Current Dry Period Impacting Cover Crop Establishment

Web AdminCover Crops, Drought, Weather

By Clint Thompson Drought-like conditions continue to plague the Southeast region. That has made establishing cover crops a challenge for specialty crop producers hoping to utilize the management strategy. Extended periods of dry weather in the fall can impact cover crops being produced, according to Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. …

Transplant Establishment Key in Hot, Dry Conditions

Web AdminGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The extreme heat and extended dry period across the Southeast could impact the young vegetable crops that growers have planted this fall. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, emphasizes the importance of transplant establishment, especially during the current weather conditions. “We’re in that little window right now where …

Beware of Spike in Vegetable Diseases Following Recent Storms

Web AdminCucurbits, Disease

By Clint Thompson Cucurbit disease management is vital for vegetable growers following last week’s heavy rainfall and ahead of more rain predicted for this week. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, discussed the impact of heavy rains saturating soils across the region, especially as watermelon harvests are finally under way. …

Increase Fungicide Sprays: More Rain Means Higher Probability of Disease

Web AdminGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall in Georgia means specialty crop producers should be increasing their fungicide applications. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, cautions growers about the disease potential in areas of increased moisture. “It’s the same ol’ thing where drought for most vegetable growers, drought isn’t really that bad of …

Recent Rains Could Delay Fumigation Process

Web AdminFumigation, Specialty Crops, Weather

By Clint Thompson Persistent rainfall across the Southeast in recent weeks could delay fumigation progress from specialty crop farmers preparing to plant their fall crops. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, discusses how heavy rain events could keep producers from getting into their fields at a key point in the season. …

Heat Impact on Georgia Watermelons

Web AdminGeorgia, Watermelon, Weather

By Clint Thompson High temperatures in Georgia the past couple of weeks should have a positive and negative impact on the state’s melon crops. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, discussed what growers experience when temperatures near 100 degrees Fahrenheit (F). “I think the quality of the fruit is going to …

Georgia Hemp Production Declining in 2022

Web AdminGeorgia, Hemp

By Clint Thompson The number of Georgia hemp producers and acres decreased from 2020 to 2021. It has happened again this year, according to statistics released by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Georgia currently has 118 licensed hemp producers and one permitted hemp processor, equating to 4,333 field acres and 730,322 greenhouse square footage licensed for cultivation. There were 156 …

Dry Weather Helping Georgia’s Specialty Crops

Web AdminGeorgia, Specialty Crops, Weather

By Clint Thompson The current dry weather sweltering Southeast Georgia is not ideal for row crop farmers but just what specialty crop growers prefer this spring season. Even if it involves paying more for to apply water, it’s nothing compared to managing diseases that often accompany increased rainfall, says Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of …