Organic vegetable systems are often complex, including many vegetable varieties with plus rotations of fallow and cover crops to build the soil and reduce disease incidence. A good farm plan includes many factors to take into consideration:
- Soil type
- Current state of soil
- Your expectations of the crop
- Rotations to deter the pests but also to build and balance the soil
- Climate
- Environment
- Market expectations
- Your market(s)
- Resources at your disposal
- Personal experiences and fellow farmers'
- Most importantly, your skill
When starting an organic vegetable business you should:
- Take at least a year to plan
- Speak to those with the experience
- Read to educate yourself
- Attend educational sessions
- Share your ideas with fellow farmers
- Listen to responses
- Attempt to incorporate ideas into a farm plan
Here are some information sheets to help you. Click on the links to view the resources.
Bulletins Check out these bulletins for information on a variety of Michigan vegetables
Planning Your Farm
Vegetable Crop Production Systems
Harvesting and Post Harvest Information
2009 Production Guides for:
New Agriculture Network has an on-line newsletter with seasonal advice for field crop and vegetable growers interested in organic agriculture.
Organic Reporting Session 09
Ecological Management of Winter Weeds in Pea-Wheat-Corn Rotations by Daniel Brainard
Nutrient management through compost and cover crops under organic vegetable
production by Ajay Nair
Assessing Four Winter Squash Cultivars as Trap Crops to Improve Cucumber Beetle Management in Organic Cucumber Production by Vianney Willot