Planting a small cash crop, help for a beginner

I would plant what I want to eat. That way if no one wanted to buy my produce I will get to enjoy it. There are a lot of options to control weeds and pests. How much do you want to spend? This means time or money. If you don't want to spend money to control them you will have to put in some time doing maintenance. I mulched my mother's garden and till it into the soil at the end of the year to enrich the soil. I don't recommend plastic and would never use it. It will ruin your soil. It needs to breathe as well as get water.

a whole acre? Boy, am I jealous!! I only have about 20 square feet!!! Some of the fruits and veggies that sell well around here are tomatoes, cucumbers, melons (any kind!), pumpkins, onions, garlic, squash (again any variety!) sweet corn, and peppers. I've also seen asparagus, radishes, leaf and head lettuce, cabbage (red & green), broccoli & cauliflower, green beans, peas... do I have your head spinning yet??? Since it's such a large area, you will probably need mulch to keep down the weeds. Our town has a tree chipper, so we can get wood mulch just about anytime. (It's free!) I would like the aisles between your veggie rows with that or grass clippings (that's a lot of grass!) You will still need to weed, but it will help, and help preserve moisture that those veggies need. Make sure if you use pesticides in the garden that it is safe for those beneficial insects. You don't want to kill those little helpful critters! :) Good luck!! I am so green (with envy)

I would plant what you like to eat. Around here people love tomatoes, corn, beans, peppers, & cucumbers. I wouldn't put all my eggs inone basket I would grow alot of differnt things. If this is your first year I would look at it as a test market. Maybe people will love all the differnt types of peppers you grow and you will be know as the pepper guy. Add a little tomato and your Mr Salsa! Best of luck and I hope you amke alot of money!

What sells well varies from area to area, week to week from what I understand. I plan on selling at our local farmer's market next year...I want to get our soil prepared, research what there is a need for, what there is too much of, etc. I started a blog where I will post helpful info and resources, and another blog with photos of our garden. Hope that helps some...talk with other growers in your area. http://DandelionFarmVA.blogspot.com http://GardenNerds.blogspot.com

If you choose to plant green beans or other legumes for your cash crop, consider mixing Rhizobium culture in with your soil. This beneficial bacteria allows enhanced nitrogen fixation to aid in the growth of your legume crops. Many farmers use this especially if the land has been used for previous crops which depleted the soil's nitrogen content. Good luck!