On a March 1, 2025 in this blog, we summarized our initial impressions of pepper seedling development in stabilized plugs instead of a standard loose medium and explained that our upcoming use of stabilized plugs was prompted by collaboration with researchers at UC-Davis and The OSU in which we are working to better understand and breed for yield under water and heat stress in bell pepper. Here, we provide a brief update on seedling development in stabilized plugs provided by https://ihort.com/q-plug/. Images below collected 3/22/25 reinforce the idea that seedlings produced in the plugs may be uniform, straightforward to irrigate, easy to handle, and field-ready sooner after seeding (requiring less time in the greenhouse and adding flexibility to seeding schedules). Additional tests are required to verify these preliminary, early-stage speculations. These and other stabilized plugs can be used with seed (varying in size) and cuttings. Please contact https://ihort.com/q-plug/ or Matt Kleinhenz (kleinhenz.1@osu.edu, 330.263.3810) for more information.
The OSU Vegetable Production Systems Laboratory (VPSL) is pleased to be working with researchers at UC-Davis (A. Van Deynze) and The OSU (L. McHale, K. Mercer) to better understand and breed for yield under water and heat stress in bell pepper. The process will involve producing many seedlings of dozens of experimental lines (beginning with raw, untreated seed) and placing them in well- and minimally-irrigated field plots in CA and OH. A loose, peat-based rooting medium like often used on many Ohio farms and by the VPSL will not be used during seedling production. Instead, stabilized plugs provided by https://ihort.com/q-plug/ will be used. The VPSL is completing initial, small-scale tests with Q Plugs which, we are told, can produce seedlings that are stronger and field-ready in less time, and provide other attributes. Our initial impressions as we learn how to utilize Q Plugs most effectively are encouraging. We have appreciated their uniformity, ease of handling, ability to retain moisture without being wet, and the root growth they appear to facilitate. Q Plugs are available in different shapes and sizes and must be seated in matching prefabricated trays. Rigorous study is needed to verify but our preliminary, early-stage observations suggest that the ratio of root-to-shoot growth will be different and, perhaps, more favorable than when loose medium is used, in our experience. Using a stabilized seedling plug, it MAY be possible to transplant sooner and reduce transplant shock; however, these speculations must be properly tested. Pictures of young pepper seedlings in Q Plugs taken 3/1/25 are below. Please note that greenhouse temperatures were sub-optimal Jan 23 – Feb 6. Please contact https://ihort.com/q-plug/ or Matt Kleinhenz (kleinhenz.1@osu.edu, 330.263.3810) for more information.
OSU Extension is pleased to announce the 2025 Northern Ohio Vegetable Grower Winter Meeting will take place on March 4th, 2025.This program will provide opportunities to learn from and engage with OSU Extension specialists on various topics in vegetable production. The educational sessions include topics on crop protection against vegetable pests (insects, diseases, weeds), high tunnel management, safeguarding water quality, and more. Take part in this educational opportunity to help equip you with the knowledge you need to help improve vegetable production on your farm.
AGENDA:
9:00: Welcome/Weed Control in Sweet Corn & Pumpkins
Chris Galbraith, OSU/MSU Extension
9:35: What’s New in High Tunnel Production and Potato Varieties
Matt Kleinhenz, OSU
10:20: Break
10:30: Soilborne Disease Management in Tomatoes
Andres Sanabria Velazquez, OSU
11:00: Preserving Water Quality in the Western Lake Erie Basin
Jocelyn Ruble, OSU Extension
11:30: Cover Crops for Weed Control in Vegetables
Ram Yadav, OSU
12:00: Lunch
12:45: Pepper Insect Pest Control/IPPM in Cucurbits
Ashley Leach, OSU
1:30: Vegetable Diseases of 2024: Diagnostic Lab Recap
Francesca Rotundo, OSU
2:00: Use of Spray Drones in Vegetable Production: Challenges & Opportunities
Erdal Ozkan, OSU
2:30: Evaluations/Credits
The program will run from 9:00am-2:30pm, with check-in beginning at 8:30am. Registering online prior to the event is required to ensure there is room. The event will take place at The Neeley Center at Terra State Community College (2830 Napoleon Rd, Fremont, OH 43420).
This event is free and will include a catered lunch. This event is worth 3 ODA credits for Commercial category 2B (category 3 for Private) and 0.5 credit for Commercial category 1. Vegetable growers won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn from and connect with fellow growers, extension staff, and other individuals working within the vegetable industry.
Visit the link below to register for this event:
Go.osu.edu/nwveg
Please reach out to Chris Galbraith at galbraith.108@osu.edu or 734-240-3178 with any questions.
This article was originally posted on Michigan State University Extension News.
The Great Lakes Expo (GLEXPO) is the premier fruit, vegetable and farm market expo in the Midwest. This annual event features educational sessions on important industry topics, a large trade show for networking and discovery, and other specialized workshops and meetings. This convention has been held annually since 2001 and has been a consistent favorite among growers and other ag professionals across the country.
Each year the event features a robust agenda of vegetable programming organized by Michigan State University Extension. The educational presentations cover a wide range of crops, offering something for everybody when it comes to learning about new developments in the vegetable industry. Many of the sessions are also worth Michigan and Ohio restricted use pesticide (RUP) credits and certified crop advisor (CCA) credits in various categories.
The event will be held at the DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan from Dec. 10-12, 2024.
The following is further information on the vegetable sessions offered at the Expo this year. These are highlights for vegetable producers and is by no means the complete program. Many other educational sessions centered on fruit, greenhouse production, farm-marketing and other areas of specialty crop production will be offered as well. To view the full agenda and to find more information, please visit the GLEXPO website.
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Pickles and Vine Crops: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Pest Management in Cucurbits with an Emphasis on Pollinator Protection
Laura Ingwell – Purdue University
Houghtaling Farms: Our Experience Growing Cucumbers and Pumpkins. Challenges and our Strategies
Mike Houghtaling – Houghtaling Farms
Trends from the Vine Crop Seed World
Dana Hilfinger – Johnny’s Selected Seeds
Downy Mildew Update
Mary Hausbeck – Michigan State University
Asparagus: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Asparagus Beetle Management
Zsofia Szendrei – Michigan State University
Purple Spot Update
John Spafford – Michigan State University
Mary Hausbeck – Michigan State University
Irrigation and Calcium Interactions in Asparagus
Zack Hayden – Michigan State University
Progress Towards Predicting Asparagus Emergence
Dan Brainard – Michigan State University
Brassicas:9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Tips and Tricks for Summer Harvested Broccoli and Cauliflower
Ben Phillips – Michigan State University Extension
Diversifying Weed Management Strategies for Improving Weed Control in Cole Crops
Thierry Besancon – Rutgers University
Lessons Learned Growing Cauliflower, Broccoli, and Baby Kale on a Commercial Scale
Jon Dinsmore – Dinsmore Farms, Inc.
Managing Insect Pests in Brassica Crops
Zsofia Szendrei – Michigan State University
Photo by Getty Images
Sweet Corn:2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Managing Insect Pests in Sweet Corn
Zsofia Szendrei – Michigan State University
Wildlife Management Strategies in Corn
Olivia Smith – Michigan State University
Evaluating Tools to Manage Sweet Corn Tar Spot in Central Wisconsin
Amanda Gevens – University of Wisconsin-Madison
Sweet Corn Weed Control Begins With the Weeds
Mark VanGessel – University of Delaware
A Primer on Aster Yellows and Testing in 2024
Jan Byrne – Michigan State University
Researching Root Lesion Nematodes in Carrots and More
Marisol Quintanilla-Tornel – Michigan State University
Lance Fosberg – Michigan State University
Getting the Most from your Carrots Through Beneficial Root-microbial Relationships
Lori Hoagland – Purdue University
Photo by Getty Images.
Soil Health and Cover Cropping:2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Promoting Beneficial Microbes with Biocontrol Capabilities in Tomato Cropping Systems
Lori Hoagland – Purdue University
Managing Nematodes with Soil Amendments in Vegetable and Fruit Crops
Marisol Quintanilla – Michigan State University
Soil Health Strategies at Providence Organic Farm
Ryan Romeyn – Providence Organic Farm
Cover Crops for Weed Control and Other Goals
Katrina (Kat) Becker – Cattail Organics
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Mushrooms:9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
How We Do It: Wild Foraging
Aaron Grenchik – Great Lakes Treats
How We Do It: Outdoor Production
Rich Leep – Leep Mushrooms
How We Do It: Indoor Production
Chris Swinson – Mycophile’s Garden
How We Do It: Marketing
Jill Grenchik – Great Lakes Treats
Rich Leep – Leep Mushrooms
Chris Swinson – Mycophile’s Garden
Onion:9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Stemphylium Update
Mary Hausbeck – Michigan State University
Onion Weed Control and IPM – An Ontario Perspective
Wendy Zhang – Kejay Farms
New Onion Weeds and their Seeds
Dan Brainard – Michigan State University
Jordan Hoekstra – Vriesland Growers Cooperative, Inc
Onion Thrips Research Update
Zsofia Szendrei – Michigan State University
Tomato Pepper Eggplant:9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Soil-biodegradable Plastic Mulch: Should you Make the Switch?
Shuresh Ghimire – University of Connecticut
The Secret Sauce: How We Add Value to Chili’s in a Northern Climate
Nate Mehren – Fat Baby Hot Sauce
Innovative Bed Designs for Tomato Production: Analyzing Soil Fumigation and Irrigation Patterns
Emmanuel Torres Quezada – North Carolina State University
How We Do It: Grafting, Steaming, and Soil Disinfestation
Ernest Zimmerman
Terry Zimmerman
Systems of Machinery for Any Scale, with a Focus On Controlling Weeds
Sam Oschwald Tilton – Glacial Drift Enterprises, LLC
Your First Date with the Soil-making Good Observations and Soil Testing
Vicki Morrone – Michigan State University
Pest Management in Protected Culture With Emphasis on Biological Control
Laura Ingwell – Purdue University
Organic Meet and Greet
Julie Studier – Tower Hill Farm
Ryan Romeyn – Providence Farm
Katie Brandt – Michigan State University
Potato:2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Potato Insect and Pest Management for Market Growers
Ray Rantz – Michigan State University
Zsofia Szendrei – Michigan State University
Potato Disease Management for Market Producers
Jaime Willbur – Michigan State University
Irrigation Management and Efficiency in Potato Systems
Younsuk Dong – Michigan State University
Lyndon Kelley – Michigan State University & Purdue University
Nematodes in Potato Systems – Is Compost a Solution?
Marisol Quintanilla – Michigan State University
Celery: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Carrot Weevil Control
Elizabeth Long – Purdue University
Update on Celery Meltdown Research
Douglas Minier – Michigan State University
Mary Hausbeck – Michigan State University
Primer on Aster Yellows and Leafhopper Testing in 2024
Jan Byrne – MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostics
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Registration is open now. Make a plan to attend GLEXPO this year to learn and connect with fellow vegetable growers, university and extension staff and other ag service providers from all around the country. You never know what new ideas or opportunities you will find at the annual Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo.
Tomato production dominates main season, summertime high tunnel use but presents challenges. Like an increasing number of growers, we experiment with ways to maintain high tunnel soil productivity and profit potential for the long-term. Our operating principle is that crop and market diversity are useful and while some crops offer less income potential, their contribution to the success of the farm may not rest entirely in their specific balance sheet. Our posts on 10/28/23, 2/17/24, and 7/27/24 provide additional information and highlight some of our recent and ongoing work focused on ensuring year-round success in high tunnel production. Recent activities involving butternut squash, a mixed-species summer cover crop, and various vegetable and flower crops are summarized below.
Three panels focused on a mixed-species summer cover crop (cowpea, Italian ryegrass, pearl millet, and sorghum-sudangrass) seeded on 6/5/24 and terminated on 8/20/24.
High tunnel growers have long used standard 6 mil poly film to cover their structures. Standard 6 mil poly film is the “covering” workhorse of the high tunnel industry. However, as most high tunnel growers know, standard 6 mil poly film can be punctured easily, will continue to tear if cut, eventually becomes brittle and less transparent, retains very little heat energy, and allows sunlight to escape the high tunnel without contributing to photosynthesis, which hampers growers wanting to maximize growth fall-to-spring. Regardless, standard 6 mil poly film needs to be replaced every three to five years in many locations. While many growers may not give the film that covers their high tunnels much thought, it is usually the only thing that separates their crops from the outside and it influences their success in many obvious and not so obvious ways. Therefore, it is reasonable for growers to seek and expect improved high tunnel coverings just as they expect better versions of all other materials used on the farm.
We are pleased to be cooperating with the Seaman Corporation of Wooster, Ohio (https://www.seamancorp.com/), long known as an industry leader in high performance industrial fabrics. Together, we are evaluating the company’s exciting new experimental reinforced poly film which is far stronger and more puncture and tear resistant than standard 6 mil poly film and has other interesting properties that may, for example, allow it to supplement or replace hard polycarbonate in some applications.
As depicted below, HT 103 on the CFAES-Wooster campus currently contains a crop of butternut squash and was covered with the new film on 8/12/24. HT 204 is about 100 ft east of HT 103, identical in shape and age, covered with standard 6 mil poly film, and holding butternut squash. Going forward, cropping, ventilation, and other practices will be the same and environmental conditions will be monitored in both high tunnels. Therefore, overall, differences in environmental conditions and/or crop status in the two high tunnels are likely to result from their different coverings. Monitor temperature and relative humidity in high tunnels 103 and 204 and six other structures at the same location at https://u.osu.edu/vegprolab/resource-1/ and stay tuned for updates on this important evaluation.
Crop selection and soil management and long-term soil productivity are interconnected. Many high tunnel soils are:
a) cropped repeatedly to relatively small sets of input-demanding crops,
b) disturbed frequently and intensely by cultivation and preparing for seeding and transplanting, and
c) exposed to persistent foot and equipment traffic.
High tunnel soils also tend to experience potentially troublesome temperature and moisture profiles. As a result, high tunnel soils can:
a) lose structure and become less friable and more compacted,
b) decline in organic matter,
c) increase in salinity, and
d) develop problematic nutrient imbalances and pathogen loads.
These and other challenges can lead high tunnel soils to become less productive – to require greater and greater amounts of cash and effort to maintain marketable yields at desired levels.
Including additional, less demanding cash and non-cash rotation or cover crops in high tunnel production schedules can help maintain soil productivity and offer other benefits.
Five 21 ft x 48 ft high tunnels used intensively in organic vegetable production-related research for 15-21 years are currently being cropped to butternut squash or a mixed-species summer cover crop (cowpea, Italian ryegrass, pearl millet, and sorghum-sudangrass). See representative panels below. The mixed-species cover crop has produced significant amounts of foliar biomass and suppressed weed growth effectively. Its root system is expected to provide multiple benefits. Similarly, squash plant growth and flower production have been excellent and fruit set is encouraging. Nine-hundred pounds of composted dairy manure were spread in each high tunnel on 4/16/24 and lightly incorporated but no fertilizer or crop protectants have been applied since. Both crops have been overhead irrigated (see https://u.osu.edu/vegprolab/crop-environment-publications/installing-an-overhead-irrigation-system-in-a-high-tunnel/).
Sections of other nearby high tunnels have been planted to buckwheat, carrot, Swiss chard, choi, dry bean, edamame soybean, garlic, groundpea (winter cover), kale, lettuce, okra, pepper, sunflower, and/or wheat (winter cover) since October-2023.
Cash crops can be harvested from high tunnels year-round in Ohio. Maintaining the productivity of soils that help make that possible is key. Considering what many cash and non-cash crops can offer to the process is useful.
High tunnel use is very popular and has been increasing in Ohio and many other states for decades. Growers are now asking new questions partly because high tunnel production is so popular and increasing and has been practiced for so long on some farms, creating new challenges and opportunities.
“How can I utilize my high tunnel(s) more effectively year-round or fall through spring?” is one very frequently asked question. Many agree that spring-fall tomato harvests can offer the greatest revenue or profit potential. However, others have shown or are learning that harvesting other crops from their high tunnel(s) during summer and/or fall through spring can also be lucrative and beneficial in other ways. Many examples of this have been shared in recent Extension and other programs in Ohio and neighboring states. Working with multiple crops across more of or the entire year requires being familiar with conditions affecting their growth, quality, and potential costs of production and market (profit) potential. Labor and other input costs and how one figures costs of production are obvious factors. For example, one grower-speaker at a recent conference recently described high tunnel space on their farm as “rented,” meaning that their costs of production include how much time is required for a crop to be market-ready. This approach (calculation) directs them and, possibly, others: a) to include lower-cost, quicker-cycling, high value crops in their systems, and b) to be selective when devoting space to high value crops demanding more space, time, and labor. For some, producing multiple crops, managing their investments in crops prone to boom-bust supply-price cycles, and accessing markets through most of or the entire is key to their business. They describe how the approach can limit risk and increase opportunity.
As described in our Feb-3 VegNet article, we seeded Mokum carrot, Red Russian kale, Oriole Swiss chard, Red Pac pac choi, and Music garlic in early Oct-2023 and have given them “minimal” care since that time. Our goal was to discover/demonstrate the potential yield and quality of these crops when grown and overwintered in this way, although the kale, Swiss chard, and pac choi were appropriate for some markets in December-January. This approach may interest growers unfamiliar with and/or currently lacking the ability to make large investments in fall through spring production-harvesting. Recent samples taken from the carrot seedings demonstrate that growth is accelerating and roots are likely to be market-ready soon. A large number of other edible and non-edible crops can be overwintered and/or harvested successfully fall-through spring in Ohio.
Please contact Matt Kleinhenz (330.263.3810; kleinhenz.1@osu.edu) for more information.
Interest in marketing locally-grown, freshly-harvested vegetables fall through spring is strong and increasing among high tunnel growers in the Midwest, Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, Mid-South, and Northeast. Scanning the agendas of industry meetings and listening to growers and others in these areas makes clear that fall through spring harvest and marketing of high tunnel-grown crops is an established and increasingly common practice. Importantly, some growers have transitioned to cash cropping their high tunnels only fall through spring and leaving summer to grow cover crops and focus on other priorities, including field-based production. Conversations with and public presentations by these growers and other experts make clear that fall through spring income from high tunnel production can be significant if the correct crops and varieties are chosen and suitable practices are used.
We have long wondered which crops, varieties, and practices may be ideal for Ohio high tunnel growers looking to harvest fall through spring. Much of our previous research focused on a relatively small number of crops and the use of various tools and practices (e.g., films, fabrics, and/or soil heating). Our goal was to describe potential production outcomes when high tunnel growers invested in the process to various levels. Results from those experiments suggest that yields are likely to be greatest when investments are also highest, for example, when soil heating, plastic films, and row covers and the effort to maximize their utility are used. Those studies were summarized previously in this blog.
We are asking a different question in Winter 2023-2024. As the three panels below describe, seven crops were seeded in two high tunnels in October-2023 and grown without any supplemental heating, films, or row covers. This “minimalist” approach explores the worst-case scenario, the minimum that can be expected from these crops under the conditions they have experienced since seeding. This approach may appeal to growers unfamiliar with fall through spring production and/or those who are unwilling or unable to invest much time, money, or effort in it, at least at this time. The test outlined below is one example of what can be expected but many others exist. Of course, different outcomes may be possible when other varieties, planting dates, and growing practices are used. Upcoming evaluations will push the “minimalist” approach further as all crops capable of being grown and harvested fall through spring do not require a high tunnel. Please contact me (Matt Kleinhenz, 330.263.3810, kleinhenz.1@osu.edu) if you would like more information.
