Two of the three high tunnels are completely cleaned out and have been winterized. The other tunnel has been seeded and is overwintering cover crops for the fourth winter in a row. Due to late-season tomato and pepper harvests, cover crops were seeded during the first week of November, about a month later than usual. Spring oats and crimson clover were seeded at 30 lbs/acre and 10 lbs/acre, respectively. Because the crimson clover did not germinate well, Austrian winter peas were broadcast seeded the third week of November at a rate of 90 lbs/acre. Because the seed was a couple of years old and was seeded late in the season, a higher-than-normal rate was used. The peas have started to germinate, and the spring oats have developed a good stand and are about 4 inches in height.
Our region of the state only received a small dusting of snow the weekend after Thanksgiving, otherwise, precipitation has been in the form of rain. Low temperatures have dipped down to the low to mid 20s and daytime highs are reaching into the mid to upper 40s most days.
Wishing everyone a holiday season filled with excitement, anticipation, and encouragement as we enter a new year!