Blog 2 - Factors to Consider

We live in a remote area of northern Alberta, surrounded by other organic and organically managed farms. We do need to address one field that may be, as the crow flies, within 4 miles and has in the past grown canola. We also have a short growing season and so need to learn what we can and cannot grow for seed in our growing zone, or add season extensions for crops that require more heat units or growing days. Because of our short season, we need to learn how, and which, species of crops we can stagger the plantings in order to maximize the varieties of crops we can grow for seed production.

We intend to mix vegetable production with seed production. We will thin crops with the intention of selling the harvest, and leave the best for seed. We will maintain a completely separate market garden specifically for vegetable production in order to avoid timing and irrigation conflicts.  


Our land base alone will not be large enough to meet the required buffer zone between cross-pollinating crops, but the neighboring land bases are available and have forested buffers between. We need to learn which wild plants can cross-pollinate with cultivars because we live amidst the boreal forest. We regularly struggle with pests on brassica crops and so will need to obtain the proper barriers in order to keep them healthy.

Comments

  1. Patrick SteinerMay 14, 2018 at 11:06 PM

    Hi Lisa;

    It's a great advantage to be surrounded by the other organic farms, as it reduces or eliminates potential for crossing with GMO's. You mention the canola field in the area, but if it is four miles away there should be no problem with that crossing with any crops of yours. Canola is insect-pollinated and the insects wouldn't travel that far. At least that's the theory!
    Your short growing season is definately a consideration, and a limitation for some seed production. However, this can also be an opportunity. An opportunity for you to familiarize yourself with, and discover, short-season varieties that will do well in your climate and growing conditions, which will also be beneficial for your market production. A google search for short-season seed cultivars should turn up many seed sources for you to consider. Or, you may be familiar with good sources already. Even with good varietal selection, you are right that some extra effort with season extension may be required to produce seed of some crops. One tip I have is to plan well your seeding dates and try to get things started as early as possible. Another approach is to focus on crops that reliably mature well within a shorter window of time.
    I think it's a good idea to seperate your market garden and seed production as you plan. It avoids the kinds of timing and irrigation conflicts you mention.
    As for wild species in the boreal forest that may be problems for crossing with your veggie crops I can't think of any that would apply in this situation. Most wild forest plants are not ones that cross with domesticated vegetables.

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  2. mary brittainMay 21, 2018 at 12:38 PM

    Hi Lisa - This is a good summary of the key factors you will need to consider. I agree with Patrick, there are many short season crops that can be grown successfully for seed. I also like that you are separating your seed crops from your market crops. One caveat - if I understand you correctly, you are planning on growing your seed crops also for market? This can get very tricky, especially in a short season area. Leaving the best for seed can often lead to the temptation to leave less than required or leave plants that will then not mature in time for a seed crop. An example: I knew a grower who did this with beans and he harvested all the first beans for market, leaving the later for seed which, of course, didn't mature in time.

    Regards,

    Mary

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