We have been on the spring roller coaster for temperatures in southern Illinois. March 15-17 saw temperatures plummet, with March 16 not even getting above freezing. We saw lows down to the upper teens across the area. However, by the weekend we were pushing 90 degrees for high temperatures. Since then, temperatures have dropped again, but by March 26 highs are predicted to get above 90 degrees. We have had 5.41 inches of rain for the month of March so far. This has helped to reduce the drought conditions with soil moisture almost ideal for working now and far dryer than normal for this time year. This is good for field work, but bad as we have currently little moisture reserves in the soil to pull from this growing season.
Some early vegetables have been planted. Some suffered from the cold in mid-March if they were not protected, but weather has allowed good conditions for replanting and early starting for onions, greens, radishes, etc. Out in the orchard, the peaches have been on everyone’s mind with the cold weather. From what I have heard I know some bud thinning has happened but not a complete loss. As I remarked to one grower, hopefully you lost just enough buds to have a nice crop without a ton of thinning. Time will tell as bloom starts. My apricot trees were in full bloom, and I do not expect that any of those blossoms will have endured the cold. Apple varieties vary in progress but my Jonathan is at pink. Blueberry buds are bulging with flower clusters ready to pop very soon!
Cover crops are really starting to take off with the warm weather. Think about how you are using the fields (no-till, incorporating cover crops with tillage). If you are turning under grass cover crops, like cereal rye I encourage terminating them at least by 12-18 inches tall for easy of tilling and to reduce any issues with nitrogen tie up from all the residue breaking down.