Labour Requirements
Planting space: While some herb production, such as borage, milk thistle, chamomile and mint, can be produced on a field scale, the majority are produced in small plots as row crops or closely spaced in small beds.
Harvesting: Some crops may need to be harvested repeatedly over the season, or at least once or twice a year.
Machinery: The use of small machinery, such as water-wheel transplanters, plastic mulch-laying equipment, cultivators and in-field dryers should be considered. In some instances, there may be opportunities to cost-share with other growers in the area.
Irrigation: A number of herb crops require irrigation for establishment and good yields. However, some are better as dryland crops.
Pest Control: While usually organic, pest control may be necessary. Agronomic practices, such as between row-cultivation, can sometimes help reduce a pest population.
Weed Control: A good deal of hand-labour is required in keeping these plots free of weeds. The use of plastic mulches is gaining acceptance as a means of weed control, since it significantly reduces the amount of hand-labour required. It should be noted that few pesticides are registered in Canada for commercial herb production, although that is slowly changing.