In Monroe County, strawberries on black plastic began producing marketable fruit by April 25. In the north , Temperatures remain on the cool side, so plant growth is proceeding slowly. Soil temperature was 46 F at the 4 inch depth at St. Charles on May 12. Sprays timed for the pink stage of floral development in apples have been applied, but some only recently. Overall, apples in the area are estimated at 5 to 8 percent bloom, but 'Paulared' and 'McIntosh' are in full bloom in some orchards.
Bees are in place in many orchards and activity appears good even with the cool temperatures.
Growers would like a week of warm, sunny days about now, but the 5-day forecast suggests below normal temperatures, and intermittent rain. Cold injury to as many as 45 to 50 percent of the king blossoms of 'Gala' and 'Red Delicious' continues to be reported in some orchards. Otherwise, there has not been much activity in vegetable farming. Some potatoes have been planted, and some growers are laying plastic mulch. Lesser peachtree borer flight is underway by as early as 200 - 300 DD and proceeds all summer.