Chapter 1: Introduction
In this chapter, the authors Jean-Martin Fortier and Marie Bilodeau introduce the concept of the Market Gardener. They explain how a market garden is a small farm or market garden that specializes in high-value and quality produce, and how the market gardeners use skillful growing techniques to make the most of their limited land resources. They use techniques like intensive cropping and permanent beds to maximize yields and extend their growing seasons. As a result, market gardeners can provide fresh and healthy produce to their local markets and community.
The authors explain why the market gardening business model is beneficial for not only the farmers, but also the community, society, and environment. The close proximity of the market gardens to the community allows them to ensure that the freshest produce is available, which eliminates the need for expensive transportation of out-of-season produce and increases the local economy.
The authors discuss some of the challenges that market gardeners face, such as finding quality land and access to capital. To overcome these challenges they recommend careful planning and developing relationships with the local community and other market gardeners.
Chapter 2: The Market Gardener
This chapter explains how the market gardener business model can be a viable alternative to traditional farming. The authors discuss the different types of market gardens and the strategies that each one uses.
For example, the authors discuss how some market gardeners use small-scale systems that involve farming on a smaller scale but with higher value crops such as culinary herbs, specialty vegetables, or flowers. They discuss how others use intensive systems that involve multiple cropping cycles in a single year or multiple crop rotations.
The authors also explain the importance of managing risk and having the right resources for a successful market gardening business. They also discuss the potential for diversification and how it can help the market gardener become more successful.
Chapter 3: Site Selection and Planning
In this chapter, the authors discuss the importance of site selection for a successful market gardening business. They explain how factors such as microclimate, soil fertility, and access to water are important when selecting the right plot of land. The authors explain how it is important to understand the land's potential before investing in it.
The authors also discuss the importance of planning, such as market analysis, personnel, budgets, and operational planning. They explain how having a plan helps market gardeners develop good practices and gain a competitive edge.
Chapter 4: Culture and Practices
In this chapter, the authors discuss the importance of culture and practices for successful market gardening. The authors explain how having a vision and developing practices that are adapted to the farm, the client, and the environment is key for success. They discuss the importance of knowing the land, understanding the crops and customers, and having the proper tools and equipment.
The authors discuss some of the essential cultural practices that will help market gardeners be successful, such as direct seeding, crop rotation, crop choice, planting schedules, and irrigation methods.
Chapter 5: Soil Management
In this chapter, the authors discuss how understanding and managing the soil is essential for a successful market garden. The authors explain how soil is composed of organic matter, minerals, and biology. They discuss how it is essential to understand the fertility of the soil and how it needs to be managed to optimize the yield.
The authors discuss topics such as soil testing, soil structure, soil amendments, composting, mulching, and cover cropping to help market gardeners manage their soil and ensure a good crop yield.
Chapter 6: Pest, Disease, and Weed Management
In this chapter, the authors discuss how managing pests, diseases, and weeds are essential for a successful market garden. They discuss topics such as identifying pests and diseases, preventing infestations, avoiding monoculture, and
using trap crops.
The authors also discuss biological controls such as using beneficial insects and microorganisms as natural pest control agents. They explain that this approach can reduce the need for chemical pesticides and has the potential to reduce the environmental and health risks associated with their overuse.
Chapter 7: Harvest and Post-harvest Techniques
In this chapter, the authors discuss harvest and post-harvest techniques for a successful market garden. The authors discuss topics such as harvesting tools and techniques, timing, storage, and food safety.
The authors explain the importance of harvesting the crops at the right time to ensure quality and prevent disease or pest infestations. They also discuss the importance of having proper post-harvest techniques such as proper storage and food safety practices.
Conclusion
The Market Gardener provides an in-depth look at the market gardening business model. The authors provide an accessible and practical introduction to the skills and strategies that are essential for a successful market garden. They discuss topics such as site selection, soil management, pest and weed management, harvesting and post-harvest techniques. The authors explain how market gardeners can use their skillful techniques to provide fresh and healthy produce to their local markets and community.
