Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1921-06-14
Cultivation of Pin1entos


is an old table deIicacv but rela-
lively new product of our home gar
dens. 1t is only recently that we
have learned that this crop can be
grown successfully in the southeast
ern states. 1t is thoroughly whole
some and desirable vegetable and one
which we should produce on very
large scale. 1t not only adds to the
value of the home garden but those
who grow and preserve it properly
can dispose of it to advantage in
the markets of our country where
there is a growing demand for it
on the part of all food connoisseurs.
| The time will undoubtedly come
when the pimento will be as com
monty grown and as generally used
as the better known bell pepper. 1t
should not be longa as matter oe
fact, before we are able to raise all
these peppers we need and not be
| dependent on Spain for our main sup
| ply as has been true in the past.
| In order that the principles in
voIved in the successful growth and
cultivation of peppers may be bet
! ter understood and appreciated some
! Of the most important facts rela-
| tive to the best methods for cult
| waiting, seeding and fertilizing this
crop are presented for the 1nfor-
nation of our readers. They repre-
sent data which is based on the eX-
perience and observation of those in
| charge of this phase of the extension
work of the college, and the ideas
suggested are therefore strictly APP
plicable to the conditions which the
average grower in Georgia VIII nave
! to negotiate.
The pimento is a practically new
crop. 1t lends itself admirably to
canning and preserving. 1t IS
wholesome product and desirable Tor
use throughout the entire year. AS
the season of growth is comparative
ly short and there is likely to be an
Dver-production at that time the
methods involved i'll handling ana
preserving this crop successfully be-
come now of general interest and
concern to not only the members OF
our canning club organization put
to the housewives as we'll The
methods of procedure which shouIu
be instituted and followed In order
to can and preserve pimentos salts
factorily are therefore outlined in
detail. These should be carefully
followed out by all who are at
tempting to handle this crop Tor the
first time.
Some suggestions have also been
Incorporated relative to certain re-
ceipts which will be found deslTanIe
for use in making up various dam
ties and reliShes, and which Will Ina
an acceptable place on the nome Ia
BILE at almost any season OF the
year.
This variety of the pepper is very
popular on account of Its mia Id
vor. and free from any pungent fla
vor that so many consider undesira-
bile. 1t differs from the ordinary
sweet bell pepper, in that 1t mas a
much thicker meat, d very tousn
skin and smooth in contour, being
comparatively free from ridges.
The seed do not terminate Freely
in temperature less than 90 oegrees;
hence they should either be started
in a. hot bed or in boxes that are
protected by keeping them In the ny
inc room of the house. The plmento
pepper plant is very similar to the
tomato as to the conditions most
favorable for its deVelopment, ana -
even more sensitive, particularly
when young, being checked in
growth by cold, wet or unfavorable
conditions of the soil. In order 10
get the best returns, 1T is important
that there be an unchecked CROWN
from the time the seed are plahteu
until the fruit has ripened.
Seed should be soWn in hot bed or
in a box in the house about eight
weeks before the time for setting the
plants in the garden. One ounce Oh
seed will usually make about l,oOO
good strong plants IL properly
handled. Sow the sed in rows three
or four inches apart. They should
be thick enough to produce several
plants to the inch. Cover seeds very
lightly with sandy soil or sandy loan
and water down thoroughly, but do
not water so as to puddle the soil.
Always water the beds or boxes IN
the morning and on sunny days. care
must be used in watering. TOO much
water, or keeping the beds or boxes
wet, will cause loss from damplng
off fungi, which cause the young
over and die. Use just enough water
| to keep plants growing, and Venulate
| the beds when the weather is warm
enough by opening the sash. Never
allow plants to suffer Tor water; Inc
boxes on warm days should be placed
out of doors in the sunshine.
AS soon as the plants show true
leaves, which will be about four
weeks after the seed are soWn, PRICK
or transplant them out into the colo
frames In the cold frames the
| plants should have from two to three
inches distance each way. This
pricking or transplanting process can
be best done with small pointed
stick or with the fingers. In taking
the plants from the hot bed to the
cold frames the roots must not be e&-
posed to the wind or sunshine; as
they would be considerably injured.
If hot beds and cold frames cannot
be secured and boxes are used, they
should be filled with d rich, mellow
soil and the seed sown the same as
in a hot bed. Keep the boxes near
window and at a temperature of not
less than SIS degrees. Unless the
plants develop in the light they will
be weak and spindling. Close atten-
ton must be given to watering, as
| the air in the house is usually dry
| and causes the soil to dry out very
| quickly The small plants should be
| transplanted to other boxes as soon
as they have developed the first true
! leaves.
The plants should not be trans
! planted to the field until all danger
of frost is over. The pimentoes are
more sensitive to cold than the to-
! MT got the ..Iart out