Vegetable Production Flashcards
Where are US vegetables grown
California
What are the most important vegetables grown in the US
Potatoes Tomatoes Lettuce Onions Sweet corn Broccoli Carrots Snap beans Watermelon Cabbage Cantaloupe
What vegetable crops are grown commercially in Indiana
Tomatoes (processed) Watermelon Tomatoes (fresh) Cantaloupe Sweet Corn Green beans Cucumbers Peppermint
Trends in consumption of vegetables
- increasing slowly - healthy diets, vegetarian, vegan
- organic, local/urban
- locovore
- slow food movement
- shop the edges of the grocery store
- community supported agriculture
Locovore
one who practices eating food that is grown locally
-decreases the amount of greenhouse gases, as the food is sourced locally, instead of being shipped in. it has implications for the local economy too
Slow food
an organization that promotes local food and traditional cooking.
political agenda directed against globalization of agricultural products
Shop the edges of the grocery store
less processed and fresher foods are located on the edges of the grocery store
Community supported agriculture
consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes the community’s farm
-cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer’s salary. in return they receive shares in the farm’s bounty throughout the growing season
Important environmental factors for vegetable production
sunlight temperature crop selection timing water management rainfall irrigation soils
importance of soil for vegetable production
loam/sandy loam
“muck soils” that are high in organic matter (especially carrots, onions, radish, lettuce and various greens, mint)
Other important aspects for vegetable production
high value crop intensive management required irrigation, fertilization, weed and pesticide control mechanical and manual harvesting post-harvest handling food safety, esp. fresh market
Cropping systems (US and elsewhere)
US intensive monoculture -mechanization and specialization -favors large operators crop rotation helps control diseases, weeds, insects, preserves soil nutrients Elsewhere intercropping sequential cropping
Marketing for vegetable production
market is essential
many producers often grow vegetable crops under contract to processors
“organic” demand is growing
“locover” demand is growing
Home gardening cautions
more work than you think it can be really hot mid-summer must have full sun probably does not save money you cannot go on vacation weeds, insects, diseases
Benefits of home gardening
freshest, best quality of food food diversity control over you food (no pesticides) personal satisfaction recreation & physical fitness 'back to nature'
