Fresh produce farmers often rely on irrigation to ensure proper plant development, especially during drought periods in Alabama. However, the cost and complexity of an irrigation system can vary substantially. Depending on the size of an operation, decisions to invest in irrigation equipment can be difficult for small farmers. Extension educators from Alabama Extension in collaboration with the Local Food Safety Collaborative and the Deep South Food Alliance created this video series on how to assemble, install, and maintain a drip irrigation system on a vegetable field. In addition to the video series, an accompanying factsheet was developed to be distributed to growers who prefer written materials. These educational materials can help growers to reduce costs, minimize their losses due to inadequate rainfall, and improve product quality.

This resource is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $25,000 received from the National Farmers Union with less than 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit FDA.gov

Learn how to use sweet alyssum as a natural pest management tool in your lettuce crops. This illustrated guide explains how intercropping alyssum with lettuce attracts beneficial insects that control aphids and other pests, reducing the need for pesticides. Includes planting ratios, timing guidelines, and two different intercropping techniques to help organic and sustainable growers implement this effective biological control method.