Producing on and selling from agriculturally zoned land – almost none, see the
Florida Right to Farm Act! Selling off the Farm – subject to regulations at.
Introduction to Urban Farming Techniques Richard Tyson University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service
LOCAL FOODS Food security Economic security Food safety Socially responsible Environmentally responsible
Regulations Producing on and selling from agriculturally zoned land – almost none, see the Florida Right to Farm Act! Selling off the Farm – subject to regulations at the point of sale. Grow in areas that allow business or not allow business ‐ check zoning.
Essential Skills Marketing, Marketing, Marketing! Know varieties, seeds, how to produce transplants or obtain sources. Growing seasons, fertilizer, water, and production methods. Know postharvest handling practices.
MARKETING You should not plant what you can’t sell Have multiple options for selling your product Search regulations and markets Local farms: Local Harvest website ‐ http://www.localharvest.org/
Farmers Market Days…
Monday – Audubon Park, Winter Park Tuesday – Day Off Wednesday – Volusia County Fairgrounds, Deland Thursday – College Park, Orlando Friday – Mill Creek Mall, Kissimmee Saturday – Lake Mary, Winter Garden, Winter Park Sunday – Celebration, Maitland, Orlando
Seeds, transplants, Sources Germination date and percent germ test Direct seed or grow from transplants Once germination occurs get the plant into some light Buy ready made plants wholesale
Growing Your Own Transplants
Producing your own food – market gardens Follow planting date guidelines for outdoor conditions – fall / winter / spring Climate failures due to cold, heat, rain, pests – tomatoes won’t set fruit when night temps above 74 F & most plants won’t grow if temps below 60 F Extend season with protective structures / shade
Growing Systems On the flat stale seed bed Raised beds with and without additional compost or manures added Nursery pots with potting mixes, compost or manures added Grow boxes and patio gardens Hydroponic growing Vertical systems
Raised Bed Gardening
Drip irrigation – reducing inputs Water conservation by reducing evaporation, runoff, deep drainage – high water application efficiency Reduction in diseases as leaves are kept dry during irrigation ‐ splashing irrigation and rainfall the most common means of spreading disease spores
Nursery Pots, Grow Boxes, Patio Gardens
Low Tech Build Your Own
Serious Floating Lettuce Production
Vertical Production
http://vertigro.com/
Greenhouse Production
Postharvest Handling Once cut, tender leafy vegetables must be used immediately or refrigerated – herbs, lettuce, spinach, etc. Other must be used soon or refrigerated – cucumber, pepper, squash, broccoli, etc. Watermelons, butternut or acorn squash, pumpkins, and tomatoes, can be stored at room temperature but will last longer when cool…slows ripening
Selling what you grow – farmer’s markets Usually limit vendors by category ‐ waiting list at the best markets like Winter Park and Lake Mary Once in, the best spots go to long term vendors Miss a week and you may go to the back of the line Pricing varies $15 to $25, or more, for a 10x12 with or without tables / tents