Our area has been a little on the wet side lately. We have had over 9” of rain for the Month of April (as of 4/29) and more rain chances in the forecast before the month is over. Temperatures have been about average and we have only had a handful of days this year over 80°. We endured the cold snap earlier in the month just fine thankfully and did not get much colder than about 32° one morning. Hopefully the forecast will give us more sunshine and drier weather.
Despite the rain, there have been a few opportunties to get out in the field and get early crops in the ground. Greens, peas, and cole crops are out and starting to take off. Asparagus harvest is well underway and has been pushed within the last week with some warmer weather. Early field plantings of summer annual vegetables are also going out as well. I planted potatoes 4/15 and they are already starting to poke out of the ground (along with a nice flush of weeds to be cultivated).
In the orchard, most apples and peaches endured the cold snaps just fine. I seem to have a pretty good crop of apples and they are not quite the size of a dime. Blueberries are just finishing up blooming and some varitieties like these Bluegold have a nice crop on them.
Cover crops are also starting to take off as well. My main reminder is if you want to till cover crops in don’t let them get too big and expect the soil to easily work up. Remember cover crops can grow a lot of roots as well as above ground all of which can be challenging to incorporate with tillage. Spraying them at least 2 weeks before tillage can help and also mow down any residue before you till it. There is still time now for most cover crops to get them under control but by now they are growing FAST. If you are no-tilling and want some good residue to suppresss weeds and build your soil, just sit back and watch them work! Crimson clover is just starting to bloom. This is still to me one of the prettiest cover crops you could ask for!