Gordon Johnson, Extension Vegetable & Fruit Specialist; gcjohn@udel.edu
Cold temperatures and storms have slowed the progress of spring plantings of crops such as peas, potatoes, and cabbage. Heavy winds have damaged some early crops. The following are some pictures illustrating the season so far.
Peas planted in mid-March. Progress has been slow.
Wind scorch damage to early-planted broccoli.
Black plastic mulch laid between rye windbreaks for upcoming watermelon season. This is a common sight in the watermelon-producing region on Delmarva. Note the excellent progress of the rye. A tall windbreak helps protect plants from wind damage and helps to reduce heat losses. The first watermelons will be planted at the end of April in the Laurel, Delaware area.