Skip to main content Skip to navigation

Crops

Small farms in Washington include a wide diversity of crops and cropping systems. The following information is designed to get you started in your farming endeavor, and includes information for many traditional crops as well as high-value crops especially suited for small farm production and direct marketing.

Agroforestry

Agroforestry integrates the production of agricultural and forestry products so as to optimize sustainable land-use. Here you will find information and resources relevant to Washington forest landowners interested in making the most of their forest lands by combining trees and shrubs with crops and/or livestock.

Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation, also called trickle or micro-irrigation, applies water slowly and directly to the roots of plants. In the Pacific Northwest it is common for vegetable farmers to use a solid set overhead sprinkler irrigation system while fruit growers use drip or trickle irrigation systems. Advantages of drip irrigation systems as compared to overhead sprinkler systems include reduced water use, reduced soil erosion, reduced fertilizer and pesticide runoff potentials, decreased disease, decreased water loss to evaporation, and decreased weed growth.

Field Crops and Forages

Field crops and forages play a crucial role for crop and livestock farmers. Here you will find information and resources relevant to Washington farmers interested in making the most of field crop and forage production.

Fruit & Nuts

Fruits and nuts are important, high-value crops for producers in our region. Here you will find information and resources relevant to Washington farmers interested in making the most of fruit and nut production.

Vegetables

Vegetables can be high value crops especially when harvested and marketed at the peak of maturity and quality. This section provides information regarding production of numerous vegetable crops in Washington.

Plasticulture

(Links to a separate WSU website) – Plasticulture refers to agricultural practices that incorporate the use of plastic. Some primary uses of plastic in agriculture are: plastic mulch, films for soil fumigation or solarization, covers for high tunnels and greenhouses, and tape for drip irrigation. While much of agricultural science is focused on optimizing the use of plastics-based practices and technologies, there is also consideration for the disposal and fate of agricultural plastics post-use. This site provides information on plasticulture in Washington state and the Pacific Northwest.