Cyclospora has been making headlines recently as a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis continues to grow. The illness, caused by the parasite Cyclospora, can lead to severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and body aches. You can read more about Cyclospora from the International Fresh Produce Association. Based on traceback information, investigators recently identified shredded iceberg lettuce…Read more about Cyclospora Resources for Consumers and Produce Growers[Read More]
Greens and Salad Crops
As spring brings life back into our high tunnels, it also awakens more than just our crops. This year, our spinach beds became an early battleground in the age-old story between pests and their natural enemies. From the first warm days, we began spotting tiny green aphids clustering on young spinach leaves, sucking sap, and…Read more about Tiny Allies in the Tunnels[Read More]
This week, we experienced another round of very cold days, with minimum temperatures dropping into the single digits. Under these conditions, row covers are essential for helping plants survive and preventing cold damage even inside high tunnels. The difference in the minimum temperatures inside and outside of high tunnels may not always be significant, as…Read more about How Much Warmth Row Covers Provide at Extreme Cold Nights?[Read More]
When we surveyed Indiana high tunnel producers eight years ago, about two-thirds of the operations grew cool season crops for harvest from November to March. Although spring field planting season is just underway, it is not too early to plan for markets and organize a production schedule for fall. This article summarizes common crops and…Read more about Planning for Fall and Winter Production in High Tunnels[Read More]
Americans are eating more greens, and salad mixes (i.e., spring mix, salad kits, packaged salad) are among the top drivers of this increased consumption. Salad mixes include different varieties of lettuce, spinach, cabbage, arugula, and other leafy greens. Salad mixes have gained popularity as a modern alternative to traditional vegetables, primarily due to their nutritional…Read more about The US Market for Salad Mixes[Read More]
This is an extract from a news release by The Ohio State University. The goal of this online course is to provide hydroponic growers with the knowledge and tools needed to implement best management practices specific to controlled environments (greenhouses, indoor farms, high tunnels, etc.) to reduce microbial food safety hazards in hydroponic vegetable and…Read more about Hydroponic GAPs – Good Agricultural Practices for Food Safety of Hydroponic Crops[Read More]
We are happy to announce that Purdue Extension is presenting its annual Fruit and Vegetable Field Day on July 20, 2023, at the Throckmorton/Meigs Horticulture Farm, Lafayette, IN. Registration is now open. To register your spot, visit https://cvent.me/5zevYD The field day schedule is very exciting, something for everyone to look forward to. Sweet corn pest…Read more about Purdue Fruit and Vegetable Field Day – Registration Now Open[Read More]
The Purdue Small Farm Education Field Day is presented on July 27, 2023, at the Purdue Student Farm in West Lafayette, IN. Registration for the field day is now open. To reserve your spot, visit https://cvent.me/ewWN3b. Students register for free! Please get in touch with Lori Jolly-Brown to receive the discount code for student registration….Read more about Purdue Small Farm Education Field Day – Registration Now Open[Read More]
The 2022 Purdue Small Farm Education Field Day was a big success. Nearly 72% of attendees reported that they learned something new. Nearly half indicated they plan to adopt recommended practices for diversified farming systems, and over a third (36.0%) plan to adopt recommended practices for creating, improving, or strengthening their business. Half (52.0%) indicated…Read more about Small Farm Education Field Day, July 27, 2023[Read More]
Purdue Extension presented its first Fruit, Vegetable and Hemp Field Day post-pandemic at the Meigs Ag Center in July 2022. Extension Specialists and Graduate Students presented specialty crop research to 45 attendees. Attendees had only good things to say about the event. ” Great information and research.” “Great variety of experiences and knowledge.” “I felt…Read more about Purdue Fruit and Vegetable Field Day – July 20, 2023[Read More]