Believe it or not, it is time to think about starting transplants for some of the slower-maturing fall crops, such as brussels sprouts. It is looking like fall might be the best chance left this year for a fairly normal growing period. In the north , apples are sizing well in the orchards of Northern Illinois. There apparently is great variability among orchards. Some growers feel they have experienced an above normal June drop.
Weather continues to exert downward pressure on the size of the apple crop.
At least one orchard experienced injury from pea sized hail on Friday, July 3. Potato leafhoppers continue to cause leaf injury, particularly in young trees. Continuing heavy rains are causing yellowish, off color leaves on trees located in low spots in orchards. Weed control measures are still being applied, and will be until the canopy closes. Mowing and herbicide application are methods being used.