www.sare.org resources tarping-in-the-northeast-a-guide-for-small-farms Tarping in the Northeast: A Guide for Small Farms Reusable tarps, including black plastic (silage tarps), clear plastic and landscape fabric, are multi-functional, accessible tools that are increasingly popular on small farms. The use of opaque materials that block light is frequently called “occultation,” while the use of clear tarps is called “solarization.” The use of the word "tarping” is a general term to […]
www.sare.org resources season-long-strawberry-production-with-everbearers-for-northeastern-producers Season-Long Strawberry Production with Everbearers for Northeastern Producers The primary purpose of this 70-page guide is to provide the opportunity for growers in the eastern United States to grow everbearing strawberries profitably. Information gained from research trials are shared with growers in addition to the observations and experiences of the guide’s authors and other significant contributors.
www.sare.org resources crop-rotation-on-organic-farms Crop Rotation on Organic Farms This manual provides an in-depth review of the applications of crop rotation-including improving soil quality and health, and managing pests, diseases, and weeds. Consulting with expert organic farmers, the authors share rotation strategies that can be applied under various field conditions and with a wide range of crops. Crop Rotation on Organic Farms will be most […]
www.sare.org resources steel-in-the-field Steel in the Field Weed control demands time, labor and expense for every farmer every year. Steel in the Field shows how today's implements and techniques can control weeds while reducing—or eliminating—herbicides. In practical language, Steel in the Field presents what farmers and researchers have learned in the last 20 years about cutting weed-control costs through improved cultivation tools, cover crops and new […]
northcentral.sare.org resources tarping-to-improve-weed-management-and-reduce-tillage-in-vegetable-systems Tarping for Weed Control Guide: A Low-Till Strategy for Vegetable Growers Weed management is a persistent challenge for vegetable growers, with traditional methods such as cultivation, plastic mulch, herbicides, and hand-weeding presenting various limitations. Tarping has emerged as an effective, low-cost alternative that utilizes impermeable plastic sheets to suppress weeds through occultation (blocking light) or solarization (heat buildup), depending on the type of tarp. In addition […]
northeast.sare.org resources beyond-black-plastic Beyond Black Plastic While the use of black plastic is allowed within organic agriculture, it is inherently unsustainable as it is a petroleum-based product and difficult to recycle. Every acre of land farmed using a black plastic system produces 100-120 lb of waste that typically goes to landfills. This 24-page guide looks beyond plasticulture and evaluates the effects of different mulch […]
southern.sare.org resources sweetpotato-production-for-kentucky Sweetpotato Production for Kentucky This 16-page guidebook, produced by the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, covers all aspects of sweetpotato production in Kentucky. Topics include variety selection, production techniques, insect and disease management, harvesting, storage, marketing, and budgets. Full of colorful photos and helpful charts, this publication is designed to be a comprehensive guide for […]