Lesson 1.5 Garden Crop Production
Completion requirements
Section 1: Fields, Greenhouses, and Gardens
Lesson 5: Garden Crop Production
Gardening can take the form of a backyard gardener or of a small-scale farmer. Both involve a relatively small-scale production of fruits, vegetables, and/or flowers. Thus, their production is similar to that of a greenhouse, but gardening usually means
the crops are grown in an open-air environment.
When a garden is used to grow cash crops, it is generally referred to as a "market garden". For a somewhat larger operation, it is sometimes referred to as a "truck farm", named because of the trucks used to transport the product to markets.
When a garden is used to grow cash crops, it is generally referred to as a "market garden". For a somewhat larger operation, it is sometimes referred to as a "truck farm", named because of the trucks used to transport the product to markets.
- Market gardening requires much smaller start-up costs than conventional commercial farming.
- Gardens can provide a wide range and steady supply of fresh produce throughout a growing season.
- Gardens do not require large machines. Gardening techniques employ more manual labour.
- Because production is relatively low volume, selling of the product can
be through local fresh produce outlets, on-farm stands, farmers'
markets, restaurants, and independent produce stores.
- Market gardens require a much greater land surface for their operation compared to greenhouses.
- Like all field crop agriculture, gardening involves the risk of crop failure due to environmental stresses.
- There is competition from industrialized broad-acre farming and fresh-frozen imported produce.
A traditional cottage garden (left) can provide enough veggies for the family for the entire season.
This pumpkin patch (right) has more pumpkins than even a large family can consume. Likely, this is a market garden.
