A researcher from the University of Wisconsin is working in conjunction with academics in Oregon and a collective of agricultural professionals to reduce the rate of viral infection in seed potatoes. “Seed Potato Production and Breeding in Organic Systems,” a webinar hosted by Oregon State Universit...

Here are some factors that influence flowering and fruiting in vegetable crops. The vine crop family has the following factors that cause poor fruit set: Low pollinator activity (lack of honeybees), low temperatures, overcrowded plants and/or excessively dense canopy and lack of pollinator plants (i...

In some recent research into producers commercially growing chickpeas in the Mid-Atlantic states, a common theme in niche marketing materialized: “If I grow it, can I sell it, and how much money will I make?” An exotic or trendy item becomes popular with consumers, and as a producer you’re tempted t...

The National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture, whose mission is to grow a healthy world through the art, science and business of plants, gardens and landscapes, recently shared a detailed array of resources for growers during its “Doing Business Under Difficult Circumstances: Finding the Resourc...

Last summer, Michelle Piacente and her fiancé Erich Smith were struck with the inspiration to open a new coffee shop/farmers market inside Copia Home and Garden, serving Westchester and Fairfield counties in downstate New York. They had had plans to open on March 19 since January. “The day we opened...

FREEHOLD, NJ – Bill and Lauren Errickson discussed new ideas for direct marketing to a packed house of vegetable and fruit growers as part of the Central New Jersey Vegetable Growers’ Association’s annual meeting. Bill is the newly-appointed Rutgers Cooperative Extension Agent for Monmouth County. L...

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – Many farmers offering produce in ethnically diverse states are experiencing growing consumer demand for vegetables like amaranth, roselle (a type of hibiscus), habanero peppers, okra and chufa (yellow nutsedge or tiger nuts). At the Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA-NJ)...

Retired environmental engineer Bill Muzychko developed a passion for growing figs about 16 years ago. With no background in farming but a little knowledge of what makes for good soil, he turned his backyard in Flemington, NJ, into a prolific fig tree-growing operation. He even hosts an annual, priva...

Dr. Lynn Sosnoskie, assistant professor of horticulture at Cornell, focuses her work on biology-based research, crop injury and weed management. She’s worked in California, Washington, Wisconsin, Ohio, Georgia, Pennsylvania and most recently New York. Having seen the danger they pose in the West, sh...

As the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic continues to take its toll on businesses of every stripe, entrepreneurs in the horticultural world are making every effort to keep both their employees and customers safe while continuing to serve their communities and keep their businesses afloat. “It’s been very ...

The greenhouses of Andrew’s Greenhouse are full of the smell of spring: moist soil, violas, pansies, begonias, geraniums yet to blossom and herbs. “First, people want violas and pansies, then hardy annuals, then perennials and hardy herbs,” said owner Andrew Cowles, running for 45 years the green th...

DEEP GAP, NC – Forty years ago Chuck Lieberman moved from Central Florida to the High Country of North Carolina. “I have a master’s degree in ag,” Lieberman said. “I was a nursery inspector in Gainesville. There’s not much to do here in in my field except grow Christmas trees.” This part of North Ca...

Although COVID-19 is not thought to be transmitted as a foodborne illness, it is transmittable via contaminated surfaces, including produce packaging, tools and equipment, tables, bins, coolers and other surfaces part of the food supply chain. If food safety is a priority for your farm operation, CO...

Food hubs can provide producers with a means of moving more produce. Mariel Borgman, MSU Extension community food systems educator, recently presented “Food Hubs: A Distribution Solution.” Borgman explained the various tiers of the food system based on a bullseye, starting in the center with persona...

Keeping good records is essential in any agricultural system, and for organic producers, records are especially important. “Management decisions are based on historical reference and your own knowledge,” said Harriet Behar, senior organic specialist with Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Servi...