In brief
In a surprising turn of weather, the Northeast has shifted from warm to cold, posing challenges for farmers. With frost warnings in effect, some growers are forced to harvest flowers and fruits earlier than planned. In Ohio, peach and apple growers are experiencing early budding that might be compromised by the unexpected cold. Vermont's Understory Farm is adjusting to unseasonably early tulip blooms which may affect their Mother's Day sales. Farmers are adapting to these fluctuations with new strategies amidst the unpredictable climate.
BRIDPORT, Vt. — An abrupt swing from hot weather to cold across the Northeast is frustrating flower and fruit farmers who have had to either harvest blooms extra early or fear they could lose some crops altogether.
Frosty nights aren’t unusual this time of year, with the average date of the last frost ranging across the region. However, an unusually warm early April combined with a quick drop in temperature may result in problems for growers.
Recent temperatures soared into the 80s, only to be replaced by snow days later. The National Weather Service has issued freeze warnings across parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina.
In Ohio, the warm spell prompted peach and apple trees to bud early at Apple Hill Orchards. However, a subsequent dip to low 20s has compromised at least one variety of peach, according to owner Anne Joudrey.
“Farming is farming, and you never know what you’re gonna get, but we had a pretty good bloom, so we were expecting a pretty good crop,” she shared.
In Vermont, Understory Farm's owner Gregory Witscher noted that tulips meant to bloom for Mother's Day are already flowering in their greenhouses, necessitating immediate harvesting and refrigeration.
Witscher, who cultivates 50 varieties of flowers, emphasized the need for adaptability: “Weather fluctuations require flexibility. The longer I do this, the more I seek options and resources to remain nimble.”
The industry is increasingly using row covers or heaters to protect plants from erratic temperatures and ensure crop viability.
