Over the next few months, we will be reporting on Cloud Mountain Farm Center’s most extensive project, a Leafy Greens Trial. In the fall of 2012, we began, in conjunction with WSU faculty, the first phase of a three year project. The goal of the first phase:
- Identify leafy green varieties that are well suited to fall, winter and spring production in northwest Washington
- Evaluate leafy greens for suitability for salad mix and braising mix
- Develop production recommendations for open field production
-
- First planting
-
- Harvesting greens
-
- Greens Tasting
Last fall were the first plantings at 2 Locations – WSU Mount Vernon NWREC and at Cloud Mountain Farm Center. Ten varieties of leafy greens were planted in 3 replications with 3 planting dates, 2 weeks apart. The plots are 10 feet long, 1 bed wide, randomized within each replication.
Greens were harvested throughout the fall and winter and evaluated for days from planting to harvest. Total yields of each variety were measured and weather data was compared at both sites.
We also taste tested the greens for consumer feedback with the help of the Community Food Coop. Feedback so far has been very positive!
The work continues this spring, expanding the trials to other local farms.
What were the results of the leafy greens trials?
Sylvia, the trials are ongoing (this is year one of a three year trial). Watch the blog for reports as we gather data. So far, we’ve been very encouraged, both by the variety trials, and by the customer taste tests responses.
This is a really good read for me, thank you!
I think this is a real great article post.Really looking forward to read more. Want more.