Disease and Insect Management in Organic Small Grains

This publication introduces the multifaceted comprehensive strategy of weed management used for organic small grain production, combining techniques including crop rotation, sanitation, cultural practices, variety and seed selection and planting, cover crops, tillage, use of organic herbicides, and others.

Organic Small Grain Production Overview

This publication gives a general overview of organic small grain production. It includes basic production principles, tips on transitioning to organic, ideas for rotation design, and examples of rotations from various parts of the United States.

Weed Management in Organic Small Grains

This publication introduces the multifaceted comprehensive strategy of weed management used for organic small grain production, combining techniques including crop rotation, sanitation, cultural practices, variety and seed selection and planting, cover crops, tillage, use of organic herbicides, and others.

Organic Tomato Production

This publication addresses practical questions on organic tomato production. It focuses on the specific production challenges, including site selection (soil and climate), variety selection, sources of organic seeds and organic annual transplants, organic grafting, planting and training/staking arrangements, soil fertility and fertilization, crop rotation, and pest (insect, disease, and weed) management. Harvest and yield/productivity are… Continue reading Organic Tomato Production

Grapes: Organic Production

Organic grape production provides a fairly predictable economic return in irrigated parts of the arid West. In the East, organic grape production is complicated by a climate that fosters insect and disease problems. Production is compounded by consumer preferences for grape cultivars (both dessert and wine grapes) that are difficult to grow in the East.… Continue reading Grapes: Organic Production

Soils and Sites for Organic Orchards and Vineyards

The perennial nature of fruiting trees, bushes, and vines allows for a more permanent, sustainable agriculture based on healthy soil. This publication discusses site selection and soil preparation for fruit plantings. It also describes cover crop and mulching options for orchards and vineyard floors. The publication discusses fertilization and the role of mycorrhizae in maintaining… Continue reading Soils and Sites for Organic Orchards and Vineyards

Organic Greenhouse Vegetable Production

Organic greenhouse vegetable production requires extensive upfront investment but can yield premium prices if the grower can identify a marketing channel without a lot of competition. The key to profitable greenhouse vegetable production is keeping annual costs low. The highest costs for greenhouse production are energy and labor. This publication includes information on energy conservation,… Continue reading Organic Greenhouse Vegetable Production

Herbs: Organic Greenhouse Production

This publication discusses various marketing channels for organic herbs and assesses the economic factors to consider for small-scale organic greenhouse production of fresh-cut herbs. It also addresses production methods, including potential for hydroponic production.