YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED – 062119
Curtis Stone
Jun 21
Musical intro and Outro with Gregory Alan Isakov
Introduction – 01:22
Jill – 6:02
Subject: aphids on the farm!
Hi Curtis, it’s Jill, I Just met you at Dogpatch (the one ‘apprenticing’ with Jenny). I wanted to write a question for the Q&A segments you have but not sure where to do that, so I hope this is ok!
How do you feel it is best to prevent aphids on the farm?
What are some ways to combat a major aphid issue after the fact – in multiple beds, on multiple crops, etc…??
Can you give short term and long term solutions?
I would suspect that integrating native/perennials into the farm atmosphere would be the best way to prevent this being an issue… to attract beneficial insects and such.
But, just wanted to get your recommendations!
More comments from Curtis on Aphids – 10:43
Another from Jill – 12:09
I had one more question that might serve the population as well.
What are your current thoughts on small scale urban farmers purchasing land vs utilizing someone else’s land?
Great to meet you and hope to stay In touch!
Blessings
Jill
Chris – 20:37
Noticed questions were a little light recently, so I thought I’d send one over.
Q: What would be some good strategies for minimizing time on the farm and post harvest for someone like me balancing an off farm career and family? What Crops/strategies would you employ if you took a look at your own off-farm and family responsibilities, but still wanted to net 10-20k in farm production?
Details:
This year I have about 1,800 sq feet into production and I have been focusing on Nightshades and Cucerbits because they don’t require much post harvest work, I have a separate area under tarps where I am building out a 30×120 greenhouse(with automation for fans and venting) with an integrated wash station and cold storage (the extra 20ft essentially). I’m looking to find a happy medium between profitability and work load, and I’ve found some of the Bi-Rotation strategies in your book to have a lot of potential in this.
There is also a good amount of farmers following your framework out here with greens and baby root veg, making a full time living, so I think longer term crops that I can grow may be able to carve a niche and build some cross marketing opportunities. Full size storage carrots are one under served market I could see being a good entry point, any other thoughts would be appreciated.
Thank you,
A brief interruption – 25:17
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Brian Cesafsky – 25:42
I’ve read a lot of opinions, but I would like to get yours.
This is my first time farming on a larger scale (1/3 acre). I’m located in southern MN. This Saturday will be my first day at the farmers market where I will bringing a variety of greens (Romaine lettuce, Arugula, Mustard greens, and spinach).
I’m really confused by all the different information on how to keep the greens fresh for the market. What day should I be harvesting, should I wash and dry the greens, when do I bag them, do I seal the bag air-tight and try to get ALL the water out.
Could you please give me your expert opinion on this. It’s getting close to Saturday and I still don’t know what to do… I didn’t think it would be this confusing!
 Thanks in advance, Brian Cesafsky
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Jamie Tyrell – 30:11
I am growing lettuce, specifically Romaine Lettuce, I am noticing that it is quite bitter. Why is this happening and what could I have done to
Prevent this? Or, in this case how can I mitigate to reduce the bitterness. I am in Eastern Ontario and am in zone 4b.
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