This publication explains why pruning is an especially important disease-management tool for organic tree fruit growers. It explains how to remove diseased wood and prune branches and discusses how this can control spread of disease and help prevent hosting of pathogens that cause rot. Pruning strategies for apples and pears are contrasted with techniques used… Continue reading Pruning for Organic Management of Fruit Tree Diseases
Resources Category: Organic Crop Production
Establishing Organic Buffers
This fact-sheets from WSDA explains the organic regulations on boundaries and buffer zones and how to minimize risk of contamination by using buffers.
Seed, Annual Seedling and Planting Stock Guidelines
This fact-sheets provides guidance on organic regulations for seeds, seedlings, and planting stock.
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
This publication covers considerations for an organic grower selecting a potting mix to use for transplant or containerized plant production or for someone wishing to blend organic media. This publication discusses individual components of potting media in addition to organic and biological amendments to improve plant performance. Several organic potting mix recipes are included in… Continue reading Potting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
Blueberries: Organic Production
Blueberries are the most widely grown fruit crop in the United States. Blueberries are well-suited to organic culture, and good markets exist for organically grown blueberries. This production guide addresses key aspects of organic blueberry production, including soils and fertility, cultural considerations, pests, weeds, and diseases, as well as marketing. Additional resources are provided for… Continue reading Blueberries: Organic Production
Brambles: Organic Production
This publication focuses on organic practices for blackberry and raspberry production. It discusses cultural considerations including site selection, establishment, pruning and trellising, and it introduces organic practices for fertility, weed, disease, and insect management. It also provides new information on greenhouse production and season extension and addresses economics and marketing.
Cole Crops and Other Brassicas: Organic Production
Cole crops and other brassicas are grown throughout the United States. These crops are an excellent choice for many organic farmers because of the variety of crops in this family and their nutritional qualities, health benefits, compatibility in planting rotations, and pest-suppressive qualities. This publication addresses soils, fertility, planting, irrigation, pest management, harvesting, and marketing.
Companion Planting and Botanical Pesticides: Concepts and Resources
Certain plants can benefit others when planted in close proximity or used as botanical pesticides. This publication discusses the scientific and traditional basis for companion planting associations including trap cropping, weed suppression, physical-spatial interactions, and other relationships. It provides a companion planting chart for common herbs, vegetables, and flowers, as well as a listing of… Continue reading Companion Planting and Botanical Pesticides: Concepts and Resources
Overview of Cover Crops and Green Manures
Cover crops could be considered the backbone of any annual cropping system that seeks to be sustainable. In this publication we summarize the principal uses and benefits of cover crops and green manures. Brief descriptions and examples are provided for winter cover crops, summer green manures, living mulches, catch crops, and some forage crops.
Guidelines for Using Mulches and Weed Barriers
Fact sheet that provides guidelines for using mulches and weed barrers in organic production