Best Vegetables for the Southern Plains U.S.

Southern Plains Vegetable Picks

Top Pick

‘Giant Caesar’ lettuce proves that bigger is better

twenty-four hours to maturity:70

This cos lettuce lettuce is known for its size : The large , deep - green leave can reach 16 column inch long and 10 inches extensive . ‘ Giant Caesar ’ aggregate the taste of a cos lettuce and the texture of a butterhead . As with other lettuces , seed can be direct - inseminate in early spring and late summer for a fall harvest . However , because this multifariousness transplant and separates easy , it is a safe choice for starting indoors . Seedlings must be melt off immediately , rather before the first set of true leaves set out to spring up . If potential , plant transplant on a cloudy day or in the evening . For the best growth , flora should n’t be crowded . Space them at least 8 to 10 inches apart . Protect the plants from oestrus using a nuance cloth , and give mulch to keep back wet . The head of ‘ Giant Caesar ’ can be harvested whole , or by picking only the outmost leaves and leave behind the inner leaves to grow .

‘Black Beauty’ squash

Days to maturity:50

This dark - green - skinned heirloom variety is one of the most popular of its case . ‘ Black Beauty ’ was an All - America Selections success in 1957 . seed should be direct - sow after the danger of frost has passed , in hills 4 metrical unit aside , and melt off to two to three plants per mound . For short develop seasons or early harvests , set off sow indoors . ‘ Black Beauty ’ is a bush , semi - upright variety that is sluttish to grow and very productive . Use row cover to protect plant from pests , and mulch to keep wet and suppress mourning band .

The squash ripens during the live summer months , and once the plants start to produce , they will keep through the arise time of year . Fruits can be picked at any full point but are well glean at 6 to 8 inch long , when they are still young and cranky . ‘ Black Beauty ’ crush is excellent steam , baked , sautéed , fried , frozen , or just eaten raw . In addition , its blossoms are edible and can be used in a variety of formula .

‘Juliet’ tomato

twenty-four hours to maturity:60

This 1999 All - America Selections Winner is related to but slightly larger than ‘ Santa ’ grape tomato . ‘ Juliet ’ is a popular indeterminate salmagundi that ’s shaped like a plum tree or grape case but is categorized as a cherry eccentric . Long and vigorous vine produce several cluster of 12 to 18 fruits , each weighing around an Panthera uncia .

As with other tomatoes , the ejaculate should be set out indoors , about six to eight weeks before the last average icing . Use mulch to cut down on splashing soils and the transfer of potential disease onto the foliation . This variety has better crack resistivity than most cherry red tomato and can halt on the vine longer , too . ‘ Juliet ’ is sweet , raciness - sized , and perfect for salads ; it is also meaty , which make it nifty for salsa and sauces . The plant are tolerant of recent blight and resistant to early blight .

‘Blue Lake 274’ bush green bean

‘ Blue Lake 274 ’ was developed in 1961 from the popular ‘ Pole Blue Lake ’ bean and is an all - clock time favorite of mine . The seeded player are best directly - sown after all risk of frost is past in spring and the stain has warmed . Sow seeds 1 inch apart , then thin to 2 to 3 inch apart . The dark - green pod are 5 to 6 inches prospicient with white seeds . Once the plant get make , they grow quickly . At full size , the plants are 12 to 16 inches improbable .

Although the flora do n’t require support , containing them with a wire mesh “ wall ” may be necessary in a raised bed and in windy position . The plants have beautiful blank and lavender blossom , which , when they fall off , bring out the bantam develop beans . The pods are plump , tender , nearly vulcanized fiber - loose , and have excellent flavor . ‘ Blue Lake 274 ’ matures in a forgetful period of time ( two to three weeks ) . The plants are virus and pest tolerant , as well as heat and humidness tolerant .

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Berry & Bird Rabbiting Spade , trench Shovel

Gardener ’s Log Book from NYBG

A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

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Part 2: Best Vegetables for the Northeast

Best Vegetables for the Southeast

Part 2: Best Vegetables for the Mid-Atlantic

Part 2: Best Vegetables for the Midwest

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