Battling Pigweed

Battling Pigweed

The rise of an herbicide-resistant weed Pigweed, Amaranthus, is a broad-leaf annual that is fast becoming a major problem for vegetable and fruit growers. The plant is reproduced by seeds—in fact, thousands and thousands of seeds—and it appears in all zones of the United States. Identified as an erect annual herb, the weed is branched above, rough … Read more

Before You Start an Apple Orchard

Before You Start an Apple Orchard

Every year orchards are purchased or planted by people who have no experience in growing apples. For some, an orchard will be a challenge and a source of personal satisfaction and profit. For others, it may be a source of frustration and a bad investment. It’s important to become familiar with the business of producing … Read more

Weeds in Squash

Weeds in Squash

Growing robust squash not only provides a bountiful harvest but helps grow a large enough canopy to overshadow pesky weeds. Jonathan Schultheis, a North Carolina State University Extension specialist, indicated that weed plants such as pigweed, lambsquarter, cocklebur and ragweed can invade squash plants if these weeds’ growth is too great. Control Schultheis suggested growers … Read more

Spring Hill Produce

Spring Hill Produce

An unmistakable sight of summer is the oval-shaped Athena melon with its yellow-orange flesh and coarse netting skin. Millions of the melons are successfully grown each year at Spring Hill Produce, a division of Lewis Taylor Farms in Tifton, Georgia, and one of the largest privately owned vegetable and greenhouse operations in the Southeast. On … Read more

The Climate Below Your Feet: Soil

The Climate Below Your Feet: Soil

With the Connecticut River meandering through it, the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts is prized for its rich soils. Here, Community Supported Agriculture farms abound, and local farmers sell their goods at farm stands, vibrant farmers markets, and to local grocers and national chains. Tomatoes of all kinds are a summer staple, and rich varieties of … Read more