vegetables families

vegetables families

1. CUCURBITS......The vining plants of the gourd family, or cucurbits, may not seem similar enough to be so closely related at first glance, but each and every member produces their fruits on a long vine with seeds running through the center and most are protected by a hard rind.

   • Cucumber
   • Zucchini
   • Squash
   • Pumpkins
   • Melons

2. The NIGHTSHADES family is perhaps the most commonly represented group in most home gardens. Verticillium and fusarium wilt are common fungi that build in the soil when nightshades are planted in the same spot year after year.

   • Tomatoes
   • Peppers
   • Eggplant
   • Tomatillos
   • Potatoes

3. The LEGUMES are a large family, important to many gardeners as nitrogen fixers. Gardeners who use clover or alfalfa as cover crops in winter will need to rotate them along with other members of this family, since they are also legumes and susceptible to the same diseases.

   • Peas
   • Peanuts
   • Beans
   • Cowpeas

4. BRASSICACAE– Also known as the cole crops, members of the mustard family tend to be cool season plants and are used by many gardeners to extend their growing season. Some gardeners say that the flavor of thick-leafed members of this family are improved by a little frost.

   • Broccoli
   • Cauilflower
   • Kale
   • Brussel Sprouts
   • Cabbage
   • Collard Greens
   • Turnips
   • Radishes

5. Not every gardener has space for LILIACEAE, these members of the onion family require rotation just like other families. Although asparagus must be left in place for several years, when selecting a new site for asparagus beds, make sure that no other family members have been grown nearby for several years.

   • onions
   • Asparagus
   • Garlic
   • Chives
   • Shallots

6. LAMIACEAE– Not technically vegetables, many gardens may contain members of the mint family, which benefit from crop rotation due to several persistent and aggressive soil-borne fungal pathogens

   • Mint
   • Thyme
   • Lavendar
   • Sage
   • Oregano
   • Basil