Vegetables and Row Crops

From many years of growing row crops, vegetables, fruit and pecan trees and grape vines, organically on my own farm and garden, I have learned that building the soils organic content to the highest point possible by using compost and organic mulches and without tilling or disturbing the soil any more then necessary, will put the carbon cycle to work to save moisture and up production and profits. It also lowers insect and disease problems to where little or no control was needed.

When growing vegetables, we sometimes use that fine row cover called Plant Shield or Grow Web over plants as a tent. We would put it up before the seeds emerged or as soon as transplants were put in.

The web would trap Carbon Dioxide, give a few degrees frost protection and screen insects out, which also stops plants from being infected with a virus. It slows down the wind. Diffuses the sunlight for greater photosynthesis and protects against light hail. Under this web, if there is ample sunlight, the plants will grow three times faster and produce up to three times more.

This may get expensive on large acreage but can really pay off.

Next >>> Trees and Vines