Dear Valued VCH Readers,
Welcome to this week’s edition of the Vegetable Crops Hotline! I can’t believe it is May already! The 8-14-day precipitation and temperature outlook is leaning below and above normal, respectively. Generally, the precipitation outlook for May is leaning towards below-normal levels.
As many growers prepare to set out transplants in May, please remember to check the soil temperature before planting and ensure your irrigation systems are ready. For successful transplanting, consider reading these helpful articles:
- Preparing Vegetable Transplants for Indiana Field Conditions
- Start Your Season off Right with Pest-free Transplants
- Establishment Failure of Watermelon and Cucumber Transplants Because of Low Soil Temperatures
- Why do Watermelon and Melon Plants Wilt?
- When to Plant Watermelons
In this issue, we bring you a diverse range of content to support your farming operations. From our first Soil to Market spotlight, examining customer communication strategies for small and medium-sized farms, to practical resources like the annual insect trapper recruitment and succession planning webinars, we’ve got you covered. You’ll also find updates on the Clearspring Produce Auction prices, information about upcoming field days at Southwest Purdue Ag Center and the Small Farm Education event, plus details on the Midwestern Regional Climate Center’s innovative weed emergence scouting tool that could revolutionize your pest management approach.
We hope these insights help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of this critical time in the growing season.
Growers and Purdue Extension Educators
Your input and expertise make this newsletter a truly useful resource. If you have hot topics you’d like us to cover, success stories to share, or questions for our Extension specialists, please get in touch with us at plangenh@purdue.edu or contact the specialist directly. We also welcome high-quality photos of pest issues, unusual symptoms, or innovative production practices you’ve implemented on your farm.
Website Links in Newsletter Articles
We frequently include links to websites or online publications. If you are unable to access these resources, please don’t hesitate to contact your local Purdue Extension office or us to request a hard copy of the information.
Midwest Vegetable Production Guide
The 2025 Midwest Vegetable Production guide is now available for growers to visit online at mwveguide.org, or you can download and print a guide from your computer at mwveguide.org/guide. The guide can also be purchased for $15 per copy. Contact your Extension Office or Stephen Meyers (slmeyeres@purdue.edu) directly to buy a copy.
Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports
Are you still considering purchasing vegetable seeds? The Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports feature many articles to help you make an informed decision. The resource also hosts research results related to production.
Best regards,
Petrus Langenhoven
Clinical Assistant Professor and Vegetable Extension Specialist
Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
Purdue University