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Planting Calendar

This planting calendar guide outlines the optimal times to plant various crops based on local climate and growing conditions, maximizing yield and minimizing risks. Find your local planting schedule! Our calendar helps you time your plantings for a successful garden season.

Crop	Optimal Planting Time	Harvest Time
Tomatoes	March - April	July - August
Carrots	April - June	July - September
Beans	May - June	July - August
Peppers	April - May	July - September
Squash	May - June	July - September
Cucumbers	May - June	July - August
Spinach	March - April	May - June
Lettuce	March - April	May - June
Radishes	March - April	April - May
Onions	February - March	June - July
Garlic	October - November	June - July
Potatoes	March - April	June - August
Beets	April - June	June - September
Broccoli	March - April	June - July
Cauliflower	March - April	June - July
Eggplant	April - May	July - September

Proper Use of Pesticides

Guidelines
Obtain the proper training before mixing pesticides. See section on pesticide licensing. Reduce infestations from outside sources and incorporate non-chemical methods such as biological, cultural, and sanitation controls in your pest management program. Limit the frequency of treatments whenever possible, particularly nerve toxins. Evaluate the cost-benefit economics and use scouting and thresholds to justify treatments. Treat small areas as much as possible, and whenever possible, only treat infested plant(s) rather than treating all plants in the greenhouse. Avoid persistent compounds and slow release/encapsulated formulations. Ideally, an effective insecticide should be applied at a concentration high enough to kill all individuals in a population, and then quickly disappear from the environment.	Avoid treatments that apply selection pressures on both larval and adult stages. Avoid tank mixes (mixing two or more insecticides together to control a single pest) except in cases where research has demonstrated improved efficacy. Rotate insecticides with different modes of action. Use insecticides with non-specific modes of action whenever possible. The less specific the mode of action of an insecticide, the less likely it is that genetic mutations can be selected. Note that resistance can develop to products other than traditional chemical pesticides. Resistance has been reported in some species to Bacillus thuringiensis and to some insect growth regulators. Test the pH of the water and adjust the pH of the water before mixing pesticides.
Measure accurately when mixing pesticides. Measure wettable powders by weight using a scale. Measure liquids by volume. After mixing an insecticide with water, spray immediately or within a few hours. Never allow a mixed chemical to stand overnight before applying. Treat according to label directions. Inform your local fire department before using a smoke formulation of pesticide. Apply pesticides during the cooler part of the day, such as the early morning or evening.	Add surfactants only when recommended on the pesticide label. Never use a sprayer for insecticides that was previously used to apply herbicides. Apply pesticides only after crops have been irrigated and show no signs of moisture stress. Do not apply pesticides with a fertilizer unless indicated on the label. Never use broad-leaved weed killers and brush killers around the greenhouse.

Guidelines

Obtain the proper training before mixing pesticides. See section on pesticide licensing.
Reduce infestations from outside sources and incorporate non-chemical methods such as biological, cultural, and sanitation controls in your pest management program.
Limit the frequency of treatments whenever possible, particularly nerve toxins. Evaluate the cost-benefit economics and use scouting and thresholds to justify treatments.
Treat small areas as much as possible, and whenever possible, only treat infested plant(s) rather than treating all plants in the greenhouse.
Avoid persistent compounds and slow release/encapsulated formulations. Ideally, an effective insecticide should be applied at a concentration high enough to kill all individuals in a population, and then quickly disappear from the environment.

Avoid treatments that apply selection pressures on both larval and adult stages.
Avoid tank mixes (mixing two or more insecticides together to control a single pest) except in cases where research has demonstrated improved efficacy. Rotate insecticides with different modes of action.
Use insecticides with non-specific modes of action whenever possible. The less specific the mode of action of an insecticide, the less likely it is that genetic mutations can be selected.
Note that resistance can develop to products other than traditional chemical pesticides. Resistance has been reported in some species to Bacillus thuringiensis and to some insect growth regulators.
Test the pH of the water and adjust the pH of the water before mixing pesticides.

Measure accurately when mixing pesticides. Measure wettable powders by weight using a scale. Measure liquids by volume.
After mixing an insecticide with water, spray immediately or within a few hours. Never allow a mixed chemical to stand overnight before applying.
Treat according to label directions.
Inform your local fire department before using a smoke formulation of pesticide.
Apply pesticides during the cooler part of the day, such as the early morning or evening.

Add surfactants only when recommended on the pesticide label.
Never use a sprayer for insecticides that was previously used to apply herbicides.
Apply pesticides only after crops have been irrigated and show no signs of moisture stress.
Do not apply pesticides with a fertilizer unless indicated on the label.
Never use broad-leaved weed killers and brush killers around the greenhouse.

GUIDES

Efficient Water Management

Enhanced Crop Yields

Efficient water management ensures that crops receive the optimal amount of water, leading to healthier plants and increased yields. This is crucial for meeting the growing food demand in a sustainable manner.

Improved Soil Health

Efficient water management practices, such as maintaining soil moisture and using organic amendments, enhance soil structure and fertility. Healthy soil supports better crop growth and resilience against pests and diseases.

Increased Resilience to Climate Change

Sustainable water management practices help farmers adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as droughts and erratic rainfall. This resilience is vital for maintaining food security in unpredictable weather conditions.

Cost Savings

Efficient water use reduces the costs associated with water procurement and irrigation. By minimizing water waste and optimizing usage, farmers can lower their operational expenses, contributing to more sustainable farming practices.

Enhanced Food Safety

Proper water management ensures that irrigation water is clean and safe, reducing the risk of contamination in food production. This is essential for protecting public health and maintaining consumer confidence in agricultural products.

Biodiversity Conservation

Sustainable water management practices can help preserve local ecosystems and biodiversity. By using water resources wisely, farmers can maintain healthy habitats for wildlife, which is essential for ecological balance.

Reduced Water Waste

By implementing techniques such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, farmers can significantly reduce water waste. This conservation of water resources is essential for sustainability, especially in regions facing water scarcity.

Strengthened Community Resilience

Efficient water management fosters collaboration among farmers and communities, leading to shared resources and collective strategies. This strengthens community resilience, ensuring that local food systems can withstand challenges and continue to thrive.

Organic Farming Practices

Sustainable Agriculture for a Healthier Planet

Organic farming practices are an agricultural approach that emphasizes sustainability, environmental health, and the use of natural resources. This method of farming avoids synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and other artificial inputs, focusing instead on techniques that promote biodiversity, soil health, and ecological balance.

Key Aspects of Organic Farming Practices

Soil Health and Fertility

Organic farming prioritizes the health of the soil as the foundation of sustainable agriculture. Practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and the use of organic compost and manure enhance soil fertility and structure, leading to improved water retention and nutrient availability.

Biodiversity

Organic farms often support a diverse range of crops and livestock, which helps to create resilient ecosystems. This biodiversity can reduce pest outbreaks and disease, as natural predators and beneficial insects thrive in varied environments.

Natural Pest Management

Instead of relying on chemical pesticides, organic farming employs integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. These may include the use of beneficial insects, crop rotation, and natural repellents to control pests while minimizing harm to the environment.

Water Conservation

Organic farming practices often incorporate efficient water management techniques, such as mulching and drip irrigation, to conserve water and reduce runoff. These methods help maintain soil moisture and improve water use efficiency, which is crucial in sustainable agriculture.

Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

Organic farming is rooted in principles of sustainability, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. By avoiding synthetic chemicals and promoting practices that enhance ecosystem health, organic farming contributes to the preservation of natural resources and biodiversity.

Food Safety and Quality

Organic products are often perceived as healthier and safer due to the absence of synthetic chemicals. This focus on natural inputs can lead to higher quality produce, which is increasingly demanded by consumers concerned about health and environmental issues.

Community and Economic Benefits

Organic farming can strengthen local economies by promoting small-scale farming and direct-to-consumer sales. It fosters community engagement and supports local food systems, contributing to food security and resilience.

Climate Change Mitigation

Organic farming practices can play a role in mitigating climate change by enhancing carbon sequestration in soils and reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

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