Some time ago, we thought that we might grow out a large sunflower trial. The idea was to try to grow a row of every available sunflower and see how they performed here in sunny Texas. Texas is in the genetic center of origin for sunflowers, after all. Well, one look at the catalog dashed […]
The best of what's new Read More »
Potatoes, Solanum tuberosum, like many of our favorite foods, have their roots in South America. Depending upon which source you read, they were domesticated in Peru as recently as 4,000 or as long as 7,000 years ago. The fact that they were a staple in the elevations of their native area gives us a clue
How to succeed with spuds Read More »
Many growers find that selling bedding plants is a profitable way to start the season at farmers’ market. Mixed containers and hanging baskets are an even better way to attract attention and boost sales. My partner, Brian Henry, and I have a long history of container and hanging basket creation, making more than 700 every
Mixed containers are a draw for Mother's Day Read More »
After three years of growing flowers and vegetables in central Missouri, it was obvious to me that I would need to invest in a hoophouse if I was serious about keeping my customers. Without the hoophouse, my growing season was too short and I didn’t have anything to offer that wasn’t already overproduced. Kind of
Solar-powered side curtains ventilate hoophouse when the farmer can't be there Read More »
Tired of school and club fundraisers that are ecologically unsustainable and even bad for you (such as gift wrap and candy)? Take a tip from the Australian herb company Herb Herbert, which promotes the sale of herbs as fundraisers. “Fundraising with herbs is a perfect opportunity to encourage families and children to spend their money
Orius insidiosus, a pirate bug, is a tremendous ally in the greenhouse, providing biological control of thrips, aphids and mites. A great way to attract and keep Orius in the greenhouse is to have blooming marigolds there as habitat and food source, Carol Glenister of IPM Laboratories Inc. writes in Passages, the newsletter of the
Attracting beneficials Read More »
Growing strawberries in a greenhouse eliminates dependence on methyl bromide, avoids excessive water use for plant establishment and frost protection, and minimizes pesticide use, according to Daniel Cantliffe and Ashwin Paranjpe of the University of Florida’s Protected Agriculture Project. Writing in American Vegetable Grower, the researchers report that greenhouse strawberries also fetch a higher price
Greenhouse berries Read More »
This is the time of year when the greatest number of new readers come on board, so I’d like to say welcome to all of you who are reading your first issue of Growing for Market. The first thing I hope you will notice about GFM is how practical our articles are – no fluff,
Letter from the Editor: Welcome to new readers Read More »
By George DeVault POCANTICO HILLS, NY (Dec. 11, 2004) — Imagine, if you will, the following futuristic market gardening scenes inside a high tunnel: •Harvesting 100 pounds of mesclun – all by yourself – in just one hour. You don’t burn any fuel, use any electricity or have any worries about accidentally slicing your fingers
New tools unveiled Read More »
