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western Kentucky

I was just told that I can have a field to plant what ever I want on. The field itself is about 20 acres but the best corner is only about 5 acres. That would be the 5 acres I would mess around with if I decide to plant it. So if I was going to plant the 5 acres what vegetables should I grow to sell that are the most tolerant and the least maintenance? I would like any opinions on this, because I would really like to do this, only I don’t know where to start. I can get the field plowed and disc without any trouble and I don’t mind working my butt off. Also something to keep in mind is… I will try to water what I can but with this much I will not be able to irrigate everything or as often as I would like. Mother Nature will be in control of most of that. Anyway... I’d love hear what yall think about this, everything from what to grow to tips and especially pesticides and fungicides.

3/13/2007 3:53:58 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

lol if it was that easy every one would plant 5 acres. 1st before one seed hits the dirt, know where your produce is going to go. Otherwise it will go to waste. Water is going to big a big problem. The average person working full time can only manage 3. Pumpkins are not to hard but again you must have a plan on how you are going to sell them. Most places who buy wholesale already have there contractors lined up. Get a book by Elliott Coleman called "The New Organic Grower".

3/13/2007 4:39:28 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

P.S. I hope you have a good tiller, an excellent hoe and a big hat.

3/13/2007 4:40:39 PM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

The way I have done it, Farmers Markets, Road side.
Here in Boulder Colorado they have a share of produce, where everyone who has a share of your garden gets a percentage and pays $20 or so a week.
As far as vegies, here are a few that I have done.
Corn, harvests one week, people love corn. once the plant gets tall no weeds(uya right)
Indian and pop corn. decaration.
Fall pumpkins and squash,again road side or farmers markets. sell cheaper than stores and you'll sell out. Big pumpkins are kind of popular, but finding a store, bar, good for advertising. Clubs can use this as a fund raiser. you sell whole sell. Here in Colorado it's 12 cents a pound.
Gourds are a popular item in fall egg gourds are a pop craft item.
Asian vegies are pop because not many people grow em.
Sunflowers, sell a $1 a head when they are in bloom.
My two cents Captain
Edible soybeans, the kind you eat raw. $ 3 bucks a bag.

my last idea is grow a little extra and find a farmers market.
Hope this help.

3/13/2007 5:16:41 PM

West By God Virginia

Grow corn and make you a nice still on part of the other 15 acres. Better make it a ground hog still and plant some veggies on top so the flyin' revenuers won't see it. Good corn whiskey is always in demand and quality demands premium prices. LOL Just some friendly advice from one KPM member to another.

3/13/2007 5:35:57 PM

Mt Vernon Ky

yell what doug said

3/13/2007 10:00:40 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Here's an idea. The ethanol producers are paying $1400 per acre here for corn.

Plant 19.5 acres in corn for $800. Spend $120/acre to fertilize the corn. Let the ethanol guys have it for $27,300.

$27,300 gross minus $3140 = $24,160

Keep a half acre set aside for Giant Pumpkins. Hire a part time farm hand to help you to bury vines, weed & prune. Pay them from the corn profits.

Sell the surplus Giants for $.90/lb

3/14/2007 12:14:49 AM

Nova Scotia

I was thinking the same as Tremor and each month Corn stock prices keep going up U can't lose right now with corn. Just be sure you have your sale befor you plant

3/14/2007 8:19:26 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Oh yeah...Sean is correct. ConAgra is looking for a 3 year deal.

3/14/2007 3:21:52 PM

North,alabama

Justin i would plant sweet corn.It is alot easier to care for.The fertilizer is the biggest thing with corn,you can use a hand spreader to broadcast.I have did it many times with a handheld spreader.Once corn gets up you dont have to worry about weeds.I have also planted pole beans,and let them grow on stalks(WORKS GREAT).A drought is the other problem,but corn is pretty tough.A couple good rains will make it produce.At a local farmers market it sells as quick as you can pick and deliver.Make sure you let everyone know its locally grown.Just my 2 cents worth.

4/6/2007 5:31:45 PM