1.4 inch soil temp: 41 degrees F
2.Growing Degree Day accumulation since April 1: 0 ( no surprise here J )
3.A good rule of thumb is to begin transplant fertilization only after the first true leaf has expanded to 1/2 to 3/4 inches in length. Plant height ( leggy plants) is difficult to control with constant Nitrogen. If you choose to fertilize with constant Nitrogen, plan on no more than 30PPM Nitrogen.
4.High tunnel growers should not depend on the high tunnel alone to provide much frost protection advantage over outside air temperatures. High tunnels will need to have some frost protection system available in the spring. The large quantity of incoming heat absorbed by the soil during a sunny day should allow the soil to act as a heat reservoir at night. Make sure rows are uncovered during the day. Use of a freeze (plastic or woven fabric) cover holds that soil heat in at night and prevents its escape to the air, accounting for a higher temperatures that occurs under the covers.
5.New asparagus bed considerations: check for wireworms if old pastures or alfalfa fields are to be used; asparagus should not be planted in any field in which asparagus had been planted in the past; plant in furrows 4-5 feet apart, 8-10 inches deep and with crowns 6-9 inches apart. Stagger plants in the bottom of the furrows. Depth of planting is an important factor in spear diameter.
Let me know what all is going on out there on your farms. Here’s to a great 2014 season!
Kyle
