FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— The founder of Craftcamp, a resource website for gardeners, stated that Indiana might have some crops yielding better after the harsh Winter the Hoosier state saw last.
The folks at Craftcamp stated in a news release that due to the colder-than-average temperatures, farmers could expect a surprisingly productive summer season. The release states that the mix of cold dormancy, especially during the drop-offs in temperature in January, and the sudden spring warmth can have certain pros and cons that can affect the crops.
One such crop that you might expect to thrive is stone fruits. Fruit trees enjoy chilly winters, especially peaches, plums, and apricots. These fruits require long periods of cold, known as chill hours, to reset their internal clocks. Without the winter dormancy, fruit trees can bloom unevenly or even fail to produce fruit altogether.
“In regions that grow peaches and plums, a solid stretch of chill hours can be just what fruit trees need – provided it’s not too much of a good thing,” said Martynas Mandrijauskas, Founder of Craftcamp.
Colder temperatures are also good for the development of leafy greens. Cold temperatures and wet weather mean that Indiana should expect the soil to have emerged from winter with good moisture levels. This is especially beneficial for fast-growing greens such as spinach, lettuce, chard, and kale. Those crops are known to thrive in cooler conditions and are regularly the first to go in the ground once the soil can be worked.
Herbs that are extra hardy could also be surprisingly plentiful this year. In many areas of Indiana, the quick shift from winter to spring led to a shorter-than-usual runoff period. This could affect soil dryness in some areas. Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano could be perfect for that. Craftcamp also said that if you’re planting herbs this season, you should consider adding a layer of bark mulch that can conserve water. Drip irrigation is also recommended to minimize stress from heat waves.
The news release also states that it might be a good idea to invest a few dollars in a soil thermometer. That is due to soil temperatures that could still be recovering from Winter’s freezing temperatures. They recommend checking the soil temperature before breaking out warm-weather favorites like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. If you plant them too early, it could lead to early stunted growth or a dead plant altogether.
“A cold snap doesn’t just slow us down – it also slows pests, boosts dormancy, and prepares certain crops for a better yield,” continued Martynas Mandrijauskas. “Just don’t rush the warm-weather crops. This year, patience – and a bit of mulch – might be the best fertilizer of all.”
Craftcamp has resources for gardeners, from step-by-step guides to building raised beds, DIY greenhouses, and advice on how to maximize fruit tree yields.
“We want to show people: you don’t need to be a master gardener. You just need a patch of soil, a little water, and the right plants for your region,” stated Mandrijauskas.
