There is a segment of agriculture in southeastern Hardin County that specializes in commercial fruit and vegetable production. Hardin County is also home to the Scioto Valley Produce Auction near Mt. Victory where much of this produce is sold. Hardin County OSU Extension has planned a Fruit and Vegetable Crop Walk program on Tuesday, July 23 from 6:00-8:00 pm to help with fruit and vegetable production issues. The location of the program will be on a produce farm at 17051 Township Road 199, Mt. Victory. It is open to all fruit and vegetable producers, whether they are commercial or home gardeners.
OSU plant pathologist Dr. Sally Miller will provide information on managing plant diseases with vegetables. OSU plant pathologist Melanie Ivey will provide information on managing plant diseases with fruits. Hardin County OSU Extension Educator Mark Badertscher will provide information about Driftwatch. Driftwatch is a voluntary communication tool that enables crop producers, beekeepers, and pesticide applicators to work together to protect specialty crops and apiaries through use of mapping programs. It is not a substitute for any state regulatory requirements.
The program will be held outside so bring your lawn chair and umbrella in case of rain. There will be a diagnostic table so be sure to bring along any weeds, plant nutrition problems, plant diseases, and insect specimens in a sealed plastic bag for questions and answers. The program will conclude with a walk through a produce patch and high tunnel greenhouse, pointing out fruit and vegetable issues and steps to properly manage them. There is no cost to attend this event.
