Andrew Ellison of Graves County grows plasticulture strawberries to supplement his income. He cooperates with local tobacco producers to utilize available labor for planting and picking. Most years, between four and six acres is planted to supply produce to vendors at the Nashville, TN farmers market. Working with the extension associate, Andrew has been able to modify weed control and fertility practices to achieve better plant growth, labor and cost savings. Notably, by monitoring plant nutrient content through tissue analysis, fertilizer use has been reduced roughly 40%, a potential cost savings of $115 per acre during the spring growing season.