First visible fruit of the year. Tiny little plums just after bloom.
Despite a chilly cloudy start to this week, we are expecting some of the warmest temps we’ve had thus far by the end of the week. Temps in the high 60s should send most of the apples into full bloom very rapidly. Thankfully our forecast isn’t devoid of rain and field irrigation is still a few weeks out.
Fruit/Bud/Tree Development
- Zestar! and Gravensteins are among the first apples to start blooming and will be in full bloom by the end of the week. Stonefruit blooms are beginning to wrap up. First evidence of a good fruit set on our Methley plums is visible.
- Hardy Kiwis are growing rapidly with some shoots pushing 3″-4″ already! Flower buds are beginning to become visible. This makes every 34-degree night a nail biter, but we are more prepared for frost prevention then we have been in the past.
- Jupiter and Interlaken grapes have reached budbreak and the season’s first leaves are emerging. Other grape varieties are close behind with wooly swollen buds.
Pest & Disease
- These next couple weeks, scouting for leafroller is a priority. Once leafroller presence is identified (we usually catch them on plums first) we will work two Bt sprays into our spray program. This has provided excellent control the past couple of years.
- We are keeping a close eye on freshly planted apples that were grafted last spring. Cold winter temps mean there could be some loss and need to replace trees that didn’t withstand the harsh conditions.
- Tender growth throughout the orchard promises the return of deer browsing. Preventative measures are our best solution here. We’ll be installing some temporary fencing to give extra protection to sensitive blocks.
Hardy Kiwis off to a strong start
