Planning and siting have a lot to do with the success of a greenhouse project. Whether building your first or your fifth greenhouse, learn best practices for site prep, drainage, snow and wind management and more with Tomm Becker of Nifty Hoops. The company began as a community initiative to support local farmers in Michigan […]
Greenhouse planning, siting and building with Tomm Becker of Nifty Hoops Read More »
Whether you already grow mushrooms or are looking to diversify your market offerings, Erin Hamilton of The Mushroom Conservatory tells us about the varieties and methods we should consider for mushrooms that can be cultured and grown for market. Erin, an expert mushroom grower and agricultural educator, shares her passion for mushrooms and their ecological
Growing mushrooms for market with Erin Hamilton of The Mushroom Conservatory Read More »
Dave Chapman tells us about the origins of the Real Organic Project, and why preserving organic standards is important for all growers whether certified organic or not in this week’s podcast. Dave is the co-director of the Real Organic Project (ROP) and owner of Long Wind Farm in Vermont. The ROP is active in preserving
Diane Szukovathy of Jello Mold Farm tells host Rebecca Kutzer-Rice how the need for standards for floral crops at the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market (SWGM) led to the creation of the new book Floral Standards: A Practical Guide for Harvesting and Delivering Professional Quality Products. They also discuss Diane’s journey in flower farming, the establishment
This spring, Seattle Wholesale Growers Market turned 14 years old. Our updated mission statement reflects the growth of an ambitious idea into a resilient business. We are a farmer-owned cooperative dedicated to serving the Pacific Northwest and beyond through the cultivation of high-quality flowers and a resilient, ecologically-centered floral community. Today we have 19 owner-members
Setting floral standards and variety-specific vase trials Read More »
Handy for hard-to-measure surfaces and double checking the accuracy of other thermometers I was looking back through Instagram photos tagged #toolsforgrowingformarket and came across one from a few years ago from my friend Martin at Slow and Steady Farm on Whidbey Island in Washington. In the photo he’s showing a $20 infrared thermometer he’s using
Infrared thermometers Read More »
Year one running a SARE trial project We grow cut flowers year-round at Moonshot Farm in East Windsor, New Jersey, but find that timing flowers for December — including winter holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah — to be the trickiest time of year for production. To bloom in December, most cut flowers need to be
Cut flowers in December? Read More »
The first part of this article ran in the May GFM about many of the wonderful spring and summer perennials and natural elements that can add character to bouquets and arrangements. In this, the second and final part of the article, we look at the foraged and woody elements that can be harvested or held
Foraged florals and woody elements part two Read More »
How to come back stronger after a natural disaster Western North Carolina was hit with a catastrophic storm on September 27, 2024, when Hurricane Helene (downgraded to a Tropical Storm) ripped through a region already waterlogged from days of preceding rains. Historic flooding, landslides and high winds decimated entire communities and killed at least
Recovery morphs into local food nonprofit in Western North Carolina Read More »
Flea beetles are diverse in feeding preferences and morphology. Most flea beetle species are specialists, preferring particular crop types, though some are generalists who munch a variety of different plants. Flea beetles range in color from iridescent green to matte black. Their small size and ability to spring away when approached can make them difficult
Identifying and controlling flea beetles Read More »
