Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Carol Miles and Gale Sterrett, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture,
Northwestern Research and Extension Center, WSU Mount Vernon
Mykel Taylor and Douglas Young, School of Economic Sciences, WSU Pullman
All photos by Kate Halstead, WSU Snohomish County Extension, and Carol Miles
Table of Contents
Introduction.......................................................................................................................................1
Part I: Field Considerations..................................................................................................................1
Site History and Challenges........................................................................................................................1
Field Conditions and Soil Fertility Management..........................................................................................2
Crop Selection, Rotation, and Management...............................................................................................2
Transplants.................................................................................................................................................4
Tillage........................................................................................................................................................5
Irrigation and Crop Water Use....................................................................................................................6
Mulch........................................................................................................................................................6
Weed Control............................................................................................................................................6
Disease and Insect Pest Management.........................................................................................................7
Conclusions......................................................................................................................................13
References and Further Reading........................................................................................................14
Appendix I: Sample list of seeds to purchase.....................................................................................16
Appendix II: Sample planting calendar..............................................................................................17
Appendix III: Sample monthly harvest schedule................................................................................18
Introduction
Family
Sample crops
Management
Alliaceae/Liliaceae
Apiaceae
carrots, celery, parsnips, parsley, Plant carrots every 2 weeks from spring
dill, cilantro
through summer; plant celery, parsnips, and
dill in late spring; plant parsley and cilantro in
late spring and summer.
Chenopodiaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Fabaceae
Solanacea
Asteraceae
lettuce, endive
Cruciferae
Transplants
Greenhouse transplants are critical for successful
market gardens. Relying on commercial suppliers
is not cost-effective due to the diverse crops
required, variety limitations, and seasonal
demands for these crops. By growing your own
starts, you can plan for timely availability,
ensure variety selections, and obtain highquality seedlings (Figure 3). In addition to using
transplants on your farm, plant starts have good
market value at farmers markets and farm stands.
Tillage
Access to farm equipment can be a significant
issue for small-scale farmers, so many rely
completely on hand labor or small machines
such as rototillers and lawn mowers. However,
manual tillage for field preparation is probably
too time consuming for all but very small farms,
in which case permanent crop beds are advisable.
Maintain alleyways between beds with mowed
Mulch
Weed Control
Weed control is the primary maintenance cost
in vegetable farming. Many annual weeds can
be effectively managed with hand weeding;
however, perennial weeds such as quack grass
and thistle are difficult to control with hand
tools. If the farm is very weedy and has not been
cultivated in several years, it will likely take
34 years to gain good weed control through
cultivation. It may be worthwhile to plant a
dense, unharvested cover crop that will control
weeds in the first year. Mow the cover crop as
needed to prevent weeds that have germinated
in the field from going to seed. Another option
is to plant vegetables in only a small area that
can be effectively managed and cover crop the
remaining ground. Thereafter, bring additional
ground into cultivation, only expanding when
the weeds are under control in the cultivated
area.
spring
early spring
early spring
early spring
early spring
early spring
summer
radishes
broccoli
greens, Asian
kale
salad mix
lettuce, head
tomatoes, staked
eggplant, Asian
peppers
cucumbers, trellised
squash, summer
squash, winter
beets
chard
spinach
carrots
celery
parsnips
cilantro
parsley
dill
garlic
garlic scapes
onions, green
onions, green
leeks, baby
Crop
20
40
40
20
50
50
70
15
15
30
30
30
30
8
8
25
40
40
20
50
50
100
83
5
5
5
1
1
50
50
50
50
100
% of
Spacing
94.4
1.6
3.2
3.2
1.6
4.0
4.0
5.6
1.2
1.2
2.4
2.4
2.4
2.4
0.6
0.6
2.0
3.2
3.2
1.6
4.0
4.0
8.0
6.6
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.1
0.1
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
8.0
Plots
20,957
355
710
710
355
888
888
1,243
266
266
533
533
533
533
133
133
444
710
710
355
888
888
1,776
1,474
89
89
89
18
18
888
888
888
888
1,776
Sq Ft
1.3
0.4
0.9
1.3
2.6
0.6
0.9
0.8
0.8
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.2
0.1
0.2
1.6
0.4
0.4
0.7
0.9
0.3
0.8
0.4
0.5
11.5
6.2
2.6
2.6
2.6
1.3
1.3
1.5
Yield/
Sq Ft
bunch
pound
plant
pound
bag
count
pound
pound
pound
pound
pound
pound
pound
pound
pound
pound
count
pound
pound
pound
plant
pound
pound
plant
pound
bunch
bunch
plant
count
count
bunch
bunch
count
Unit
1.95
3.00
1.50
2.00
3.00
2.00
2.00
3.00
2.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
6.00
3.00
1.50
1.00
2.00
1.50
1.25
0.50
4.50
2.00
1.10
1.00
2.50
1.00
1.00
0.50
0.25
1.50
1.50
0.50
Price/Unit
2.49
1.06
1.28
2.56
7.67
1.28
1.71
2.40
1.60
1.41
1.41
1.41
1.41
1.34
0.19
0.34
1.60
0.80
0.60
0.88
0.43
1.44
1.53
0.39
0.53
28.63
6.16
25.6
1.28
0.64
1.92
1.92
0.75
Revenue/
Sq Ft
34,574.26
873.60
739.20
896.00
896.00
6,720.00
1,120.00
2,090.67
630.00
420.00
739.20
739.20
739.20
739.20
176.40
25.20
147.00
1,120.00
560.00
210.00
770.00
373.33
2,520.00
2,231.04
34.50
46.67
2,507.46
107.95
44.80
1,120.00
560.00
1,680.00
1,680.00
1,317.65
Total
Revenue
Note: The square footage of the garden area is composed of 4 ft x 35 ft plots surrounded by 2 ft paths on all sides. This table assumes a garden area of 14,208 sq ft, which is slightly less than one-third of an
acre. This total square feet of 20,957 exceeds 14,208 because of double cropping in some rotations. Yields are based on Antonelli et al. (2004a). Prices are based on information from local supermarkets and
investigators' estimates.
Grand Total
late spring
June
mid-summer
late spring
late summer
spring
early spring
late spring
late July
previous fall
Planning Season
Rotation
10
11
Season Price
Season Duration
(weeks)
Average
Standard
Deviation
Minimum
Maximum
$665.27
$150.84
$475.00
$990.00
21
20
25
Number of
Observations
11
9
Note: Share prices were collected by the authors and based on weekly delivery of a medium-sized basket which feeds 2 to 3 people.
12
Conclusions
Market gardening can provide both personal
satisfaction and supplementary, or even full-time,
income. Many people derive great satisfaction
from seeing plants grow and produce nutritious
food for themselves and their communities. An
even greater source of satisfaction is learning
from your successes and failures. Farming can be
a great outlet for a curious and scientific mind
because there is always more to learn.
13
14
Services
Cascade Harvest Coalition. A mentoring program
for farmers trying to stay involved in
production agriculture.
4649 Sunnyside Avenue North, Room 123,
Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: 206-632-0606, Fax: 206-632-1080
http://www.cascadeharvest.org/programs/
washington-farmlink
15
Appendix I
Sample list of seeds to purchase for a vegetable market garden (adapted from Seattle Youth Garden Works 2008).
Crop
Asian GreensMei Qing Choi
Asian GreensMizuna
Asian GreensTatsoi
Asian GreensBraising Mix
BasilSiam Queen
BasilAroma I
BasilSweet
BeansProvider Bush
BeansCarson Yellow Bush
BeansKentucky Wonder Pole
BroccoliUmpqua
CarrotsPelleted Nelson
CarrotsRainbow
CarrotsScarlet Nantes
ChardBright Lights
CorianderSanto
CucumberLemon
EscaroleNatacha
KaleDinosaur
LettuceRed Sails Oak Leaf
LettuceSimpson Elite
LettuceRomaine, Volmaine
LettuceDeer Tongue
LettuceSalad Mix
OnionsPurplette
PeasSugar Sprint Snap
PeppersAncho Magnifico
PeppersEarly Jalapeo
PeppersGolden Star
PeppersGypsy
PeppersIslander (lilac)
PeppersMiniature Bells
RadiccioChioggia Red
RadiccioFiero
ScallionsDeep Purple
SpinachTyee
TomatoesStupice
TomatoesManitoba
TomatoesTaxi
TomatoesPrudens Purple
TomatoesMargherita Hybrid
TomatoesAmish Paste
TomatoesIsis Candy
TomatoesJuliet Hybrid
TomatoesSun Gold
TomatoesTiny Tim
TomatoesBlack Krim
TomatoesSnow White Cherry
TomatoesEarly Girl
TurnipsScarlett Queen
Source1
Cost/Unit2
Johnny's
Johnny's
Johnny's
Johnny's
Territorial
Territorial
Territorial
Johnny's
Johnny's
Territorial
Territorial
Johnny's
Johnny's
Johnny's
Johnny's
Territorial
Johnny's
Johnny's
Territorial
Territorial
Territorial
Territorial
Johnny's
Johnny's
Johnny's
Territorial
Territorial
Territorial
Territorial
Territorial
Johnny's
Territorial
Johnny's
Johnny's
Johnny's
Johnny's
Totally Tomatoes
Totally Tomatoes
Totally Tomatoes
Totally Tomatoes
Totally Tomatoes
Totally Tomatoes
Totally Tomatoes
Totally Tomatoes
Totally Tomatoes
Totally Tomatoes
Tomato Growers
Tomato Growers
Tomato Growers
Johnny's
12.20/5,000 seeds
5.55/oz
5.80/oz
55.80/lb
2.53/gram
1.93/gram
0.81/gram
11.80/lb
4.85/1,000 seeds
2.45/packet
2.90/sampler
3.50/packet
4.25/packet
3.05/packet
5.20/1,000 seeds
0.58/gram
2.30/mini
49.20/oz
3.45/packet
4.50/packet
4.50/packet
3.10/packet
3.75/packet
125.20/lb
4.75/packet
3.10/packet
7.75/100 seeds
3.20/packet
8.05/packet
6.95/100 seeds
14.95/100 seeds
3.05/sampler
72.80/oz
66.00/oz
5.35/packet
0.85/1,000 seeds
116.00/oz
76.00/oz
158.40/oz
176.00/oz
100 seeds
148.80/oz
184.00/oz
198.40/oz
308.00/oz
95.20/oz
156.80/oz
192.00/oz
243.60/oz
2.85/mini
Unit/s
1
1
1
1/4
2
2
4
1/2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
1
1/8
1
1
1
1
1
1/4
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1/8
1/8
1
5
1/8
1/16
1/32
1/32
1
1/32
1/32
1/32
1/8
1/16
1/16
1/32
1/8
1
Sub-total
Handling
TOTAL
Total Price
12.20
5.55
5.80
13.95
5.05
3.85
3.25
5.90
4.85
2.45
2.90
3.50
4.25
3.05
5.20
2.35
2.30
6.15
3.45
4.50
4.50
3.10
3.75
31.30
4.75
3.10
7.75
3.20
8.05
6.95
14.95
6.10
9.10
8.25
5.35
4.25
14.50
4.75
4.95
5.50
10.50
4.65
5.75
6.20
38.50
5.95
9.80
6.00
30.45
2.85
$375.30
18.20
$393.50
The use of a company name is not intended to endorse or detract from any company listed or not listed, respectively.
Units presented in this table are specific to each seed supplier; read supplier information carefully to determine how many seeds are in their packet, sampler, and mini.
1
2
16
17
3-6 wks
6-8 wks
7-8 wks
8-9 wks
6-7 wks
4 wks
8-9 wks
9-11 wks
8-12 wks
15-19 wks
7-8 wks
7-8 wks
12 wks
7-10 wks
6-8 wks
10-11 wks
10-11 wks
50-52 wks
8-9 wks
16-24 wks
8-10 wks
16-20 wks
10-12 wks
8-10 wks
10-11 wks
10-12 wks
8-12 wks
3-4 wks
4 wks
4-7 wks
7-9 wks
12-17 wks
8-10 wks
8-13 wks
9-11 wks
5-10 wks
Month
Arugula
Basil
Beans, Bush
Beets
Bok Choy
Braising Mix
Broccoli
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Chard
Cilantro
Collards
Cucumbers
Dill
Eggplant
Fennel
Garlic
Kale
Leeks
Lettuce, Head
Onions, Bulb
Onions, Green
Parsley
Peas, Snap
Peppers, Hot
Peppers, Sweet
Radishes
Salad Mix
Spinach
Squash, Summer
Squash, Winter
Tomatillos
Tomatoes
Tomatoes, Husk
Turnips
X
X
X
Feb
18 25
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
March
10 17 25
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
April
14 21 28
X
X
X
X
May
12 19 26
X
X
Month
X
X
June
16 23 30
X
X
July
14 21 28
X
X
August
11 18 25
Shaded cells indicate direct sowing in the field; non-shaded cells indicate seeding in a greenhouse. Transplant into beds 4-6 weeks later or when seedlings have their first two true leaves.
Time to
Maturity
Sample seeding calendar for a Seattle, WA, vegetable market garden1 (adapted from Seattle Youth Garden Works 2008).
Appendix II
Sept
8 15
Appendix III
Sample monthly harvest schedule for a vegetable market garden.
May
Asian greens
Baby beets
Beet greens
Bulb onions
Chard
Cilantro
Dry beans1
June
Leeks
Radishes
Salad mix
Snow peas
Spinach
Asian greens
Baby parsnips
Beet greens
Beets
Carrots
Chard
Cilantro
Garlic scapes
August
Asian greens
Beet greens
Beets
Broccoli
Carrots
Celery
Chard
Cilantro
Cucumbers
Dill
Fresh shell
beans
July
Head lettuce
Leeks
Parsley
Radishes
Salad mix
Spinach
Snap peas
Snow peas
Asian greens
Beet greens
Beets
Bulb onions
Carrots
Chard
Cilantro
Cucumbers
Dill
September
Head lettuce
Garlic
Green beans
Kale
Parsley
Parsnips
Radishes
Salad mix
Summer squash
Tomatoes
Asian greens
Beet greens
Beets
Broccoli
Carrots
Celery
Chard
Cilantro
Cucumbers
Dill
Eggplant
Fresh shell
beans
Head lettuce
Garlic
Green onions
Kale
Parsnips
Parsley
Peppers
Radishes
Salad mix
Snap peas
Snow peas
Spinach
Summer squash
Tomatoes
October
Asian greens
Baby leeks
Beet greens
Beets
Carrots
Chard
Cilantro
Dry beans
Garlic
Green onions
November
Baby leeks
Beet greens
Beets
Carrots
Chard
Dry beans
Garlic
Green onions
Head lettuce
Kale
Parsley
Parsnips
Salad mix
Spinach
Winter squash
18
Green beans
Head lettuce
Kale
Parsley
Parsnips
Radishes
Salad mix
Snap peas
Summer squash
Head lettuce
Kale
Parsley
Parsnips
Salad mix
Snap peas
Snow peas
Spinach
Winter squash
Use pesticides with care. Apply them only to plants, animals, or sites as listed on the label. When mixing and applying pesticides, follow
all label precautions to protect yourself and others around you. It is a violation of the law to disregard label directions. If pesticides are
spilled on skin or clothing, remove clothing and wash skin thoroughly. Store pesticides in their original containers and keep them out of
the reach of children, pets, and livestock.
WSU Extension bulletins contain material written and produced for public distribution. Alternate formats of our educational materials are
available upon request for persons with disabilities. Please contact Washington State University Extension for more information.
You may order copies of this and other publications from WSU Extension at 1-800-723-1763 or http://pubs.wsu.edu.
Issued by Washington State University Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30,
1914. Extension programs and policies are consistent with federal and state laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race,
sex, religion, age, color, creed, and national or ethnic origin; physical, mental, or sensory disability; marital status or sexual orientation;
and status as a Vietnam-era or disabled veteran. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office.
Trade names have been used to simplify information; no endorsement is intended. December 2010.
EM032E