The proper time to remove straw from matted row strawberries is when the bare-soil temperature at 4 inches averages about 40-43˚F. This usually coincides with mid to late March in central Indiana. This year is later than average. Plants begin pushing new leaves as the soil temperatures rise steadily so the straw should be raked…Read more about Straw Removal in Strawberries[Read More]
Crop Management
The most important spray of the season for control of anthracnose on brambles is the delayed dormant spray of lime sulfur, Sulforix or copper hydroxide. If you have a problem with anthracnose, this is one spray that you can’t afford to miss. One of these materials should be applied when new leaves are exposed 1/4…Read more about Anthracnose disease in brambles[Read More]
Growers across the state are finishing up pruning. Most apple and blueberry growers are done, and bramble and grape growers are finishing up. Even though this is a late spring compared to some recent years, there are still chances of spring frost damage. Grape growers can use long or double pruning to help delay bud…Read more about Spring Pruning[Read More]
The University of Minnesota Department of Horticultural Science takes a fresh, encouraging new look at growing fruit in the home garden. This guide will help gardeners decide which fruits are right for their gardens and their lifestyles, taking readers through every step from planning, choosing cultivars, and planting, to harvesting and pruning. Readers will find information on…Read more about Growing Fruit in the Northern Garden[Read More]
Most crops in the Lafayette area are still dormant. Strawberries and brambles are just starting to grow. It looks like we lost all our peach flower buds. Grapes also were damaged badly by the Jan 30-31 low temperatures in our area. We have several varieties with less than 50% primary bud survival so we are…Read more about Crop Conditions[Read More]
As harvest continues, so does the summer rot saga, especially bitter rot. Multiple orchards are reporting significant to complete loss of Honeycrisp throughout the Midwest, in addition to other varieties. Honeycrisp is by far the worst hit, but its seems that Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Cameo, Ida Red, Empire, Fuji and Gala have had problems…Read more about Harvest Continues[Read More]
Grape harvest is underway for early and mid-season varieties. Downy and powdery mildew are showing up in vineyards. Table grapes have been especially nice this year. Primocane bramble harvest is also underway. Surprising low number of spotted wing Drosophila have been found in grapes or brambles. Frequent rains are very unwelcome as they generally have…Read more about Crop Conditions[Read More]
Susan Brown of Cornell probably said it best: “The performance and attributes of Honeycrisp are varied and can be grouped under the heading, ‘The good, the bad, and the ugly.’ The ‘good’ refers to a great name for marketing and excellent texture, crispness, and juiciness. The ‘bad’ refers to coloring problems, appearance defects, and susceptibility…Read more about Yellows and Bitter Pit[Read More]
Grape harvest is just about to get started in the southern part of the state. Growers will start harvesting early varieties next week. Most varieties are slightly ahead of normal this year. In Lafayette, early varieties are at full veraison and should be ready to harvest in the next couple of weeks. We generally harvest…Read more about Grape Harvest – 2018[Read More]
June bearing strawberries are “short day” plants that initiate flower buds in response to short days (less than 14 hours day length). Day length for Indianapolis drops below 14 hours about August 10. As we get into late summer, strawberry plants respond to shorter days by setting the flower buds that will result in the…Read more about Strawberry Fruit Bud Development[Read More]