The morning of the 17th took a toll on the peach crop. We saw temps in the low twenties with very little wind. At this time, I estimate there may be 30 percent of a crop left. There are still three weeks left in which we can easily lose the rest, so we’ll wait until the fifteenth of April to give a more accurate estimate. Check back then for more farm news.
We have spent the last two weeks battling freezes. Seven of the last thirteen days have had freezing temperatures. Each freeze has cost us peaches, but we think there is still at least half a crop left. However, tonight we will go once again into the mid-twenties and there is another month left in which the crop could be hurt. Check back later for more farm news.
The peaches received damage last week, but there is still a good crop remaining. However, the weather forecast is for several mornings below freezing in the next few days. We have had several warm days this week and the blooms have advanced to a more critical stage. We can stand temps down to 28 for a short time, but mid twenties will probably wipe out the crop. Check back later for more farm news.
The first freeze threat for this year’s peach crop will be on the morning of the 4th. Forecasts predict possible mid-twenties and calm winds. We are close to full bloom, which is of course more typical for mid to late March. We have added a third wind machine this year, so hopefully it will provide some added protection. However, this only helps a few degrees. No method of freeze protection is foolproof. We are almost finished pruning and most of the fertilizer has been applied. So now it is wait and see, with a long time until April 15th, which means the freezes are usually over. Check back later for more peach news.
