Americas

Americas. World Vegetables. , The potato, adapted to the wide variety of climates in the Andes Mountains, was among the first plants cultivated by people in Peru, more than 10,000 years ago. Maize (corn) is believed to have been grown originally in the fertile valleys of southern Mexico more than 8,000 years ago., Food for thought , Through travel and trade, people transported native crops of the Americas worldwide. Today, many of these crops are associated with cuisines far beyond the Americas, think potatoes and Ireland, tomatoes and Italy, or hot peppers and Thailand., green tip , Let your plants help each other grow. For Native Americans, corn, beans, and squash are "three sisters" are traditionally planted together. The cornstalk is a natural pole for bean vines to climb. Bean vines improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen in their roots and help stabilize the corn plant Shallow-rooted, prickly-leafed squash vines shade out emerging weeds, prevent soil moisture evaporated, and discourage herbivores.