2004 Annual Report for OS03-013
Growing Organic Fruits and Vegetables for Local Farmer's Markets
Summary
The growing seasons for vegetables and fruits are challenging for commercial operators. Yet, quality organic vegetables can be grown in Beaufort County, South Carolina. The most optimal time, however, is during the winter and spring seasons. These seasons will allow for less financial input and stress from diseases and insects.
Most conventional equipment can be used in normal production. However, certain specialized equipment, such as manure spreader, is needed. Controlling weed is the greatest challenge. Applying a row covering mulch will aid in weed control as well as moisture conservation.
Objectives/Performance Targets
- To produce an array of vegetables on .5 acre.
To incorporate compost tea in the production.
To promote organic vegetables at the local farmer’s market.
Accomplishments/Milestones
- Farm 1: Vegetable production
Converted conventional farm land to organic.
Planted buckwheat in the fall of 2003 as green manure.
Soil tested December, 2003 to establish bench mark data (Ph/6.2; P/VH; K/H-; Ca H; Mg/H).
Spread and disked 7.5 ton/ac of poultry manure December of 2003.
Furrowed and bedded 2 ton/ac of poultry manure in March of 2004.
No other source of fertility was applied.
In the spring of 2004, transplanted on 6’ rows, bare ground with the following spacing: squash/18”, cantaloupe/30”, watermelon/60”,
tomato/24”, pepper/18”, and okra/12”.The Alaska humus tea applied three times at a 10/1 brewed solution.
No other pesticide treatment was applied.
Petiole leaf sample analysis taken in June of 2004, indicated sufficient nutrient levels were available in the plants for production with the following exceptions:
Squash, P and Ca levels were .38% and .29% of efficiency respectfully;
Watermelon, K was .88% of efficiency; pepper, N and K were .87% and .93% efficiency respectfully;
Tomato, N and K were .93% and .90% of efficiency respectfully;
Cantaloupe, N and K were .84% and .67% efficiency respectfully.
- Farm 2: Organic Blueberry Production
Converted conventional farm land to organic.
Soil tested March, 2004 to establish bench mark data (Ph/6.3; P/VH; K/L+; Ca/H+; Mg/H).
Planted blueberries in the spring of the year at 5 X 12 spacing.
Spread and mulch 1.5 ton/ac of poultry manure April of 2004.
No other source of fertility was applied.
Planted buckwheat in May for weed control.
Applied Alaska compost tea at the rate of 10:1.
No other pesticide treatment was applied.
Petiole leaf sample analysis taken in July of 2004, indicated sufficient nutrient at all levels plant production.
Soil sample in July, 2004 indicated the following results: ph 6.1; P/VH; K/VH; Ca/H-; Mg/H.
- Farm 3: Organic Fig Production
Converted conventional farm land to organic.
Soil tested January, 2004 to establish bench mark data (Ph/7.2; P/VH; K/M+; Ca/VH; Mg/H).
Planted figs in the spring of the year at 15 X 15 spacing.
Spread and mulch .5 ton/ac of poultry manure April of 2004.
No other source of fertility was applied.
Mowed and mulched to control weed.
Applied compost tea at the rate of 10:1.
No other pesticide treatment was applied.
Petiole leaf sample analysis taken in July of 2004, indicated sufficient nutrient at all levels plant production with the exception of Ca at .73% of efficiency.
Soil sample in July, 2004 indicated the following results: ph 7.5; P/VH; K/L+; Ca/VH; Mg/H.
Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes
- Farm 1: Vegetable production
Yields were not scientifically done.
The quality and quantity of the cucurbits (watermelon, squash, and cantaloupe), and okra were visually good.
Tomato and pepper quality and quantity did not do as well.
Weed and grass were the greatest pest to control.
Controlling stinkbug warrants time and attention.
Insects and diseases became a factor in late June.
Additional sources of nitrogen and potassium will be needed to sustain quality and quantity production in tomato and pepper.
Produce was marketed at the local farmers market. Prices were a factor for many buyers. However, a few consumers were pleased with the quality and availability of organically grown produce.
- Farm 2: Blueberry Production
1st year in production. However, soil Ph appears to be a major factor in plant growth.
Farm 3: Fig Production
1st year production. However, soil Ph appears to be a major factor in plant growth.