Asparagus harvest will be complete after this weekend and growers are applying herbicides. Transplanting of most crops will also be complete by next week while direct seeding of others continues.
Posted on June 11, 2014 by Ron Goldy, Michigan State University Extension
Weather
According to the Michigan State University Benton Harbor Enviro-weather station, the area received around 1 inch of rain for the week. Temperatures were slightly below normal with highs from 66 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit and lows from 45 to 59 F. We are at 585 base 50 growing degree days (GDD), putting us 32 units behind 2013.
Field activities
Rain did not slow activities as planting of most crops continued. Final tomato and pepper plantings will go in over the next seven to 10 days while direct seeding continues for cucumbers, pickles, beans, summer squash and zucchini.
Crop reports
Asparagus harvest is mostly complete with a few direct market growers continuing through the weekend.
The earliest planted peas are at pod swell.
Harvest volume has increased from transplanted and direct seeded summer squash and zucchini grown in low tunnels. Flower buds are emerging from direct seeded with no tunnels. Watermelon and cantaloupe transplanting is complete.
General transplanting of tomatoes, peppers and eggplant will end in the next seven to 10 days. Tomatoes under tunnels are at initial fruit set and blossom drop. Staking and tying continues.
Sweet corn grown under row covers is close to tassel emergence. Those not grown under cover are 18 to 20 inches tall. No signs of Stewart’s wilt have been observed.
Early planted potatoes are beginning to bloom. All stages of Colorado potato beetle can be found.
For more information on commercial vegetable production, contact Michigan State University Extension’s Ron Goldy at 269-944-1477 ext. 207 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.cnchemicals.com/. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://www.cnchemicals.com/, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).
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