I want to start planning my (second) summer veggie garden. Last year I grabbed plants at the local nursery and they did fine. But this year I want to plant some special varieties. I don't have much room so I will only have a few of each.
My first priority is taste. I know that everyone's taste is different, but perhaps there are some that are more widely accepted as better tasting. Also, I'm thinking that for this year, I'd like to stay with rather traditional-looking varieties. Once I've got more experience, I'll start experimenting with more exotic types.
Suggestions anyone? Sorry if this has been asked before. I searched but couldn't find anything.
Thanks,
T-
What varieties of corn, cantelope, cucumbers should I plant?
browse through plantfiles. The popular cultivars will have grower comments. As for corn. Many folks like very sweet corn ( the Sh2's) I don't preferring the Se's. there are those who like the Su's and even a few who really like the corny taste of old open pollinated cultivars. Some folks like white corn, some prefer yellow corn, and like to combine the two in bicolors. As son as you decide on a type, we can discuss yields, earliness size and stuff like that.
Cantaloupes- In your location you would probably want a western shipper, a more solid melon than eastern shippers. I like a strong flavored cantaloupe so my favorite is Supermarket, with Burpee's hybrid and Star Headliner as runner ups. A nice sweet melon is Sugar Queen. I like the green fleshed Galia types (Rocky Sweet, Passport) even better.
Cucumbers, You have to choose a type. Pickling, Slicer, English or Asian. I get good results from the Slicer Straight Nine, and the Asian Jolly green. But remember not only do tastes vary from person to person, but California is a different world than Georgia. What might work well for me may be a complete bust for you.
FarmerDill - Thanks for the tip on PlantFiles. I can see using that feature a lot.
Corn - I will do some research on su, se, sh2's so I understand the basics. I like the sweet corn, although other than my little garden last year, I've only tasted commercially grown so I don’t know what they were. I tend to like the smaller ears. I don’t have a preference between white or yellow at this point.
Cantaloupe - I’ll look into Sugar Queen and the green ones sound very interesting as well. I tend to think I would like the sweet varieties.
Cucumber – I’m definitely looking for a medium sized slicer.
I really appreciate an Uber like you taking time to help a newbee like me!
T-
TLeaves,
Farmerdill is a most unusal asset to the vegetable and fruit forums!
I am thinking that San Diego has a very even temperatured climate that is on the cool side along the coast. Warm weather crops like corn, melons, and tomatoes might do ok there?
Farmer and I like the se corn types which very tender and pretty sweet, but not sickening sweet as some new types are.
I have never tasted a melon though that was too sweet....come close a time or too though!
T, You may also find this list useful. Mostly eastern and northern growers, but they do give a numerical rating. http://vegvariety.cce.cornell.edu/index.php
Hi Indy, I will pay special attention to the se types!
Thanks for the link FarmerDill!
T-