Growing degree days since April 1: 0 GDD (no surprise here) (From the Illinois State Water Survey Degree-Day Calculator)
4 inch soil temp: 44.8°F (10 am 4-inch soil temperature under bare soil) (From the Illinois State Water Survey Illinois Climate Network)
Season Extension with High Tunnels Workshop Don't miss this upcoming workshop that will be held on April 6 from 2:00-4:30 p.m.. This free program will take place in the Workforce Careers Center on the LLCC-Springfield campus. Zack Grant, an experienced high tunnel researcher and grower from the University of Illinois Extension will present information about crop varieties, timing, and rotations for season extension of summer produce. August Jones and Andy Heck of Small Axe Market Farm in Springfield will give a hands-on demonstration of starting seeds, transplanting, and trellising tomatoes and peppers in the LLCC high tunnels. Register here.
Dormant bramble care Fertilizing and pruning brambles needs to take place before plants leaf out, which means if you haven't yet done so, now is the time. There are three production "systems" for brambles. One for red and yellow raspberries, one for black raspberries and erect blackberries, another for semi erect blackberries. Read more here. (Mike Roegge, University of Illinois Extension)
Illinois Fruit and Vegetable News A newsletter for commercial growers of fruit and vegetable crops published by the University of Illinois Extension and the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences at http://ipm.illinois.edu/ifvn/
Source: University of Illinois