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Planting and cultivating crops involves a solid knowledge of local conditions and plant preferences. This topic covers the timing and specific steps to growing plants from seeds to harvest.
Pest control can be a challenge on any farmlarge or small. Pests, including insects and other arthropods, vertebrates such as gophers and squirrels, weeds, nematodes, fungi, bacteria, viruses, and veterinary parasites, are an unavoidable part of growing plants or raising animals.
Californias limited water supply presents challenges for urban farmers. Because water for urban agriculture projects is often from municipal sources, it is likely to be more expensive, making water conservation critical.
Once food has been harvested, there are many handling and storage considerations to maintain quality and safety. The Postharvest Technology Center at UC Davis offers many resources (some listed below), as well as workshops and classes.
Adding value to farm products is one potential way to increase farm income. For example, some urban farmers sell dried herbs, jams, jellies, pickles and other products.
Having fertile and nutrient dense soil is critical to having productive and healthy plants. The following resources explain different strategies for improving your soil.
Due to possible past uses of urban sites, having soil tested is important to learn as much as possible about any contaminants, such as unsafe levels of lead or other heavy metals.
For many urban farmers, starting plants from seed can save money and increase production. The following resources provide technical information for how to cultivate nursery plants or grow all-year in a greenhouse.
The following links provide specific crop care, management, and timing. For more information about your specific region, look for your local CA Master Gardener website. Crop Care Every plant has specific water, nutrient, harvest, and tending needs.
