March 4, 2024
Compiled by Vern Grubinger, University of Vermont Extension
(802) 656-7534, vernon.grubinger@uvm.edu
https://www.uvm.edu/extension/horticulture/commercial
REPORTS FROM THE FIELD
(Orwell) We are getting tunnels ready for spring and summer production; taking a little breather from winter greens has given us the headspace to feel more organized heading into spring. We've been working to build fertility in dormant tunnels through additions of farm-made compost and cover crops and are excited to get planting into improved soil.
Small systems improvements include installing a more sophisticated greenhouse controller in our prop house (thanks to Chris Callahan for helping to trouble shoot this) and partially rebuilding an older tunnel. Recent winds have convinced us that we really need to invest in a generator--at our small scale, we've always scrapped by with manual backup systems, but when the wind whips all night, it would be nice to sleep without so much anxiety.
Other stresses include dreaded aphids already appearing (the temptation to keep a few beds of kale and spinach for personal consumption overwhelms logic) but we hope to control them before they jump to tomatoes. March's longer days mean the season is rolling and we are in for another wild ride, hopefully it is a more positive one for our grower community than last year.
(Dummerston) The mild winter has been great for high tunnel greens, but most are looking a bit tired now. Asian greens are starting to bolt. Downy mildew is starting in the spinach. I plan to increase plant spacing a bit next year to try to reduce bottom rot on the bok choi and others. But in a cold year it might not matter. That seems to be the tradeoff: in a warmer year there's more growth and less cold injury but more disease. I'm looking forward to the end of mud season so I can get to work outdoors.
(Guildhall) After strong holiday sales and an unusually busy January, February's sales were lackluster. A few solid shop projects have been seen to (spray coupes and potato trucks), and the slog that is bookkeeping this time of year. Potatoes are keeping well enough, but some varieties are starting to look their age.
(E. Wallingford) Most of the snow has melted this week. Time to start pruning blueberries and finish mulching blueberries. Has not gone below zero this winter yet. Buds on blueberries and new peach trees look good so far. Picked up irrigation system for frost control and flail mower to grind up brush. No more hand picking and burning of brush from pruning.
(Putney) We have our new tomato grafting speed record of 260 in one hour.
HIGH TUNNEL SOIL TESTING
For established high tunnels growing in the ground we recommend using the University of Maine Soil Test Lab’s Long Term Combined High Tunnel Package for $30 per sample. This includes the Basic High Tunnel Test PLUS Saturated Media Extract for all major and micronutrients. Results show both season-long nutrient availability and short-term nutrient intensity.
TECH TIPS FROM UVM EXTENSION AG ENGINEERING
by Chris Callahan and Andy Chamberlin
A variety of seasonal guides can be found on our blog https://blog.uvm.edu/cwcallah/. Take a look at what others are doing with germination and start chambers and go down the technical rabbit hole with Chris in our germ chamber guide. As you start-up prop houses and tunnels take some time to do a quick safety check on your heaters to prevent problems (like this flame roll out) down the road. Speaking of which, we’ve heard a lot of interest in monitoring options from low to high tech. You may want to check out our summary of available remote monitoring options. Are your walk-ins getting bare or empty? May be a great time to do a deep clean and spring cooler check to make sure you are ready to keep the season’s bounty clean and cool.
Looking for something to listen to while you work? Andy’s been busy micing up growers and walking and talking to produce audio farm visits for The Farmer's Share podcast. Recent episodes include Pooh Sprague from Edgewater Farm and Geo Honigford (formerly) from Hurricane Flats Farm. Listen at https://thefarmersshare.com/
POLLINATOR SUPPORT REPORT
Laura Johnson, UVM Extension Pollinator Support Specialist
If you are using commercial bumble bees for crop pollination this year, consider requesting queen excluders with your order. Review a new guide for more details, Protecting Wild Bee Crop Pollination Services: Commercial Bumble bee Best Management Practices. It can be found on the pollinator support site https://www.uvm.edu/extension/pollinator-support-resources
Depending on the weather this month, you may start to see certain native bumble bee species starting to emerge from their overwintering sites looking for flowers to eat from and a new nest site to grow their summer colony. Remember as spring cleanup approaches to “leave the leaves” until we have steady nighttime temperatures in the 50s, as many wild pollinators are still in their nests found under leaves and in plant stems.
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS
A farmer suggested we let others know about HSAs. These allow you to pay for unreimbursed medical expenses such as deductibles, co-payments, and services not covered by insurance—if you have a high-deductible health plan. A fact sheet from Rutgers University notes the tax advantages are typically that contributions are deductible, withdrawals are not taxed if used for medical expenses, earnings on the savings account are tax-exempt, and unspent balances may accumulate, see https://njaes.rutgers.edu/health-finance/health-savings-accounts.php#what
FARM LABOR DASHBOARD
This project helps farm owners, managers and crew leaders build knowledge and skills they need to successfully recruit and manage the right employees for their operations. Visit their site at https://www.uvm.edu/aglabor/dashboard/