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market-farming - Re: [Market-farming] Market-farming Digest, Vol 87, Issue 47

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Subject: Market Farming

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  • From: "Idyllwild Farm" <idyllwildfarm AT gmail.com>
  • To: "'Market Farming'" <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Market-farming Digest, Vol 87, Issue 47
  • Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:09:55 -0400

Mike:
I have used a Grillo (green instead of blue- check prices out) with a rotary plow and sickle bar to mow cover crops and plow new & old ground. I got it from Earth Tools, but check the web, etc. It works great in the non-rocky soils that we have in N KY, especially for an acre or so. Not sure about how it would do in rockier soils.
Regarding nitrates- first step is not to be a fertilizer-head as you head into low light conditions (or any time of year for that matter). I would know your soil fertility and know your fertilizers and compost (the book fertile soil is one source) and respond to those conditions. Plan ahead, so you aren't in a position of reacting to a deficiency as you set up for winter.
Good Luck.
Mike
 
Idyllwild Farm
7251 Four Mile Rd
Melbourne, KY 41059
 
 


From: market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Michael Libsch
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2010 1:51 PM
To: market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Market-farming Digest, Vol 87, Issue 47

Hello Everyone,

My name is Mike. I am new to the Market Farming Digest which seems like a wonderful forum. I am also new to listserves. Please let me know if this e-mail is not the correct format.

I am currently working as an apprentice in California and hope to return to the North East this fall to rent a small piece of farm land (about an acre) to grow organic vegetables. I would like to ask the forum 2 questions.

1) I am wondering if anyone has experience with the BCS-mounted rotary tiller. If so, does it work well for turning in cover crops and preparing raised beds? And, would it be possible to turn a compost pile with this implement?

2) I hope to grow greens in the hoop house during the colder months of the year. I have recently read that winter greens may have high concentrations of nitrates which can be converted into dangerous nitrites. According to a couple of articles, using compost instead of high N fertilizers, harvesting in the afternoon, and cutting off old leaves can help to reduce nitrate levels in winter vegetables. My question, though, is are these practices sufficient to reduce nitrate levels in winter greens to safe levels?

Thank you for your input. Happy spring,

Mike




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