This year, growers of summer squash can choose from a plethora of standard varieties. They can also select from introductions bred with improved fruit quality and various squash types new to their markets, as well as numerous varieties with disease packages. Traditionally bred, genetically engineered and certified organic seeds are also available. Resistance to certain … Read more
Like an athlete who struggles against a tough competitor, weeds compete in strawberry fields, and often are victorious, much to the detriment of growers. “Weed competition of course can damage strawberries, but due to the value of the crop, weeds aren’t left to compete,” said Steve Fennimore, a Cooperative Extension specialist in the Department of … Read more
Whether a produce farmer is selling fresh fruits and vegetables at a city market, at a roadside stand or creating meals in a farmstand kitchen, there’s an inherent responsibility to make sure that every customer has the safest experience possible. A customer’s safe farm market experience begins when driving into the parking lot of a … Read more
Preventing overexposure and sunburn Late last year, Time magazine released its annual list of top inventions. You may not need the number one pick, a retail DNA test (on which you can learn more here), and you may not have the funds for its runner-up, the $100,000 sporty electric Tesla Roadster, but chances are, number 44, … Read more
An old adage advised that houses be built facing south to catch maximum sunshine. A similar rule of thumb holds for apple orchards. Slope exposure will affect trees as they come out of dormancy. South-facing slopes warm up faster in spring. Northern slopes are last out of the cold. There are further considerations. In Mid-Atlantic … Read more