Heavy rains last week alleviated some of the abnormally dry conditions in North Florida. But Central and South Florida remain moderately dry as are South Georgia and South Alabama. Moderate dry conditions are still being experienced in the Florida Panhandle from Escambia County eastward to Madison County. Levy and Marion counties are also moderately dry, which stretches as far south …
Blueberry Damage? What to Look for Following Freeze Event
Sub-freezing temperatures this past weekend across the Southeast put the region’s blueberry crop at risk for damage. Alabama Extension reminds producers what to look for when surveying their crop for damage symptoms. “To find out if the blueberry flower buds have been damaged by frost you can cut through the bud several hours after a freeze and look for browning …
GFVGA: Freeze Event Timing Was Horrible
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s peach and blueberry crops were impacted by the sub-freezing temperatures felt across the state this past weekend. A few more days are needed, though, before growers know the extent of the potential damage, said Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA). “South Georgia blueberries got cold but those (farmers) …
UF/IFAS Extension Agent: Begin Fertilization for North Florida Watermelons
By Clint Thompson The production season continues for the bulk of North Florida watermelon plants that survived the sub-freezing temperatures this past weekend. Growers need to consider their fertilizer options, especially following the recent rain events. “Most of their fertilizer that was in the bed preplant and even whatever they may have put out in their transplant solution is gone …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide crop updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Dr. Matt Cutulle reports, “I saw my first nutsedge plants this year pop up in the plastic mulch of a fellow researcher’s trial last week in Charleston. Soil temperatures in plastic mulch systems are going …
North Florida Watermelon Plants Impacted by Sub-Freezing Temperatures
By Clint Thompson Sub-freezing temperatures impacted North Florida’s newly planted watermelons. But the impact was not as severe as it could have been, explains Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “There are a few fields that probably will have to be replanted or at least partially …
Georgia Peach Grower: I Think We Dodged a Bullet; I Just Hope No More Bullets Come
State’s Crop Survives Weekend’s Sub-Freezing Temperatures By Clint Thompson Georgia’s peach crop appears to have survived the sub-freezing temperatures that were prevalent across the state this past weekend. Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms in north Georgia, discussed the impact temperatures as cold as 18 degrees Fahreneheit had on his crop. “We were really just at about 30% bloom. Everything …
Hard Freeze Forecast for the Weekend
South Carolina’s specialty crop producers need to be mindful of their crops ahead of this weekend’s sub-freezing temperatures, according to The South Carolina Grower. Here are a few considerations for each crop. Strawberries Growers should plan to cover their strawberries to protect blooms and developing fruit. Row covers of at least 1.2 oz thickness will protect plants down to 22 …
Strawberry Plants at Risk During Cold Weekend
North Carolina State Extension cautions strawberry growers in the Southeast about sub-freezing temperatures this weekend that will impact the state’s crop. “While plants in the mid-Atlantic are still under covers and the crop in western North Carolina is not as advanced, especially growers in Georgia, South Carolina and eastern North Carolina will have to watch out to protect possible blooms …
Drought Persists Across Southeast
By Clint Thompson Drought conditions are worsening across the Southeast region. Even with much-needed rainfall this week, most of Florida and the southern parts of Alabama and Georgia are either abnormally dry or moderately dry, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The majority of the Florida Panhandle is in a moderate drought. Those conditions stretch eastward to Putnam and Marion …