Today: Give clear evidence that fall-to-spring growing and selling is possible, profitable for many.

Transcription

1 Fall to Spring Vegetable Production and Marketing in the Great Lakes Region Purdue University Extension High Tunnels Field Day and Program Nov 13, 2013 Matt Kleinhenz Extension Vegetable Specialist Fall to Spring Vegetable Production and Marketing in the Great Lakes Region (using low-intensity approaches in low, mid and high tunnels) Take stock of characteristics of the region that affect vegetable growers e.g., climates, soils, markets. Then, ask, could more growers profit from market windows that include fall-spring? Today: Give clear evidence that fall-to-spring growing and selling is possible, profitable for many. Today: Major steps for obtaining crops that are ready for fresh harvest and marketing fall-spring in the region. 1

2 Revising the Most Common Traditional Cycle of Activities and Customers Expectations! Traditionally, like Sports, Each Year on the Vegetable Farm has had Two Seasons Rest Repair Plan APR NOV MAY OCT Sow Reap Spend Sell Currently, the Most Common Use of High Tunnels in the Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast Regions Main Season Tomato Production From a crops and markets perspective, there is no off-season in the region. Only farmers have an off-season. 2

3 Each Calendar Year has Two Production-Marketing Seasons off or cool season APR NOV MAY OCT main or warm season The Two Production-Marketing Seasons off or cool season increasingly popular, less tapped APR NOV MAY OCT main or warm season traditional, familiar, most competitive An increasing number of growers prefer to grow warm and cool season crops or just cool season crops in their high tunnels. Farmers who grow and market year-round using high tunnels or other tools say that it has several benefits. For example, Year-round Sales = Year-round Income Maintain year-round connections with customers, partners full use: income for up to 12 months APR NOV MAY OCT main season use only: income for 6 months 3

4 year-round income helps pay bills year-round * make and pay off investments (like high tunnels) Fall to Spring Sales additional revenue often less competition high crop values lower input costs, including labor and management time solid profit potential, enhanced quality of life OARDC Main-Season Tomato Main-Season Tomato + key: get pros to outweigh and/or outnumber cons If you want to supply freshly harvested vegetable crops from your Ohio farm fall-to-spring, consider taking these five major steps 1. Verify your market. customers, demand, outlets, etc. (many options for farmers in the region!) 4

5 11.5 mil people 254 people/mi 2 (9 th, behind NJ, RI, Mass., CT, MD, DE, NY, FL) MSA RANK CLE 23 CIN 24 COL 31 DAY 56 AKR 67 TOL 72 CAN 112 Connecting with potential markets, an example portal 2. Select adapted, farmer-friendly crops with market appeal. 1. What should I grow? 2. How? all possible crops, varieties physical capacity - space - labor - equipment biologically adapted - strictly seasonal? - reliable? financial resources - cash - time profit potential - interest - competition - longevity other - knowledge The OSU-OARDC Vegetable Production Systems Laboratory ( High Tunnel Facilities six, 21 ft x 48 ft (above) three, 30 ft x 80 ft (right) 5

6 ( ( (Cool Season) Crop Selection customers growers seed suppliers advisors what are people buying or interested in? (stores, markets, publications, programs) experimentation (Cool Season) Crop Selection How do we know which crops may be best? Follow the leaders! Eliot Coleman Four Season Farm Maine Pete Johnson Pete s Greens Vermont Sandy and Paul Arnold New York 6

7 Adam Montri MSU & Ten Hens Farm Michigan Paul, Alison Wiediger Au Naturel Farm Kentucky Kip, Becky Rondy and Crew Athens, OH many others, including growers and extension workers you can discover in multiple ways E.g., ivga.org hightunnels.org 7

8 many local to regional, resourceheavy educational programs Adam Montri MSU & Ten Hens Farm Michigan Cool Season Crop Selection tolerate low temperature, freezing-thawing multiple harvests direct seed or transplant to start resist disease, especially when cool and moist courtesy A. Montri Cool Season Crop Selection greens leafy/cooking, heading, baby leaf salad root culinary herbs courtesy A. Montri spinach chard Leafy Cooking Greens beets mustard spinach beets mustard courtesy A. Montri chard kale collards collards kale 8

9 Heading Greens lettuce courtesy A. Montri pac choi pac choi Root Crops lettuce tatsoi tatsoi Chinese cabbage courtesy A. Montri Baby Leaf Salad Greens arugula mizuna courtesy A. Montri Chinese cabbage beet image courtesy Paul, Sandy Arnold Unless in a greenhouse, crops harvested fresh and marketed fall-tospring in the region do not fruit. Crops may reach a marketable condition and then be held in a low- or high-tunnel until picked and sold. 9

10 OARDC November 2003 Final Comment on Crop Selection You don t have to eat what you grow in order to make money selling it; but, it helps to know what buyers want in the crop. 3. Choose a scale and structure. (all scales possible; many structures available) Fall through Spring harvests Which Season Extension Option? System Crops Scale Season Money major selection criteria (beyond location) covered raised bed systems 10

11 A combination of scaleable, flexible, and reliable, growing systems may be best ft 2 growing space established in 2 days in Oct-11. Beds can be open or closed based on need; for example, crop scheduling Fall-time crop establishment under standard vented film and low tunnel frames homemade winter-proof bows Outdoor raised beds were initially covered with light, vented film over u-shaped bows in early fall. Here, the u-shaped bows are being replaced with gothic-framed bows which will be covered by heavier film and remain in place over-winter. 11

12 Feb 17, 2012 Of course, u-shaped bows topped by light, vented film can remain in place over winter, covered by taller and wider gothic-framed bows topped by heavier film. main season crop = tomato on raised beds These frames cover wood-sided raised beds. Plastic shown here is secured with only sandbags. Simple, inexpensive steps can be taken to tighten the plastic, which is recommended. For example, it is possible to secure the plastic with wiggle wire on one or In fall, beds sown with cold tolerant crop and covered both sides of these wood-framed beds. with mid-tunnels. Dec 13, 2012 System Size and Cost * 30 x 80 ft HT 2400 total ft 2 x 0.8 = 1920 usable ft 2 ($X) * 21 x 48 ft HT total 1008 ft 2 x 0.8 = 806 usable ft 2 ($X) * 12 raised beds/lt total 1440 ft 2 x 0.9 = 1296 usable ft 2 ($X) high tunnel image courtesy B. Lamont, PSU 12

13 Types of High Tunnels (potential pros, cons based on Ohio or nearby location) gothic frame image courtesy Noble Fndn. image courtesy Wild Onion Farm quonset, arch frame four season Dec-2012 four season high tunnel built in April 2003; no prior experience 13

14 built in Oct-2008; hired 4. Know and follow the rules. (production basics + what s right for your farm) E.g., A) Crops often respond very specifically to levels of light, temperature or both. E.g., B) Temperature and light conditions* inside and outside tunnels differ. * especially the patterns and extremes Therefore, 1) Invest in heating carefully. Therefore, 2) Pay attention to details e.g., warmer is not always better, irrigation water can be cold, etc. 14

15 intensity makeup duration angle Major Low-High Tunnel Effects increase temperature calm air lower light lack of rainfall, flooding less favorable to some pests, diseases (favorable to others!) lowers RH but it may be high under cover Light carries heat, which accumulates unless vented. Plastic slows heat loss. Assumptions 1. Natural Light only 2. Direct Seeding (some exceptions) 3. Growth tends to slow each day 4. No added heat market-ready by Halloween 5. With added heat market-ready by Thanksgiving If sunlight is heat energy source fabric retains heat but limits its accumulation plastic does not retain heat but promotes its accumulation glove approach to heat retention image courtesy Adam Montri mitten approach to heat retention 15

16 image courtesy Adam Montri Feb 29, 2012; MSU avg. cumulative growing degree days average cumulative growing degree days in- and outside a 21ft x 48 ft gothic-style high tunnel Oct Jan. 1 (avg. of ) High Tunnel vs. Open Field GDD Accumulation inside high tunnel outside high tunnel day October 14 - January 1 avg. cumulative growing degree days (50F base) average cumulative growing degree days in- and outside a 21 ft x 48 ft gothic style high tunnel Jan. 1-Feb. 28 (avg. of ) inside high tunnel outside high tunnel day January 1 - February 28 Modifications save time, effort increase revenue potential increase reliability Heating and Ventilation 16

17 Dr. Natalie Bumgarner OSU-HCS, now with CropKing, Inc Kip, Becky Rondy and Crew Athens, OH images courtesy Green Edge Gardens aerial cover (passive heating), active subsurface heating (none, singly, together) outdoor, high tunnel settings fall, spring seasons with, without subsurface heating aerial cover Biomass and Anthocyanin HT, Spring 2009 Biomass and Anthocyanin HT, Spring 2010 Control Root heat (RH) Low tunnel (LT) RH + LT Yield (g/900cm 2 ) (C ) (B) (A) (A) Heat Units Antho (mg/100g fw) (AB) (A) (B) (B) Antho (units/area) Control Root heat (RH) Low tunnel (LT) RH + LT Yield (g/900cm 2 ) 42.8 (D) 67.9 (C ) 92.2 (B) (A) Heat Units Antho (mg/100g fw) (A) (B) (BC) (C ) Antho (units/area)

18 Kneewall lower cost (?), better ventilation for lowgrowing crops during cool, bright periods. 5. Experiment and adjust. (use trial and error and record-keeping) Goal: create and maintain conditions in which you and your crops can work, ever better SUMMARY 18

19 Fall-to-Spring Vegetable Harvest and Marketing in Ohio 5 Major Steps 1. verify market 2. select crops 3. choose scale and structure(s) 4. know and follow the rules 5. experiment and adjust Today: Give clear evidence that fall-to-spring growing and selling is possible, profitable for many. Today: Major steps for obtaining crops that are ready for fresh harvest and marketing fall-spring in Ohio. calendar developed in 2005 is incorrect, should be updated THANK-YOU and GOOD LUCK! Dr. Matt Kleinhenz Professor, Extension Vegetable Specialist Dept. of Horticulture and Crop Science The OSU-OARDC Phone: kleinhenz.1@osu.edu Web: hcs.osu.edu/vpslab Facebook: QUESTIONS? The Ohio State University Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all research and related educational programs are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or veteran status. This statement is in accordance with United States Civil Rights Laws and the USDA. Use of trade names does not imply endorsement of the products named nor criticism of similar ones not named. 19

20 11/12/2013 Managing Winter Vegetable Varieties and Their Growth in Fourth Season High Tunnels Kinsman Farm Doug and Valerie Kinsman Archbold, Ohio Copyright Management Points Monitoring and Managing Temperatures Multiple Microclimates in the High Tunnel Managing Fertility and Soil Health The Purpose of Crop Rotation In and Among Tunnels The Variables of Irrigation Weed Control, Insects, and Mildew Planting Dates, Harvest Times and Winter Growth Curves 2 Monitoring and Managing Temperature Managing these temperatures are quite different from managing the temperatures shown on the next slide. 3 WELCOME TO WINTER GROWING 4 OUTSIDE 1/30/11 2 PM 28 F TEMPERATURE VARIANCE 65 degrees on a sunny day outside will be 130 degrees inside a closed tunnel, 35 degrees on a sunny day can be 85 degrees inside a closed tunnel Most temperature climbs occur from 6 AM to 2 PM. After sunset the temperature in winter will drop dramatically. Better to be a little cool than cooked the heat stresses the plants 1/30/11 2 PM INSIDE 82 F Electronic Monitoring Hang digital thermometer at plant level to know what is happening with heat or cold 5 6 1

21 11/12/2013 EFFECTS OF WINTER TEMPERATURES ON PLANTS Most plants go dormant or slow growth below 45 degrees Cold hardy plants can freeze and thaw repeatedly with little damage in the high tunnel Most cold weather damage to cold hardy plants outdoors is due to wind desiccation and movement 7 EFFECTS OF WINTER TEMPERATURES ON PLANTS Soil in the high tunnel does not freeze therefore root damage does not take place giving plants ability to recover daily. Smaller tender greens recover much better than large growth. You will see cell damage in large lettuce leaves. In winter months, plant maturity dates take three times longer than Spring planted crops. Plant early enough to capture desired size for harvest. 8 CELL DAMAGE Not as hardy as others 9 EFFECTS OF LESS SUNLIGHT ON PLANT GROWTH Below ten hours of sunlight, plant growth slows greatly Harvestable plants must reach maturity before 10 hours per day of sunlight cut off date Sunlight hours is related to latitude degrees Ohio: mid November through mid February less than 10 hours of sunlight. 10 Cool temps, low sunlight hours slow re growth after harvesting. Far end (top) unharvested Middle harvested 3 weeks previous Front harvested 4 weeks previous May is a 2 week regrowth period 11 ROW COVERS (2.5 oz) ON WIRE HOOPS Keep cover taught with clothes pins to prevent cover from touching crops, moisture condensation would cause them to freeze to plant and damage them. Row covers needed when temperatures drop below 28 degrees. 12 2

22 11/12/2013 FACTORS IN SOLAR GAIN Sunlight and Cloudiness Wind Chill Snow Cover on Tunnels Moisture of Soil (dark color) Row Covers Off in Daytime, On in Late Afternoon Heat Banks UTILIZING HEAT BANKS Your soil is your main heat bank in winter Stone can be a heat bank (bed edging) Water can be a heat bank Zion Daco Utilized sleeves or tubes of poly filled with water Running the entire length (large) or small tubes stored upright MULTIPLE MICROCLIMATES IN THE HIGH TUNNEL Different Levels of Humidity Outside edges where rain seeps under Inside beds warmed by higher angles of the sun Under the row covers Dense plantings holding moisture in the row Humidity Zones January 30, 2011 Soil is moderately dry and in need of watering center bed

23 11/12/2013 Managing Fertility and Soil Health Different Temperature Zones Outside edges lose heat more rapidly at night Under the row covers is 2 5 degrees warmer Using heat banking materials raises night time temperatures 19 Cover crop on site before building Ph testing Using compost for soil organic matter and fertilizer Managing crop rotations to prevent depletion Managing foot traffic to prevent compactionpermanent bed locations Select sprays to prevent soil contamination 20 The Purpose of Crop Rotation In and Among Tunnels Reduce Insect Infestation Above and Below Ground Preserve soil fertility Learn Optimal Growing Zones for Specific Crops Group Planting Dates (crops) in Respective Tunnels for Easier Management The Variables of Irrigation Row Spacing Emitter Spacing Timers cycles Humidity Winter Condensation Sunlight Hours and Tunnel Temperature Affect Plant Respiration Germinating Seed Beds IRRIGATION ZONES, LAYOUT, AND TIMERS 23 Weed Control Mulching Hoeing Hand weeding Rototiller Black Plastic Solarizing Yes, even in winter we have weeds! 24 4

24 11/12/2013 Insect Management Monitoring pay attention, notice things, turn leaves over Check under row covers Planting dill with tomatoes aromatics Organic sprays Remove infected greens cut at soil level and rake away, expose to sunlight, then replace row cover 25 Mildew or Rot Pay attention to planting density allow for air circulation, thin if necessary Remove row covers during the day to release humidity and allow sunlight to dry leaves Cut greens back to the ground, remove and allow to regrow Spray with organic spray such as Serenade for mildew 26 Specialty Crop Growing Tips Planting Dates for Winter Harvest Planting Dates for Spring Harvest Managing Plant Growth of Greens Managing Plant Growth of Root Crops Managing Perennial Herbs Growing Figs, Citrus, Tea and Pomegranates 27 Leafy Greens for Winter Harvest Cut and come again leaf lettuce or greens are recommended for going into deep winter Keep leaf size smaller than 5 6 inches to prevent cell damage Cut off to maintain size even if you do not have a market maybe you will later when it regrows Plant early to mid September Warm September may push it cut it off or cool weather may slow it down shut up the tunnel Always throw in a little romaine to transplant later for heads in February 28 Planting Root Crops for Winter Harvest Root crops like carrots and beets need to be 75% mature by November 15 th Plant by mid August Use row covers to help lower heat in tunnels to keep moisture in the rows for good germination Root crops should be harvested before new growth resumes in Spring (probably late February) the roots turn bitter with new growth Search for varieties with high Brix levels cold enhances sugar changes in roots to make them extra sweet Growth Curves and Harvest Times The effects of cold and lower light levels on a crop that would normally take 40 days from seed time to harvest. Chart from The Winter Harvest Handbook by Eliot Coleman, page

25 11/12/2013 Transplanting Cole Crops for Winter Harvest Sow transplant seed by August 1 st in the field, August 15th in the tunnel Space out transplants in tunnel by October 1 st to allow good root development Broccoli, kohlrabi will mature Still experimenting with cauliflower head size Still experimenting with cabbage head size Will not winter over well after cutting stem rot due to humidity pull in January and use space for other things 31 Cold Hardy Lettuce Varieties Rouge Grenoblaise Rouge D Hiver Merville de Quatre Saisons Gentilina Winter Density Brune D Hiver De Morges Braun Paris Island Cos Romaine Arctic King 32 Perennial Herbs Plant the corners of your tunnels Consider your markets and value of herbs Rosemary started as a 6 single twig 2011 Now a 3 x 4 shrub Not hardy outdoors, but loves location in tunnel (obviously) Will go dormant in deep winter (Jan Feb) and turn a purple ish green color from cold still fine for cooking even if not so presentable Thyme, responded the same 33 Growing Figs In our tunnel Hardy Chicago Fig Came as a 6 inch single twig in May 2011 Harvested a hand full of figs the past two Septembers Now about 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide by fall of Yuzu Ichandrin on order for Spring Guess what else I found? Russian Tea Found at One Green World Nursery Dwarfing rootstock mature size 4 6 feet Juice citrus: lemon lime flavor RootstockDescription:Flying Dragon is a hardy and very dwarfing rootstock for Citrus that induces very early flowering and fruit procuction. Trees grown on Flying Dragon will rarely exceed 5 ft. in height and will often produce fruit the year they are planted. Pollination Requirements:Yuzu Ichandrin is self fertile. You can help it set fruit by taking a small brush and moving pollen from flower to flower. Hardiness:Yuzu Ichandrin is hardy to about 0 F. Bearing Age:1 2 years after planting Size at Maturity:4 6 ft. BloomTime:Spring 35 Ripening Time:Yuzu Ichandrin ripens in late fall to winter From Sochi, Russia near the Black Tea Latin Name:Camellia sinensis Site and Soil:Tea likes 1/2 day to full sun and well drained, acidic soil. Hardiness:Tea is hardy to 0 F. Size at Maturity:4 5 ft. in height. BloomTime:September November 36 6

26 11/12/2013 And maybe this? Pomegranate A spectacular, hardy new variety from the Nikita Botanic Garden in Ukraine, Crimson Sky is early ripening and features reliable and abundant crops of large, bright red, tasty fruit. Latin Name: Punica granatum Site and Soil: Pomegranates like full to 1/2 day sun and well drained soil. Pollination Requirements: Pomegranates are selffertile. Hardiness: Crimson Sky is hardy to 10 F. or below. Bearing Age:1 2 years after planting Size at Maturity:5 6 ft. in height. BloomTime: July to September Ripening Time: Late fall Yield:20+ lbs. 37 What Do These Have In Common To Make Us Think They Could Work? Need one zone warmer in winter than Northern Ohio (high tunnel provides this buffer) Small in stature Self Fertile (not concerned with pollinators in tunnel) Shorter ripening days than average varieties for Northern short season production Considered a cold hardy version Lessons to learn: Be willing to experiment, match the crops abilities to the season parameters, look for niche crops not yet marketed, think outside the normal expectations for profitability 38 You may be surprised at what you can grow in here! Kinsman Farm Doug and Valerie Kinsman Archbold, Ohio Copyright