Vegetable research was conducted to support the diversification and development of small farms in East Central Virginia. Experiments at 12 sites were successfully conducted over a 2 year period to establish superior production practices for the area’s 2 major commercial vegetable crops, cherry tomato and bell pepper.

For cherry tomato production, black plastic and straw mulches significantly increased total yield. Black plastic mulch also significantly increased early yield, but neither of the mulches were cost-effective. String-weave staking generally did not affect yield or net economic returns, and it reduced yield on sandy soils during droughty conditions. Irrigation had a positive, but non-significant impact on yield when tested during a growing season with normal amounts of rainfall. Nitrogen applications of 84 kg/ha were most cost-effective, with higher rates found beneficial for irrigated plantings on lighter soils. Plant populations of 13,450 plants/ha produced similar yield and net economic returns as populations of 17,930 plants/ha. Castlette and Small Fry were superior cultivars.

For bell pepper production, steady but non-significant increases in yield and net economic returns were detected as nitrogen rates rose from 79 to 158 to 235 kg/ha. Black plastic mulch significantly increased yield and net economic returns, mostly due to moisture conservation benefits. A single-row pattern with an in-row spacing of 41 cm was the most cost-effective planting scheme. Gator Belle, Keystone Resistant Giant #3, and Giant Ace were superior cultivars.

On-farm testing improved researchers’ understanding of farm family needs, accelerated the adoption of new technology, and identified deficiencies of technology which were masked at the field station. Field station research was valuable for screening risky treatments, but yields at the station were uncharacteristically high. Extension staff were valuable in the designing of research, but they selected a disproportionate amount of college-educated, medium- and large-scale farm operators as participants for on-farm testing. Paraprofessionals, female personnel, and social scientists were beneficial in strengthening linkages between project personnel and farm families. Marketing was a major obstacle.