by Courtney Llewellyn
Schools are back in session, and that means students are in classrooms – either physical or virtual in autumn 2021. It’s a great time to get involved with your local schools via Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC). (more…)
“Watering is one of the main factors that affects how your crop is going to grow. Always irrigating at the right time, at the right place, and using the right amount of water” is key to improving water use and plant health in the greenhouse or container nursery setting, (more…)
As I was digging out some large tree stumps with my backhoe, my thoughts migrated to what the early pioneers must have experienced in clearing land for farming. I reflected on the past – windmills or hand pumps used to move water, wood for fuel, candles or oil lamps for light, and horses and wagons to transport people and produce to market. (more…)
Farmers have always had to deal with unpredictable weather. Erratic weather patterns are increasingly occurring, and dealing with the weather is simply getting more confounding as climate change becomes a day-to-day reality. (more…)
When most of us begin our flower journey we start with the easy, tender annuals such as cosmos and zinnias. They grow profusely and produce many branches. When I started I didn’t know better than to cut at the natural juncture of branches. (more…)
One of the most intriguing demonstrations at this year’s AmericanHort Cultivate Expo was from Dr. Krishna Nemali, Ph.D., assistant professor of controlled environment agriculture at Purdue University. He showed how floriculture and nursery growers, using nothing more than the cameras on their smartphones, can measure plant nitrogen status. (more…)
In my last column, I wrote about a process that turns waste hop biomass into nanofibers. Good news! Another group of scientists have learned how to turn hazelnut shells into a potential renewable energy source. Isn’t science neat? (more…)
With re-opening your business and acclimating to your specific pandemic-related regulations, an important factor to take into account is keeping your customers informed by signaling your intentions. (more…)
Following their “go big or go home” mantra, the Richardsons originally planned for 10,000 tulip bulbs and ended up planting 300,000. They’re expanding their flower attractions this year with sunflowers too. Photo courtesy of Richardson Adventure Farm
by Sally Colby
The Richardsons takes a big approach to everything they do, and it’s paid off for the multi-generation Spring Grove, IL, family. (more…)
A small group of dedicated farmers helps run Kingfisher Farm, seen here harvesting spinach. Farm Manager Jackie Mancuso (in pink) has been with the farm for five seasons; the others are recognized on the farm’s website. Photos by Courtney Llewellyn
by Courtney Llewellyn
As Jason Townsend notes on his farm’s website, humans have been actively involved in agriculture for over 10,000 years. (more…)
by Sonja Heyck-Merlin
Ben and Stacey Waterman own and operate Waterman Orchards in Johnson, VT. The U-pick and wholesale fruit operation includes four acres of highbush blueberries, a four-acre apple orchard and an acre of strawberries. Though not certified organic, the farm is managed organically. (more…)
“You have to be a little bit crazy to grow peaches in the high desert,” said Erik Erickson, who runs the orchard with his wife Julie. Photo courtesy of Hunter Orchards
by Sally Colby
This autumn will mark the second harvest season for Erik and Julie Erickson at Hunter Orchards in Grenada, CA. (more…)
