Another home-garden favorite is squash, because it is easy to grow and prolific. Squash plants produce male and female flowers--the male flowers have a straight stem, while the female flowers have a swollen stem. Pollen from a male flower pollinates the female to set fruit. Squash blossoms can be sauteed, dipped in batter and fried, or stuffed with vegetables and rice. |
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| Did you know that the taproot of squash plants can grow 6 feet deep? If you sometimes find yourself with an excess of squash (and who doesn't?), you can slice, blanch and cool the excess squash, then pack in plastic containers and freeze for later use. Squash comes in many colors, sizes and shapes--but in two main types--winter squash and summer squash. Both types are heavy feeders--so plant them in beds that have been well amended with compost. |
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Winter Squash includes:
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Summer Squash includes:
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