Recently, I have begun to use more trellising to
enlarge my growing space. Cucumbers once took up much needed growing
space, but now, I grow all cucumbers on a trellis system. Now they
grow up, which gives me more valuable planting ground. I also use
the trellis system for melons. Keeping both cucumbers and melons off
the ground allows them both to grow stronger and protects from ground rot
and garden pests.
What to grow is next on
your list. Over the years tomatoes have been my number one producer
followed by green beans, cucumbers, green peppers and then variety
lettuces and other greens. Rounding out the top ten would be onions,
radishes, melons, variety herbs and assorted hot peppers. But what
works for me might not work for you. In my area of central Illinois
this is what produces best. Get to know your general market.
If you are thinking long term with your market garden it might be wise to
invest in some type of greenhouse. Early on you will probably buy
many of your transplants from a local greenhouse. But they can be
pricey and to make the most money possible you need to start all plants
yourself and that greenhouse, while, at first, may be a large investment,
will soon turn very profitable for you. A greenhouse will also allow
you to get a jumpstart on the season. You can get early greens for
sure. The greenhouse will also be very valuable as you grow many of
those same greens right into the winter. The size of the greenhouse
is all up to you and your needs for your market.
Be very confident in what you are doing. Confidence sells. Let
your customers know why your produce is best. Maybe it’s the variety
you are growing, Heirloom plants for example. I myself use no
chemicals on my garden. While I am not certified organic, I grow
organically and I let folks know that.
Take good notes and keep good records. Keep notes from each market,
what you have sold, prices, a hot item that someone else is selling, what
is not selling. In the garden, keep a diagram of the garden, what
you are growing, transplant and other planting dates, pest problems, seed
variety, weather, etc. DETAILS!
There are other outlets, of course, to sell your produce. Offer it
to your friends and family. Just don’t be afraid to take their
money. It is, after all, a business for you. If your community
has apartment complexes, especially ones designed for the elderly, then
you have an outlet. Hang up a sign with what you have to offer along
with a contact number. Tell the folks you will deliver to the
complex on a certain day each week and that you will need their orders at
least two days in advance. Let them know it will be fresh picked for
them.
There is also a thing
called a CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture. Here you have
folks pay in advance for a weekly delivery of whatever is in season.
Generally, advance pay is for the entire growing season. This system
is a bit more complicated and deserves more training or education.
Before starting your own CSA it is best to try and visit a CSA if one is
near you. Here you can get tips and ideas on how to achieve a
successful CSA.
I have tried to compile as much information as I could in the space
allocated for me. Just remember that planning your garden is the key
to success. And planning has already started. Know what you
want to grow and for whom you will grow it. Be ready and have
alternative plans.
While I have not covered anything in the way of actually growing your
produce, it is also in your best interest to know all about the plants
that you are growing. Know best growing times, possible pests, frost
dates, etc. Don’t get stuck because you were not prepared.
Read all you can.
From a small garden with small profits to a big garden with big profits,
its all out there for you. Jump right in and make that backyard of
yours profitable!
