Proven Practices for Profitable Vegetable Production

Here is a list I found on the internet that I thought was good. Most of them I already do, but i am going to try and incorporate more of them into my farming practices.

1. Increase the soil organic matter every year
2. Maintain plant diversity [with crops and/or green manure/cover crops]
3. Manage crops for highest profit per acre; not highest yield per acre.
4. Little or no external inputs [Not necessary to buy anything, from anybody for the farm. Certain things are recommended]
5. Leave all crop residue on top of the soil.
6. No-till: no plowing, no tilling, no cultivating.
7. Permanent beds [crops]
8. Sloped land [beds the on contour; no terraces]
9. Permanent paths [walking]
10. Tools [Hand & power hand]
11. 12-months production [economical nearly everywhere]
12. Soil always covered
13. Use mulch/green manures/cover crops.
14. Feed plants through the mulch.
15. Organic matter [Free. When economically feasible, transport to the farm. Use as mulch]
16. Compost [for special uses or to use excess organic matter]
17. Drip irrigation [Purchase or DIY using poly]
18. Alternative/foreign/ethic/niche vegetables [grains, fruits, vegetables, roots, fibers, herbs, nuts, medicinals, flowers, dyes, syrups, sweeteners, crafts, seeds, herbs, spices and ornamentals. Market may be only for your production]
19. Agri-training [train others. Especially young people]
20. Protect nature [wildlife, native plants, streams & riparians, ponds & lakes, wetlands, forest and prairies.]
21. Imitate nature. Most farmers fight nature. ¡Nature always wins!

Paul Robeson Tomato

I am going to try a new (to me) hierloom tomato this year. It is the Paul Robeson.
Here are some facts and history about it.

Maturity: 65 Days
Growth Habit: indet.
Fruit Color: black
Fruit Type: Slicer

This famous tomato has almost a cult following among
seed collectors and tomato connoisseurs. They simply
cannot get enough of this variety’s amazing flavor that
is so distinctive, sweet and smokey. 7-10 oz. fruit are
a black-brick color. Named in honor of the famous opera
singer star of ‘King Solomon's Mines’, 1937. Paul Robeson
was also a Russian and Equal Rights Advocate for Blacks.
This Russian heirloom was lovingly named in his honor.
We are proud to offer such a wonderful variety.