Michigan Cucurbit crop report – 5/31/2023
Cucurbit planting continues at a high rate across lower Michigan.
Weed control and crop safety are always questions with cucurbits. Check out this table by Sushila Chaudhari, which lists the options, their strengths and key notes. Also, check out this helpful article on weed control from Minnesota.
Overwintering striped cucumber beetles emerge and colonize cucurbits. Conventional cucurbits can be protected with insecticides.
Michigan Cucurbit crop report – 05/24/2023
Seedling cucumber and summer squash from the first plantings are up with true leaves in southwest Michigan. Cucurbit planting continues at a high rate across lower Michigan.
Seedcorn maggot threatens organic growers as winter squash sowing begins. Past research showes that risk is greatly reduced once soil temperatures at a 4-inch depth consistently hits 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Michigan Cucurbit crop report – 5/17/2023
Fresh market cucumbers and squash are being seeded in southwest Michigan. This is also starting in west central Michigan.
Striped cucumber beetles were active in Ottawa County. Seed treatments protect small plants from this pest for direct sown cucurbits. A variety of conventional insecticides can also be used. Row covers provide good protection in organic systems. Using straw mulch can provide habitat for natural enemies of cucumber beetles. Highly preferred cucurbits can be planted as a trap crop to attract beetles in high numbers where they can then be killed. Seedcorn maggot can also be a problem. Risks are minimized with cultural practices.
Michigan Cucurbit crop report – 5/10/2023
Field work has started for the first pickle plantings. Transplanting fresh market summer squash and seeding cucumbers on plastic should start next week in southwest Michigan. Growers in east Michigan should begin planting melon.
Michigan Cucurbit crop report – 5/3/2023
Transplants are being started. Planting melons in the field usually happens in mid-May in southeast Michigan. Further north, row covers protect and advance plant growth.
Seedless watermelon transplants have specific moisture and temperature requirements for good germination.
