Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a minor crop in New York, but is popular at farmers markets and other retail stands. Its mild flavor makes it favorable to eating fresh and even young children like it when cut up and served like carrot or celery sticks. Both green and purple varieties are available. It is best grown in cooler temperatures and is typically available in June and July and then again in September and October. Kohlrabi is a member of the Brassicaceae or cabbage family which also includes broccoli, cauliflower and turnips. It can be susceptible to many of the same diseases and insects as other members of this family.Relevant Events
Lake Erie Region Summer Meeting
July 24, 2025
Brant, NY
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Field Meeting for Auction Growers -- Seneca Produce Auction
July 30, 2025
Romulus, NY
Niagara Region Summer Meeting, 2025
August 7, 2025
Ransomville, NY
New Crop Rotation Recommendations for Swede Midge
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
New Cornell research has demonstrated that brassica crop rotations of 500 ft (down from 3000 ft) and 3 months (down from 3 years) could effectively "crash" a swede midge population when fields are secluded from each other, making crop rotation a much more feasible strategy for small farms. A new fact sheet details the new crop rotation recommendations and provides information on the pest's life cycle, biology, and crop preferences in addition to real-world examples of crop rotation. The crop rotation strategies were developed to serve the needs of small organic farmers, but have utility for conventional farmers as well.
Video: New York State Produce Auctions
Currently, there are 8 produce auctions in New York State. These auctions are aggregation points that allow local farmers to sell their produce in wholesale lots to buyers from across the region. To document the economic impact of produce auctions on agriculture, local businesses, family farms, and produce buyers, the Cornell Vegetable Program worked with Harvest New York to survey top sellers and buyers.
A new Cornell Vegetable Program video shares general information about produce auctions, how buyers and sellers use the auctions to expand their businesses, and how local communities benefit from them.
Video: Swede Midge
Swede midge is an invasive insect pest that is threatening the viability of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, kohlrabi and turnip production within the Cornell Vegetable Program region and throughout the Northeastern US. This short video will provide you with some general information about this pest and how to scout for it in your Brassicas.
Extending the Harvest Season with Fall Production
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Late season production starts in mid spring. For a successful crop, start with a detailed plan. Designate an area specific for late season production so that management can take place in one spot rather than all over the farm. This will make cultivation, pest management, using row cover, and harvesting more efficient to manage.
Asparagus
Beets
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cucumbers
Dry Beans
Eggplant
Ethnic Vegetables
Garlic
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Lettuce / Leafy Greens
Melons
Mushrooms
Onions
Parsnips
Peas
Peppers
Potatoes
Pumpkins / Gourds
Radishes
Rhubarb
Rutabaga
Snap Beans
Squash - Summer
Squash- Winter
Sweet Corn
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnips
Upcoming Events
Lake Erie Region Summer Meeting
July 24, 2025
Brant, NY
This meeting will cover organic and conventional management and will be relevant for producers of all sizes. This broad-reaching meeting will feature a mixed fresh market field walk, potatoes, sprayer calibration, and disease control in table and wine grapes. We'll cover organic and conventional controls and present information for growers of all scales of production.
2.0 DEC (0.5 CORE, 1.0 Veg, 0.5 Fruit)
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Field Meeting for Auction Growers -- Seneca Produce Auction
July 30, 2025
Romulus, NY
This evening meeting will demonstrate pest management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. A hands-on demonstration of weed, insect and disease identification in vegetables including management options. Details on each topic will focus on field observations at the farm.
2.0 DEC credits in categories 10, 1a, 23, and 24.
Niagara Region Summer Meeting, 2025
August 7, 2025
Ransomville, NY
We're in for a treat! Professor Steve Reiners is coming as a part of his pre-retirement speaking tour! Steve's a fantastic, down-to-earth speaker with extensive knowledge on horticultural techniques, fertility, varieties, and much more. Don't miss this event! Topics include "what exactly do NPK and other nutrients do inside the plants?", a pest/disease field walk, sweet corn variety trial, a tar spot primer, spraying best practices, and industry updates. Content will be relevant for organic, CNG, and conventional growers.
DEC credits requested.