Getting Great Starts Mila Berhane, Senior Research Associate and Stephanie Elwood, Extension Associate Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center Baton Rouge, LA | January 2016
Getting Great StartsMila Berhane, Senior Research Associate
andStephanie Elwood, Extension Associate
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension CenterBaton Rouge, LA | January 2016
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Sustainable practices• Large diversity of plants• Minimum use of fertilizers and
pesticides• Integrated pest management• Water by hand and harvest rain water • Recycling of pots and soil • Composting• Sanitation
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
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Types of greenhouses• Can be divided into glass & plastic
greenhouses.• Commercial greenhouses are often high-
tech production facilities for vegetables or flowers.
• The glass or plastic greenhouses can contain equipment such as screening installations, heating, cooling and lighting, and may be automatically controlled by a computer.
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Greenhouse Materials
Plastic
Shade Cloth
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
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Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Production• Most vegetables
require ground beds
• Raised benches are used in the production of pot crops and transplants
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Production• Raising the benches above the
ground allows air to flow more freely around the crop and permits a warmer root-zone temperature to be maintained.
• A framework of pipe constructed above a regular bench allows for hanging baskets to be grown above another crop
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Production
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Benches The most important quality of a bench is its
capacity for rapid drainage. Any wood used in the construction of
greenhouse benches should be preserved with some type of preservative.
One determines the number and width of aisles by finding the width of the carts needed in the aisles, and whether the crop can be worked from one side or needs to be accessible from both.
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Washington Career and Technology CenterHigh School Greenhouse
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
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Opelousas Lighthouse Mission, Homeless Men’s Shelter
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
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Watering and fertilizing• Plugs should be
watered thoroughly in the morning and spot watered in mid-afternoon
• Do not water in the evening; foliage should be dry to avoid diseases
• Hand water
• Fertilizer needs will depend on the crop
• Vegetable plugs are usually fertilized with liquid fertilizer (20-10-20) or organic liquid fertilizer.
• High P may promote elongation
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Watering and Fertilizing• Dip with Organic Liquid Fertilizer
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
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Watering and fertilizing
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Sanitation• Control weeds inside
and outside greenhouse to avoid disease and pests
• If reusing trays and pots, wash them to remove any soil and dirt
• Use 10% bleach solution to disinfect pots and surface
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Disease prevention• Daily scouting to detect pests or
diseases• Keeping it clean regardless of size• Proper ventilation to prevent
damping off, therefore avoid fungus gnats and shore flies
• Avoid algae growth by spreading lime underneath benches
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Pest Control
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Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Cutworms• Cut young stems near
soil line• Active at night• Hide under the soil or
under debris• Might climb and chew
on green leaves or fruits
• Hand pick• Protect young plants
with physical barrier• Use BT
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“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Alternatives to Chemicals
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
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Potting Mix• Prepare by mixing ingredients• Purchase ready to use
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Growing Media
• Purchase a soil-less mix suitable for growing seedlings ( PRO-Mix BX, Germination Mix).
• For organic seedlings, an organic mix is needed ( commercial or homemade) .
• Prepare your own mix, it is less expensive
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Ready to use Potting Mix
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
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Preparing Potting Mix
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Basic Organic Mix
• ½ cu. yd. sphagnum peat½ cu. yd. vermiculite10 lbs. bonemeal5 lbs. ground limestone5 lbs. bloodmeal
(source ATTRA)
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Alternative to Peat Moss• Because of
environmental concerns, there are alternatives to using peat moss when making your own mix
• Compost, adds micronutrients to soil
• Coir or coconut fiber, a sustainable alternative to peat.
• Composted leaves• Pine needlesPine needle mulch is popular where pine trees are abundant
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
An example: 72 plugs of broccoli• Soiless mix Pro mix BX $0.56 • 72 plugs tray $1.00• 100 seeds Arcadia Broccoli $0.77• Total cost for 72plugs: $ 2.33• Labor and fertilizer not included• 1 tray from commercial grower:
$66.95 for 280 plugs.
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Economical analysis• Promix 3.8 CU.FT $39.00• 3.8 CU. FT yields 25 tray -4” pots• Promix for 18- 4” $1.56• 18- 4” pots $.86• Cost soil+pot $2.42• A 4” pot will sell between $1.00-2.50• Price of Labor and seeds not
included
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Compost
• Animal manure• Kitchen waste• Composted
mulch• Garden waste
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
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Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
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Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
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…even a pregnant woman can compost!
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
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Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Seed and Plant Selection• Open pollinated/ Hybrid• Treated /Untreated• Organic/Heirloom• Resistance to diseases • Variety selection • Local/Catalogs/On line
Obtain the best seed money can buy!!!
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Sowing Seed in the Greenhouse• The correct timing
of seed sowing is very important
• Most seeds should be sown 4 to 12 weeks prior to transplanting.
• Be sure to harden off before field planting
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Sowing Seed• Readiness for outdoor
planting will vary with germination time, growth rate and weather conditions.
• Seed catalogs and packets provide this useful information.
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Sowing Seed (Cont’d.)• Fill the container to within 1/4 inch of
the top with moistened seed-starting medium.
• To keep the medium moist, and birds and rodents away, cover the tray.
• Once seedlings germinate, remove the cover.
• Place the container in a location that has high light intensity and cooler temperatures.
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Heating pads to grow seedlings
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Sowing seed (cont’d)• Sow very small seeds by sprinkling
on top of the medium and pressing in.
• Sow medium-size and larger seed in rows 1 to 2 inches apart, and 1/8 to 1/4 inches deep.
• Plant two or three seeds per cell or pot. When they germinate, divide the group into individuals.
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Label and Date Your Trays
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Transplant Tray Selection• Plug size influences
the field performance• Larger transplants
result in better crops in the field
• Larger plugs take more greenhouse space and are more expensive
• We use 36 or 72 plugs/tray
• Trays must be elevated from ground
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“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
72 Cell Tray Plugs
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500 Cell Tray Plugs
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Jiffy Pot/ 50 per tray
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Recycled Pots and materialsGreat school activity
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Jiffy pots can be Individually dispersed or sold
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Finishing and Hardening Your Seedlings• Reduce or increase the
temperature in the greenhouse through ventilation
• Reduce watering to let plants wilt slightly
• Hold plants outside for several days before planting
• Planting in the field on a cloudy day or late in the evening when possible.
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Seedlings ready to be planted
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Uses of Transplants• Commercial use• School Gardens• Community Gardens• On-farm Research• Farming/Gardening Workshops
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“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Growing for Market
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
The Many Uses of Transplants
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
“Linking Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”
Contact UsMila Berhane, Senior Research AssociateSouthern University Agricultural Research and Extension CenterEmail: [email protected] or [email protected]
Stephanie Elwood, Extension AssociateSouthern University Agricultural Research and Extension CenterEmail: [email protected]