Wichita Farmers Market Slides 28-54 Growing year around in High Tunnels

Crop Selection: Planting Dates Transplants Tomatoes-March 20-April1, May 1, May 22, June 10 and June 20 Cucumbers April1-15, every 3-4 weeks Zucchini April 1-15 every 3-4 weeks Lettuce- Feb-June, End of Aug-Nov (3 weeks) Direct seed Spinach-Feb-April, October Carrots- Year around Roots-Feb-March, August-Sept Cilantro, Dill-Feb/March, Sept-Oct Winter time Johnny’s Seeds Winter Growing Guide

Winter Crop Selection • Look for cold tolerant varieties when selecting seeds.

Planting Dates • Plant growth slows down significantly when day length drops below ten hours, that is around November 16th.

http://www.hightunnels.org/ForGrowers/CoolSeasonVegetables/SpinachHarvestDate.htm

Planting Dates, My Findings

August 16th

August 22nd

Picture Taken October 20th

Planting Dates Johnny’s Winter Growers guide: Better to hedge a little ahead Toughen up your plants, don’t keep them too warm. You want them to be cold and growing slow.

Use of Space

Use of Space, Intercropping

Use of Space • Intercropping within the bed

– Lettuce, Radishes, Onions, Turnips

• Along the outside walls – Leeks, Cucumbers

• On the outside walls – Greens

• In the walkways

– Seedlings, Planters

• Don’t forget about the Vertical Space – Trellis – Hanging baskets/planters

Transplant Production • Start the varieties YOU want and have them ready when YOU need them • Better use of space, lettuce • Start earlier, continue later into the year.

• Less seed use, better spacing, easier weeding • Fewer days spent in the High Tunnel • Faster turn around

Transplant Production Transplanted October 8th

Started Harvesting October 27th

Transplant Production

Just starting out Transplant Production

4 foot florescent lights, 1020 trays, 2 by 4 frame with plywood shelves and a timer.

Pests

Pests in the winter tunnel • • • • • • • •

Aphids Thrips Slugs Caterpillars (Cabbage Worms) Mice Voles Moles

Controlling Pests Chemical Biological Beneficial Insects/ Mites Must be used preventatively and early for winter tunnel crops • Have healthy plants, in healthy environments with good nutrients, no bugs?

• • • •

Insect Control APHIDS- Ladybugs and Predatory Wasps

Different Issues with Winter Production • Harvesting! Must harvest when it is warm enough. Usually between 12 and 3 is the best time.

• Protection from the cold • Washing Produce • Weather and Sunlight!

• Snow

Repair and Maintenance • Always close during a storm • High wind, close wind side, leave other side open, if you must vent.

• Snow, Sweep off • Periodically check bolts and tape tears asap, both sides is best.

• Keep plastic tight

Repair and Maintenance Hail damage

Repair and Maintenance

Repair and Maintenance

Wind video

Repair and Maintenance

Weather Concerns Snow and Wind

http://www.happyhollowfarm-mo.com/

Weather Concerns Snow and Wind

10-12 inches of snow

January 10th, 2011

Sweeping Snow

What we covered • • • • • • •

Why Season Extension and winter growing?

Tools Necessary What crops do we grow and store?

How? Planting dates Pests Different Issues Disasters

Questions?

Jay and Linda Sleichter www.jaysjellies.com jaysjellies@yahoo.com Facebook: Jay’s Jellies, Produce and More