New EDIS Horticulture Publications

Our latest publication is now available on EDIS at:  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/HS397 - "Understanding the 'USDA Organic' Label."  This publication by Dr. Danielle D. Treadwell and Mickie E. Swisher briefly outlines the history of the USDAs National Organic Program (NOP), summarizes for consumers the benefits of government regulation of organic food products, and provides a guide for interpreting labels on products with organic ingredients.

"Annual Cover Crops in Florida Vegetable Systems Part 2. Production:  How are cover crops managed?" is available on EDIS at:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/HS389.
This publication by Dr. Danielle D. Treadwell, Waldemar Klassen and Michael Alligood is the second part of a three-part series. This publication discusses the next step to choose a cover crop species that will fit into the farming system, and to help producers make informed decisions about cover crops and Florida production systems. It also discusses management practices, species selection, planting, seasonal management, and the termination of cover crops. Click on the link in the description above to read this great publication!

"Annual Cover Crops in Florida Vegetable Systems Part 1. Objectives:  Why grow cover crops?", is available on EDIS at:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/HS387.
This publication by Dr. Danielle D. Treadwell, Waldemar Klassen and Michael Alligood is the first part of a three-part series. This publication gives an overview of the use of cover crops to improve the farming system.  This publication discusses how cover crops can improve soil quality, soil physical properties, soil chemical properties, and soil biological properties, as well as how they can generate additional income when grown for seed or as an energy crop. Click on the link in the description above to read this great publication!

"Drip-irrigation systems for small conventional vegetable farms and organic vegetable farms" is available on EDIS at: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/HS388. This publication by Dr. Eric Simonne, Robert Hochmuth, Jacque Breman, William Lamont, Dr. Danielle Treadwell and Aparna Gazula gives an overview of the use drip irrigation systems on small farms. It covers the use of micro-irrigation, its advantages & disadvantages, the components of a system, the design & layout as well as the maintenance and operation. Click on the link in the description above to read this great publication!

Other sources of Horticultural Information.
Direct link to the BMP Manual for Vegetables & Agronomic Crops in Florida