When flower columnists Pam and Frank Arnosky wrote their last regular column in September 2001, Frank promised that he would send something occasionally “preferably from a bar in Costa Rica.” I happen to know that the Arnoskys are in Costa Rica, and I have checked my fax machine and email Inbox every day, hoping for […]
New flowers to grow in 2002 Read More »
Although no-till production has been widely adopted by row crop farmers, reports of poor weed control and delayed spring planting may have deterred many organic vegetable growers from using this soil-conserving practice. We have found that ridge-tillage is an alternative that solves both of these problems by allowing for cultivation and providing a warm, residue-free
When no-till wont work, try ridge-till Read More »
I came to be an owner and manager of a community supported agriculture (CSA) program completely by accident. My husband, Andy, and his business partner, Greg, operated a small organic farm. All of their produce was sold each week through a network of more than 20 farmers’ markets that ring the San Francisco bay area.
California CSA recounts lessons learned during difficult early years Read More »
Greenhouse pest control using beneficial insects has become commonplace and much simpler in recent years. Availability of many beneficials has expanded significantly, and price has come down. In addition, research has established best control methods for many common insect pests. If you have never tried biological control in your greenhouse, this spring might be a
Beneficial insects win respect in greenhouse Read More »
Greenhouses can arguably be considered an essential component for market gardens. Ten years ago we started off with a simple 10’x12’ homemade greenhouse for starting our transplants. We now have six commercially built, steel framed houses (12,500 sq.ft. in total) with another 30’x96’ poly covered steel structure planned for early next spring. At present, we
Mobile greenhouse a plus for Canada farm Read More »
In July 2000, Growing for Market carried a report on our efforts to revitalize the Downtown Carlisle (PA) Farmers’ Market, a 250-year-old community tradition. This is the sequel, and it is meant to emphasize that hard work and planning is important, but luck can make a big difference. The beautiful Old Market House, built in
Efforts to revitalize PA farmers market pay off Read More »
Darkness was descending on the carrot patch, but we could not stop. It was the magic moment for flame weeding. Tomorrow morning would be too late. That afternoon our hands-and-knees investigation had verified that the carrot plants were just about to break the soil surface in our quarter-acre of fall carrots. The wind had died
