New Plants to Consider for Fall & Winter Source of Vegetables

In temperate climates where extended frosts do not occur, we need not think the vegetable garden must ever entirely go to sleep. Last spring I planted two Chayote (aka Whiskila) seeds (the entire fruit, actually), a vegetable vine widely grown in Mexico and Central America. It is an excellent source of vitamins and produces throughout the cool months of fall and winter in our region. It is a quite undemanding vine, requiring moderately fertile soil and regular watering (though don't overdo it). The fruit is extremely mild, vaguely similar to Zucchini and can substitute for this squash in most recipes. It blends in with essentially anything and provides a fresh vegetable that's easy to grow, store and prepare. The vines will go a little crazy in your garden, but they do not damage other plants and die back each year (or you can cut them back and they'll come again next year). One of my vines is climbing over my large orange tree, but is not overwhelming it. This is my first year of growing Chayote and I have enjoyed them. They have been a good addition to many of my vegetable recipes, particularly some of my old fashioned casseroles and sauteed veggie/chicken combinations.

Go to http://www.rickbayless.com/menu/layout?id=7 to read about Rick Bayless recipes using Chayote. In search box, write Chayote and you'll see a terrific list of ways to use them.