A cold snap is forecast for this weekend, although temperature predictions vary slightly across weather sources. At the same time, some early plantings of watermelon and cantaloupe are already in the field in southern Indiana, or seedlings have already arrived and are waiting to be planted. What steps can growers take to protect these young…Read more about Coming Cold Snap: When to Plant Watermelons and Considerations Under Suboptimal Temperature Conditions[Read More]
Cucurbits
Seedless watermelons are extremely dependent on pollinators for yield. A pollinator, typically a bee, has to first visit a male flower from a pollinizer plant (pollen donor) and then deposit the pollen on a female flower from the seedless plant. That pollinated female flower will become a seedless watermelon fruit. This pollen-transfer job can be…Read more about Do Managed Bumble Bees Contribute to Seedless Watermelon Pollination?[Read More]
The Southern Indiana Melon and Vegetable Growers Meeting is scheduled on Jan. 16, 2026, at French Lick Resort (French Lick Resort & Casino, 8670 IN-56, French Lick, IN 47432). The meeting agenda can be accessed here. The meeting registration fee is $30, including lunch. Registration fee will be collected on-site by the Indiana Vegetable Growers…Read more about 2026 Southern Indiana Melon and Vegetable Growers Meeting[Read More]
This article provides a summary of information provided by Purdue Extension specialists at the 2025 Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center (SWPAC) Pumpkin Field Day. Diverse Pumpkin and Winter Squashes Dr. Liz Maynard gave a presentation on the diversity of pumpkins and winter squashes, covering different market types, their botanical classifications, maturity indicators, and storage life. Dr….Read more about 2025 SWPAC Pumpkin Field Day Recap[Read More]
As pumpkin season approaches, proper harvest timing and post-harvest handling become critical for maintaining fruit quality and maximizing storage life. Whether you’re growing Halloween jack-o’-lanterns or pie pumpkins for the holiday market, following best practices through harvest and storage will help ensure your season ends on a successful note. Determining the Right Harvest Time For…Read more about Maximizing Pumpkin Quality: From Harvest to Storage[Read More]
Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 1:30–5:00 p.m. EDTLocation: Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center (SWPAC)Address: 4369 N. Purdue Road, Vincennes, IN 47591 Registration: https://tinyurl.com/SWPACpumpkin • or call 812-886-0198 Questions? Contact Wenjing Guan (guan40@purdue.edu), Valerie Clingerman (clingerman@purdue.edu), or Barb Joyner (joynerb@purdue.edu). Tentative agenda 1:30–2:00 p.m. – Registration2:00–2:10 p.m. – Welcome to SWPAC — Dennis Nowaskie, SWPAC superintendent2:10–2:30 p.m….Read more about Southwest Purdue Ag Center Pumpkin Field Day[Read More]
Mark your calendars for an exciting educational opportunity! The Southwest Purdue Ag Center invites you to join their Pumpkin Field Day on September 17, 2025, from 1:30-5:30 pm EDT at 4369 N. Purdue Road, Vincennes, IN 47591. This hands-on event provides participants with the opportunity to explore a diverse range of pumpkin and winter squash…Read more about Southwest Purdue Ag Center Hosts Pumpkin Field Day[Read More]
Last week, cucurbit downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis) was reported on cucumber in southwest Kentucky and northern Ohio. Last month, the disease was also reported in cucumber crops in Michigan. Being that close to Indiana, it is a good time to stay alert and scout fields for symptoms related to this disease. Remember, early detection of…Read more about Downy Mildew Confirmed in States Surrounding Indiana[Read More]
This Tuesday, July 29th – The Southwest Purdue Ag Center invites growers to attend their Watermelon Variety Evaluation Open House from 1:00 to 4:00 PM EDT. With the event just days away, now is the perfect time to plan your visit and discover which watermelon varieties could enhance your operation. This self-guided field tour allows…Read more about Don’t Miss This Week’s Watermelon Variety Evaluation Open House[Read More]
Join us for a Pumpkin Field Day at the Southwest Purdue Ag Center! Date: September 17, 2025, 1:30-5:30 pm EDT Address: 4369 N. Purdue Road, Vincennes, IN 47591 Come and explore a wide selection of pumpkin and winter squash varieties, and learn about the latest research on no-till farming, weed control, and integrated pest management. Whether…Read more about Pumpkin Field Day at the Southwest Purdue Ag Center Set on Sep. 17[Read More]