[Market-farming] Monoculture v.s. diversified plantings?

Wiediger, Alison alison.wiediger at hart.kyschools.us
Fri May 2 14:12:04 EDT 2008


We are pretty diversified, but over the years have weeded out the crops
that don't bring enough per square foot (sweet corn, melons), don't sell
well in our market (hot peppers), or are typically sold at bargain
basement prices by other vendors (bell peppers).  We only have a little
over 2 acres in production, so it is really important to make the best
use of the space.  Much of our decision making is market driven, and all
markets are a little different.  Our best summer crops are tomatoes,
potatoes (surprisingly!), summer squash and flowers.  We do grow other
things, but these are the biggest profit makers - especially when
considering labor - and get the most space.  And, year-round, mesclun is
a big big item.
 
Alison Wiediger, Au Naturel Farm

________________________________

From: market-farming-bounces at lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:market-farming-bounces at lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Roni
Sent: Friday, April 25, 2008 7:31 AM
To: Market Farming
Subject: [Market-farming] Monoculture v.s. diversified plantings?


This is our first year selling U-Pick and at the farmer's market.  I
originally planted a large diversity of crops.  Now I'm wondering if it
would be better to concentrate on a few high income crops like peppers
and tomatoes.
We have four acres total. With one acre pasture, two acres wild growth
woods, and the remaining acre divided between a small fruit orchard and
our veggie garden.  We have about 150 tomatoes planted this year so far.
Those of you running smaller operations, do you tend to do monoculture
or more diversified plantings?  If more diversified, how many different
crops are you growing?
Roni
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