Flint, Michigan area urban agriculture report - May 24, 2017
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EmailThe urban and semi-rural small scale diversified vegetable farm fields, hoophouses and market gardens' planting operations are full steam ahead as last week's high temperatures push the growing season ahead of schedule.
Weather:
According to the Michigan State University Enviro-weather station in Flint Michigan, temperatures for the past week ranged from a 44.2 degrees Fahrenheit low to a high of 85.9 F. We are at 368 growing degree days (GDD) base 50; the recent moderate weather after last week’s heat has our growing season a day or two ahead of normal in terms of the five year averages. The Flint area has received .57 inches of rain in the past week, allowing spring field preparation and planting operations to move forward full steam ahead. The irrigation need of newly planted crops has been higher due to the increased rate of evapotranspiration on recent high wind days.
Crop Reports:
According to research done in the hoophouses located at the MSU Student Organic Farm and educator observations from the field, pruning and trellising of tomato crops in area hoophouses are taking place, along with thinning of earlier plantings of radishes and beets. Outdoors, plantings of sweet corn and potatoes continues. Plastic mulch has been laid courtesy of Flint Ingredient Co.), and Cole crop and other transplants are going in. Seeding of additional succession plantings of head lettuce and lettuce mix, cabbage, spinach, Swiss chard, beets, green and wax beans, herbs such as dill and cilantro and additional peas are taking place. The three lined potato beetle has appeared on tomatillo plantings this past week, and newly planted beds of outdoor field greens will be covered with row covers to protect them from flea beetle damage.
Photo by Thread Creek Farm
Going to area Farmers Markets now:
According to a Michigan State University Extension food systems educator, area growers are harvesting head lettuce, bok choy, kohlrabi, collards, scallions, kale and radishes from hoophouses. Herbs are being harvested indoors and out.
A new Flint Fresh veggie box program kicked off this week, providing a new avenue for Flint residents to access healthy fruits and vegetables and support local growers and Michigan farmers. This new program is structured as a subscriber based produce delivery system which accepts credit cards and food assistance dollars. The veggie boxes are available in two different sizes and prices, and those living or working in the City of Flint can have the box delivered to their door. Several pickup sites are available as well. For more information, please see FlintFresh.com.
Photo by Brandon Blinkenburg Photography
