Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) is a traditional export crop in Trinidad and Tobago. It is used to produce high quality chocolates. Successful cocoa production depends on understanding and applying good crop production and processing practices.

Sweet potato is rich in Vitamin A (beta-carotene), Vitamin C and Vitamin B6. Both Vitamin A and C are powerful antioxidants that work in the body to remove free radicals which can damage healthy cells.

Sweet pepper is a fruit used in many West Indian dishes. It can be grown throughout the year.

Sweet Peppers may be grown in a variety of containers or on beds.

They contain Vitamins A, B and C, protein, fibre, and calcium.

This factsheet deals with growing sweet peppers on beds. For a guide to growing sweet peppers in containers see Factsheet on Container Planting.

The Growbox system refers to the production of crops in an enclosed box-like structure using a special mixture inside the box to grow the crops. The material used inside the box does not contain soil. Fertilizer are added to the mixture to provide the plants with their nutrition.

Pumpkin, (Cucurbita moschata), belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. Related crops are water-melon, cucumber, cantaloupe, caraille and other gourds.

Pumpkin is a good source of vitamins A, B and C and minerals.

It is a very versatile vegetable and can be steamed, boiled or baked. The waste can also be fed to livestock.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is not related to the Cruciferae such as cabbage.

It is a good source of dietary fibre, calcium, ironand vitamins A, B, C and E.

Just a few seedlings planted weekly, will keep the home continuously supplied with this leafy vegetable.

Pak-choi; (Brassica rapa subsp chinensis) belongs to the family Cruciferae. Other members of this family include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and others.

Pak-choi is eaten either cooked or raw. It contains carbohydrate, protein, fat, dietary fibre, vitamin C and sodium.

Just a few plants planted weekly will provide a constant supply of this vegetable for the household.

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata) belongs to the family Cruciferae. Other member of this family include cauliflower, broccoli and pak-choi. Cabbage can be cooked or eaten raw as in salads and coleslaw.

It is important for its food value since it is a good source of Vitamins B and C, dietary fibre and minerals. Cabbage can be grown all year round but does better when the nights are very cool (October to March). Just a few plants planted fortnightly will keep the home continuously supplied with this vegetable.