Before selecting crops for the upcoming season, review records for last season. Did you have any persistent disease issues in a particular crop? Did one crop do exceptionally well or very poorly? Did some varieties of lettuce bolt a lot earlier than others, leaving you without enough volume? By assessing where you’ve been, it’s easier … Read more
Summer picnics, barbecues, parties and pool days all have one thing in common: watermelon. This crop, which is 92 percent water, is a great moneymaker if all phases of watermelon production are done correctly. In 2014, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, over 120,000 acres of watermelon were grown in the United States. Those … Read more
On the average, there are 7,000 cherries on each cherry tree; 250 cherries make one pie; each tree makes 28 pies. If the average U.S. consumer eats 1 pound annually, this adds up to approximately 260 million pounds annually. Americans demand cherries —and growers are filling those expectations. Often referred to as America’s Super Fruit, … Read more
Hard cider promises to be another direct-to-consumer business, joining farm wineries and in-town craft breweries in serving upscale clientele. Old Stone Cider, produced by the Gruber family at Old Stone Farm, Landenberg, Pennsylvania, is on the cutting edge of the market. In many ways, however, hard cider is an old-fashioned drink. Colonists brought the seeds … Read more
Spring planting is probably on your mind. Whether you’re waiting for new varieties to arrive, or old favorites that have regained their popularity, replanting the orchard is an ongoing task. – Root of Replant Disease It’s also cause for concern. Trees planted in the same soils where others have been removed often show signs of stunted … Read more