An investigation into the suitability of the Japanese paper pot transplanter to small-scale vegetable farms

An investigation into the suitability of the Japanese paper pot transplanter to small-scale vegetable farms

Summary

The second season collecting field data is over.  Four crops (beets, lettuce heads, lettuuce mix, and spinach) were studied for earliness as well as yield.  Three study plantings were made of each crop, one paper pot transplanted and one planted in the traditional manner (direct seeded for all but the lettuce heads, which are traditionally transplanted.)  The first harvest date was recorded to record earliest harvest.  The total yields were recorded to compare if using the PPT increased yield, the field work time was recorded to see if using the PPT reduced cultivation time. 
These numbers will be crunched and presented at the NOFA-NY winter conference on Sunday, January 26th.  The final report will be submitted by the deadline

Objectives/Performance Targets

The study crops were planted and recorded as laid out in the original project.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Two seasons of growing are now completed.  In season one (2012) very dry weather caused some of the plantings to be delayed or lost.  In season two (2013) the weather was much more favorable for timely planting.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

The data has not all been looked into, but will be all ready to present at a workshop at the NOFA-NY conference on January 26th, 2014.

Collaborators: