Agricultural practices in San Diego County have been developed to meet the unique needs of local growers and producers. These practices reflect exceptionally high water costs, different topography and soil types, and exceptional climate. The following describes various general production methods for vegetable crops. Click on the photo images to enlarge.

   PLANTING

• PLANTING DATES - Along the coast, San Diego County's mild climate allows for year-round planting and production. Planting dates for a particular vegetable can depend on its ideal growing temperature, climatic requirements, and/or its ideal marketing periods.
  
  
• TRANSPLANTING - Seeds are planted in transplant trays where they are allowed to germinate under more controlled conditions and then transplanted into the field soil. This allows growers to produce more crops per production season.
  
  
• CROP ROTATION - Different crop types are successively planted on the same field plot. Rotation is used to prevent the build up of crop related soil pathogens and the depletion of specific soil nutrients.

   ROW COVERS & MULCHES

• USES - Row covers and mulches are used for frost, protection, wind protection, and to control growing temperatures in fall, winter, and spring vegetable production.
  
  
• RIGID ROW COVERS - Two-sided row covers or tunnels are constructed from clear plastic sheeting, wire hoops, strong clothespins, and secured to the ground with stakes and wire. Row covers can be constructed in such a manner so as to allow for "venting." Venting is necessary for temperature control inside the tunnel and to allow for pollination in certain crops.
  
  
• FLOATING ROW COVERS - Floating row covers are one-piece loose-weave bonded, materials without supporting hoops or stakes. They "float" or rest on top of the crop as it grows.
  
  
• MULCHES - Soil mulches are commonly used to modify soil temperatures, control weeds, conserve water, protect fruit from soil moisture, and control erosion. The color and clarity of the mulch dictate how it will affect soil temperatures.

  IRRIGATION

• DRIP IRRIGATION - Drip irrigation systems apply water frequently, slowly, and directly to the root zone of plants through emitters along water delivery lines. Ninety percent of all commercial vegetable production in San Diego County is under drip irrigation.
  
  

   FERTILIZERS

• APPLICATION METHODS - The majority of fertilizer applications are made through drip irrigation systems. Most vegetable crops receive weekly liquid applications injected during growth and harvest periods. Preplant applications of dry materials are often shanked in before transplanting where slopes permit.
  
  
• FORMULATIONS - Fertilizer formulations frequently include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Formulations can vary dramatically depending on dealer and grower experiences and needs. Amounts of fertilizers recommended for applications are based on yield responses in research, soil tests, and accurate farm records.
  
  
• ORGANIC MATTER - Organic matter from manures and compost is added to the soil each season to produce nutrients and to increase nutrient and water holding capacity of the soil. The addition of organic matter also reduces problems from soil borne diseases.

   PESTS & DISEASES

• GENERAL PRACTICES - Various insects and diseases create problems for San Diego County vegetable farmers. Preventative practices include soil fumigation, appropriate pesticide applications, and planting pest and disease resistant varieties.
  
  
• UC Integrated Pest Management - The University of California "Integrated Pest Management Statewide Program" works to develop pest and disease management recommendations that reduce the use of pesticides that kill beneficial insects.

   HARVEST

• METHODS - Vegetable produce is generally harvested by hand, with many types being harvested 1-3 times a week at maturity. The produce is generally sorted by size and quality and packed in fiberboard cartons or crates.

   COST MANAGEMENT

• FIELD COSTING - Like all businesses, a successful farming enterprise must keep accurate records of its production costs. This allows calculation of gross profits or loss on a field-by-field basis.
  
  
• Production Cost Work Sheet Example: Pole Tomatoes