Independent of which system or mix of systems a grower uses, irrigation management can be challenging. An irrigation program must match the changing demands of the crop with the water supplied.
Mobile drip irrigation efficiently delivers water to crops where it's needed and minimizes the amount of runoff. It delivers 10%–25% more water to the soil per gallon of water than traditional sprinkler systems.
Although grain crops bring in less revenue than vegetables or fruit, they can become an important part of a farming enterprise. Grains are less labor-intensive and can be grown when fields need a rest.
Excessive summer irrigation of oak and madrone trees may promote fungal diseases such as the oak root fungus (aka armillaria root disease) and crown rot.
Herbs include some of the easiest plants to grow. In addition to culinary uses, herbs offer fragrance, oils that deter pests and flowers that support pollinators. Here's a look at how to grow five popular varieties.
Growing and drying your own herbs ensures that you have a constant fresh supply to use in the kitchen. Dried herbs can keep for up to a year if kept in a cool, dark and dry place. Here's how to dry herbs at home.