Recent high temperatures have been above optimum for vegetable crops. Around Indiana, from June 12 to 25 the daily high was more than 90°F on at least 5 days and the low overnight was above 70°F on at least 3 dates (Figure 1). High night temperature is a particular concern because it causes plants to[Read More…]
Liz Maynard
Clinical Engagement Assistant Professor of Horticulture
Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
Liz Maynard's website
Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
Liz Maynard's website
Many produce farmers donate food to various organizations around the area. At a time when food pantries are seeing high numbers of people coming for assistance with food insecurity, the fact that farmers can help out is wonderful. My goal is to give you more information so that donating is even easier. Let’s briefly start[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…]
The April 8th solar eclipse reduced temperature and light for a period in the afternoon of an otherwise mostly sunny day. Sensors in an unheated high tunnel with open end walls at the Pinney Purdue Ag Center, Wanatah, IN, captured the change as the moon covered 96% of the sun (Figure 1). The air temperature[Read More…]
Featured Article Many Indiana vegetable crops begin life as transplants. If lack of nutrients, lack of light, disease, or other problems slow growth during this stage, it may reduce establishment success and/or growth and yield in the field or high tunnel. Good management of the following factors should lead to healthy transplants (Figure 1). Time[Read More…]
The USDA 2022 Ag Census was released on February 13, 2024. What does it say about vegetable production in Indiana? The number of farms growing vegetables for sale is 1,456, just 1.9% more than reported in the 2017 census. The acreage of vegetables harvested for sale is 38,483, a decrease of 4.1% from the 2017[Read More…]
Save the Date! NWI Vegetable Growers Series Programs for vegetable farmers are scheduled for Feb. 1, 2024, in Elkhart and Porter Counties. The half-day event will include presentations on pumpkin weed management, compost use in high tunnels, soil health, and a marketing panel. PARP credits are available. $10 cash is payable on the day of[Read More…]
Pumpkins, peppers, sweet corn, compost, tomatoes, and more will be discussed at the August 24th Vegetable Twilight Meeting at Pinney Purdue Ag Center, 5 to 8 p.m. Central Time. Vegetable farmers, market gardeners, urban farmers, and home gardeners are invited to tour trials and hear from researchers and educators about weed management in pumpkins; key[Read More…]
Vegetable equipment for small farms will be demonstrated on August 10, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central Time, at the Pinney Purdue Agricultural Center. Market gardeners, urban farmers, home and community gardeners are invited to attend and learn about equipment and tools for seeding, planting, weed management, and tillage. Demonstration equipment will include a[Read More…]
As we approach warmer days in May and June, it’s time to prepare for transplanting warm-season vegetable crops such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and squash. Growers preparing vegetable transplants should plan for the process of hardening or conditioning their transplants to outdoor temperatures, light, and soil moisture conditions. By now, you should have started your[Read More…]