Successful production of fruit and vegetable crops is highly dependent on obtaining high quality seeds or plants. Problems often occur at harvest that could have been prevented at planting. Growers often remark that they bought fruit trees, and five years later found that the trees were not the variety that had been ordered. High quality vegetable seed with high germination (90% and up) are needed for uniform stand establishment. The highest quality seed available is the best bargain. Hybrid seeds are desirable as plants are more uniform, and yields are much higher than for open pollinated varieties. Hybrid seeds cost more, but return more in the end. Disease and insect resistance are desirable features that are being introduced into many of the newer hybrid varieties. Lists of recommended crops in all states are available from County Extension Agents.

Planting seeds properly is critical. Uniform spacing is desirable and many modern precision planters are available, but their cost is relatively high. Small push garden seeders often perform well for small scale producers. Plates for seed of almost any crop are available for these planters. Proper stand establishment is essential for satisfactory crop production. Adequate moisture is required for seed germination. Planting in moist soil usually is satisfactory, but sometimes irrigation is required for satisfactory germination and stand establishment. Many vegetable crops are established with transplants started in a greenhouse. Well grown transplants insure the best survival and plant growth. Plug plant production is being used for high quality plant production. Float bed plant production works well for most vegetable crops, but requires a high level of management. Supplemental water is often needed for successful transplanting and can be supplied in furrow (or planting hole) or by irrigation. Drip irrigation systems work well for small scale producers. Excellent drip systems are available, but installation and use require knowledge and attention. Temperatures are often critical for stand establishment and early plant growth. Growers tend to start planting as early as possible in the growing season, but plants do not grow well unless temperatures are proper. Cool wet conditions often cause plants to become stunted. Hot weather also stresses plants. Optimum planting dates have been established for most crops in most areas.

Fertilizer and lime requirements are best determined by the use of soil tests. The Agricultural Extension Service has recommendations for fertilizer levels for all crops based on soil tests. Vegetable crops generally require relatively high levels of fertilizer, but excessive fertilizer can be detrimental to production of some crops. Sweet corn and snap beans lodge excessively, and pepper plants fail to set pods if nitrogen fertilization is high. Lime is a critical need that often is overlooked by fruit and vegetable producers. Lime usually is rather slow acting. Proper pH levels have been established for fruit and vegetable crops, and should be maintained when producing crops.

Pest control is essential to successful production. Uncontrolled weeds, insects, and diseases reduce yield and or quality of crops. Chemicals are usually necessary for pest control and the Agricultural Extension Service has publications that provide recommendations on pesticides for fruit and vegetable crops. Only labeled pesticides should be applied, and label instructions should be followed always in using pesticides. Herbicides are available for excellent weed control in most crops. Morning glory, nutsedge, and some other specific weeds are difficult to control in many vegetable crops. Herbicide application requires accuracy and sprayers need to be calibrated to deliver the specified rate of chemical. Insect and disease control generally require chemical control, but advances are being made in development of pest resistant varieties. New environmentally friendly and user safe pesticides are being developed, and some have been registered for crop usage. Crop rotation is an excellent option to reduce many pest problems.

Organic production is a viable option that may be suited to small scale production. Although there is a demand for organically grown crops, consumers will not tolerate much pest damage to the crop or insects on produce. Certainly, a good cultivator can be used effectively to control weeds. Some hand hoeing may be necessary. Organic or plastic mulches control weeds and conserve moisture. These mulches should be applied to moist ground as they may reduce the amount of rainfall penetration in addition to retaining moisture in the soil. Organic fertilizers usually will provide the necessary nutrients. The number of insect and disease control measures are very limited for organic production. Resistant varieties are a good starting place. Scab and mildew resistant apples have been developed, and some are being grown. Early blight resistant tomato cultivars are available. Powdery mildew resistant cucurbit varieties are being developed and tested by several seed companies. Organic fungicides that can be used in organic production include sulfur and copper. These fungicides will control many diseases, but all diseases are not controlled by these fungicides. Partial insect control can be achieved by the use of insecticidal soaps. Frequent applications are required, and the cost is very high. Several other insect options are helpful, and include colored mulches to repel some insects and predator insects, and time of planting. Good examples are sweet corn and cabbage as insect problems are more severe as the season progresses. Organic production is difficult with some crops, but organic production practices are evolving.

Tillage is an important factor in vegetable production. A lot of research effort has occurred in no till production of snap beans, sweet corn, tomatoes, and cabbage. No-till has not been fully successful in vegetable crops, as results are inconsistent among crops. The system has worked well with one planting and resulted in a yield reduction the next time when compared to conventional tillage. Several factors involving soil moisture and other conditions must be optimum for successful production. No-till planters and transplanters do a good job of planting, and chemical weed control will control weeds well. Maintaining plant growth has been a problem in no-till of vegetables.

Harvesting at proper maturity, and post harvest handling are critical factors in fruit and vegetable production. Many crops have a narrow period for harvest. Product quality is poor if harvest is prior to maturity or at an overmature stage. Produce should be sold as soon as possible after harvest. Harvested produce of most crops needs to be cooled immediately and maintained cool until sold. Produce left in the sun deteriorates rapidly. Shade is some help in keeping produce cool.

Packaging is a key element in marketing. Attractive packages are usually needed for successful sales. Attractive boxes and tote bags of various sizes are available for packaging. The most important factor in packaging is to use containers that make the produce attractive. Proper packaging is an essential step in marketing produce.

Campus address for the author: The University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture, Department of Plant and Soil Science, P.O. Box 1071, Knoxville, TN 37901-1071. Experiment Station address: Plant and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, 320 Experiment Station Road. Crossville, TN 38555

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