Season Extension

Terry E. Poole

Extension Agent

Frederick County, MD

Season extension is a way to extend cash to Season extension is a way to extend cash to the farm business operation over a longer the farm business operation over a longer period of time.period of time.

Often early and out-of-season products will Often early and out-of-season products will bring a higher price, so it can be in the bring a higher price, so it can be in the producer’s favor to be the first and the last producer’s favor to be the first and the last on the market.on the market.

Season Extension

How do we extend the season?

Method 1: Modify the environment

* cold frames

* row covers

* greenhouses

* plastic mulches

Greenhouses offer the best in environmental management

There is a wide selection of greenhouse designs

Season Extension

• Method 2: Diversity of Crops*Vary varieties (can be 2 or more weeks difference in maturity dates)*Vary species (some species are earlier maturing than others during the season)*Vary planting dates (maturity of a crop can be staggered by planting at different time intervals)

Season Extension

*Pasture utilization can be extended in much the same way.

- using different varieties of forages

- using different species of forages

- using management techniques such as stock-piling, crop residues, and grazing management.

Root Cellars• Cost effective way to extend season *

economical for small farms

• Root cellar considerations (plan ahead)

� store for quality

� some crops store better

� storage capacity

� production, handling, storage

� crop storage compatibility

� crops are not all that can be stored

Other things besides produce can be stored in the root cellar. Those of you considering poultry operations will find that fresh eggs can be stored in the root cellar.

Root Cellars• Planning recommendations

a) the cellar

- about anything can be used

- choice affects size/scope

- most use what’s at hand

b) temperature

- cellar should be cool (32-400 F)

c) humidity

- second only to temperature in importance

- crops can’t replace lost moisture (need 90-95% humidity)

Root Cellarsd) ventilation

- important after temp. and humidity

- regulates temp. and humidity

- exhausts smells and gases

- correct airflow is essential

e) accessibility

- design for convenience

- won’t be used otherwise

f) darkness

- light deteriorates some crops

- use light only while you are in there

Root Cellars

g) drainage

- humidity, not waterlogged

h) shelving

- need materials to stand dampness

i) size

- this is the big question

- will be a limitation

- estimate storage needs now and the future

- room 5 ft. x 8 ft. holds 30 bu. of produce

The timing of when you harvest has a direct impact on how well your crop stores.

Post Harvest Treatment

• Preserving product quality

* crops continue to breathe

* crops are limited on storage time

* storage temperature is the key

• Harvesting

* not over-mature or immature

* pre-cooling

Post Harvest Treatment

• Timing

* it is everything

* frost is a big factor, affecting pre-harvest, post-harvest, and frost protection

* root crops are best left as long as possible

* harvesting during cool weather keeps crops cool

* avoid harvesting during muddy conditions

• Cleaning harvested crops* dust is okay, just do a light brushing* too much scrubbing may cause damage

• Handling* be gentle, no bruising

• Selecting crops to store* cull out damaged, over and immature crops* quality control is essential

• Curing

* some crops need 1 to 2 weeks curing • Clipping

* green tops should be removed

Post Harvest Treatment

Remember, be gentle, no bruising.

Thank You