Extending The Growing Season – AG Matters

A few days ago we discussed climate change and it's effect on growing crops. While you can't control mother nature, you can find some "work-arounds" to extend the growing season for products.  The Northeast Beginning Farmer's Project offers online courses on the use of high tunnels.

Extending the growing season can give you an edge on competitors by giving you product before and after other growers.  "High tunnels" or "hoophouses" can do that, but they can be expensive and create special growing needs.  This online course can teach you:

• Complete a site assessment and know when to bring in experts
• Improve and maintain soil health and fertility in the tunnel
• Select an appropriate high tunnel structure and production needs
• Select and grow appropriate cold and/or warm season crops for the tunnel
• Employ pest control and trouble-shooting strategies for high tunnels
• Decide if high tunnels make sense on the farm

The online course starts today and continues every Tuesday night through April 19.  Get more details and register online at The Beginning Farmer's Project.

SOURCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension