Market Farming

["Tom at Limerock" <limerock AT thirdplanet.net>]

Here is an interesting post from the hightunnel folks.  I am kinda intrigued with the idea of trellising melons. 

 

Tom

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Jett, Lewis W.

To: HIGHTUNNELS AT LISTSERV.KSU.EDU

Sent: Friday, June 17, 2005 12:49 AM

Subject: [HIGHTUNNELS] FW: Melon Twilight Tour, June 23

-----Original Message-----
From: MU_ EXT_ AND_AGNEWS
Sent: Wednesday, June 15, 2005 3:59 PM
To: Horstmeier, Greg D.
Subject: Melon Twilight Tour, June 23

Jason L. Jenkins
Senior Information Specialist
Extension & Ag Information
University of Missouri
(573) 882-2980
JenkinsJL AT missouri.edu
June 15, 2005

Source: Lewis Jett (573) 884-3287

Growing melons in high tunnels
subject of June 23 twilight tour

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The first fruits of a melon crop planted a full month or
more ahead of field-grown melons will be the focus of a high tunnel
twilight tour, June 23, at the University of Missouri Bradford Research
& Extension Center east of Columbia.

The tour will begin at 6 p.m. and continue until dark, said Lewis Jett,
MU Extension state vegetable crops specialist.

"All eight of our high tunnels will be on display," he said. "The
evening will be an opportunity for folks to learn about all aspects of
growing cantaloupes, specialty melons and cucumbers within a high
tunnel."

High tunnels, also known as hoop houses, are Quonset-shaped frames
covered by transparent plastic. Crops are planted in the soil instead of
in containers as they are in greenhouses. Although high-tunnel
construction is only about one-fifth the cost of greenhouse
construction, high tunnels can extend the growing season by two months
or more, Jett explained.

"It's important in Missouri to have produce for sale before July 4," he
said. "The high tunnels allow you to get that head start without the
unpredictably of field planting. By the time other growers are just
starting to harvest, you're season is almost done."

In addition to a discussion on pest management for melons in high
tunnels, practices such as pruning and trellising also will be
addressed.

"Trellising is necessary when growing melons with another crop, such as
tomatoes, in the high tunnels," Jett said. "We'll discuss two different
systems that we've used that incorporate either mesh or tensile wire."

Other topics for the tour include plant spacing, varieties and
pollination. "The market has moved to single-serve watermelons that only
get to be about 6 pounds," he said. "These smaller melons are suited for
trellising."

 Jett added that after the tour, the melons will be harvested and
test-marketed at the Columbia Farmer's Market on Saturday, June 25.

There is no cost to attend the tour. To reach the Bradford Center, take
U.S. Highway 63 to the AC Exit. Travel east about five miles on New
Haven Road, then south for about one mile on Rangeline Road. For more
information, contact Jett at (573) 884-3287.