October 1, 2013 by

Farm Calls: Vegetable "Seed Saving" for Small Farms

This week a training coordinator from the Beginning Farmer Incubator asks,

“Does Rutgers Cooperative Extension have “seed saving” information or recommendations that you can share?”

Seed production involves choosing the right varieties for seed saving as well as possessing detailed information in harvesting, processing, and storage. These are not skills you can learn from a “fact sheet.” There’s a lot that can go wrong, resulting in wasted time and money. I recommend a comprehensive resource guide geared for farmers, gardeners, and agricultural professionals:
The Organic Seed Grower: A Farmer’s Guide to Vegetable Seed Production
(J. Navazio, 2012).
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, Growing Crops
August 27, 2013 by

Organic Farm Calls: Squash Vine Borer and IPM Thresholds

Squash Vine Borrer Injury

Squash Vine Borrer Injury

Recently, an organic grower with a variety of squash crops under low tunnels called Ag Agent Meredith Melendez about wilting plant symptoms. The various vine and bush varieties were decimated by squash vine borer (SVB) larvae root damage. Ornamental gourds were especially hard hit.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, Farm Calls, Growing Crops, Organic Farming
August 8, 2013 by

Farm Calls: Which fruit crops are best suited for Pick-Your-Own?

Last week Meredith Melendez, Mercer County Ag Agent, fielded this question from a grower who currently runs an organic CSA and is considering adding PYO (pick-your-own) fruit to the farm’s portfolio.

Raspberries are a good option for PYO

Raspberries are a good option for PYO

Rutgers Cooperative Extension Agents, including the Agritourism Team, weigh in with specific answers and solid advice.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, Farm Calls, Growing Crops, Organic Farming
July 19, 2013 by

Farm Calls: Raised Bed Mulch Layers for High Tunnels

This week a small-farm grower contacted us.

“We own high tunnels and needed information about making beds. Searching the web we found your Rutgers High Tunnels Construction website. It is a great site. I am particularly interested in the bed maker ya’ll used. What brand was it and what was the cost? [Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, Farm Calls, Technologies