Home > Crops & Livestock > Crops > Vegetables > Results of Seedless Watermelon Variety Demonstration Plots, Summer of 2009 [Image: Louisiana watermelons ] The results of demonstration plots of 16 seedless watermelon varieties planted at six locations across the state. Results of TSWV-resistant Tomato Variety Demonstration Plots in 2009 [Image: Crista] Results of 11 TSWV-resistant tomato varieties planted at seven different locations across Louisiana in the summer of 2009. Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations [Image: commercial vegetable production] This publication contains recommendations for commercial production of vegetables ranging from artichokes, asparagus and beets to strawberries, tomatoes and watermelons. Among its guidelines for more than 30 different vegetables are recommended seeding rates, planting dates and varieties. It also includes information about days from planting to harvest, the approximate time from pollination to market and optimum soil temperatures for the various vegetables covered in this guidebook. Removing and Collecting Plastic Mulch [Image: Plastic mulch lifter] The use of plastic mulch is a common practice for strawberry and vegetable growers, but there are two major problems with plastic mulch: it is expensive to install and at some point it has to be removed from the field. Several machines are available that help simplify the removal of the mulch.  more articles... 2010 Pumpkin Variety Evaluation [Image: Pumpkin field at Burden Center] 14 varieties of pumpkins were planted at Burden Center to determine best producing varieties for Louisiana farmers. Using a Hay Baler to Pick Up Plastic Mulch [Image: Using hay baler to pick up plastic mulch] Many growers pick up plastic mulch but several machines are available for this job. Work at the LSU AgCenter has demonstrated that, in some cases, plastic mulch can be picked up by a hay baler. Laying Plastic Mulch [Image: Shaping bed prior to mulch laying] The use of plastic mulch is a common practice for nearly all strawberry growers and most vegetable growers. Installing the mulch is easier than it used to be when mulch was installed by hand, but it can be challenging. Recommendations for Optimal Use of a Garden Seeder [Image: plate with blocked cells] A seeder can be a tremendous aid in planting a vegetable garden. With it, you can stand and walk along the row pushing a seeder instead of having to make a furrow with a hoe, going back along the row bent over dropping seeds, and then covering and packing the row. Knifing Carrots [Image: Carrot knives] When growing carrots for commercial production, it is helpful to run a knife in the soil beside the rows. This breaks up any soil compaction, allowing the carrot roots to grow straight. Results of Powdery Mildew-Tolerant Pumpkin Variety Demonstration Plot in Louisiana, Fall 2009 [Image: Magic Wand Pumpkin ] Eighteen owdery mildew-tolerant pumpkin varieties and four non-tolerant varieties were planted at Burden Research Center in Baton Rouge, La., and at Dan Cline's farm in St Francisville, La. Varieties were obtained from Abbott & Cobb, Johnny’s, Harris Moran, Siegers and Seedway. The plots were planted in late June to mature in late September and early October. Precision Sweep Cultivation for Vegetable Crops [Image: Precision cultivation using cone guide wheels] Cultivation is essential for nearly all commercial vegetable crops since herbicide choices are limited and vegetable crops cannot tolerate much weed competition. A basic sweep cultivator can do an excellent job of precision cultivation if set up and equipped properly. Precision Vertical Plate Seeder for Vegetables [Image: Vertical plate seeder] Precision vertical plate seeders are available for planting many vegetable crops. These seeders use a vertical metal plate with the cells (holes) on the edge. Openers, Coverers and Presswheels for Precision Vegetable Seeders [Image: Openers for Stanhay seeder] All vegetable seeders require openers, coverers and presswheels to provide a furrow for the seeds and to then cover the seeds and assure proper soil contact. These devices must be matched to the soil type and condition for optimum germination and seedling vigor. Precision Bed Shaping for Commercial Vegetable Production [Image: Bedding prior to bed shaping] A key component of a precision cultural system is precision bed shaping. A precisely shaped bed is essential to locate the crop row properly when planting and to provide a basis for guidance of subsequent operations. Click for more information...