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In the fall of 2020, we started a new research project. This research aims to explore the feasibility of growing microgreens through winter in a modified cold storage room (in our barn) and determine if it is economically profitable. Microgreens are a popular crop with both growers and consumers. With low start-up costs, a short growing period (typically between 13-25 days), potential to grow year-round, and high retail value, microgreens are an appealing crop for farmers. For consumers, microgreens are tasty and easy to prepare, with high nutritional value. Given the potential of growing microgreens under lights in the winter, they hold a special appeal to farmers in the Northeast, where the growing season is short and farm income is low over the winter months.
See the PDF below to read about our findings. |
| coldstorageroommicrogreenguide.pdf |
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During the 2018-2019 growing seasons we explored how our Permanent Raised Beds (PRB) affect soil health, weed management, and yield. A Permanent Raised Bed system intentionally designates permanent growing space for crops that is cultivated year after year, and often includes tilling the rows while leaving the inter-rows untouched. However, we have established our system as a no-till system to reduce soil disturbance and weed seed germination. As organically managed farm, we have found this system to be an effective way to passively manage weeds, without the use of herbicides.
See the PowerPoint presentation below to learn more about what we found through this research project. You can also watch a brief video explaining our research on NESAREs website. |
| prb_presentation.pdf |
Both studies were funded by Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Farmer Grants.