There will not be many pears that are in bloom as of May 3. If temperatures continue to be as warm as the last few days during bloom of apples and pears, there will be a high risk of fireblight this year. Approximately 2,000 acres of the 3,000 acres seeded in early April were re-seeded. Soil crusting, pythium seedling rot and frost were the casual factors. Carrot and onion planting started early.
Pea planting in Essex-Kent is completed.
Early planted fields have good emergence. Tomato growers have been busy preparing fields and will begin transplanting the first week of May. Increased interest in machine harvest pickles because of low margins for corn and soybeans. Some pink visible on apple May 3rd. Cherries well into bloom first week of May. Bee flight conditions have been optimal as temperatures are warm and winds light. Field conditions are excellent and soils are drying rapidly.