Welcome to the Vegetable Crops Hotline (VCH), Purdue Extension’s exclusive newsletter for people in the business of growing vegetables. In this issue, we highlight watermelon recovery after hail, Honeyvine Milkweed, and provide an update on vegetable pricing at the Clearspring Auction. Included are lots of information about educational opportunities at the Pinney Purdue Agricultural Center[Read More…]
There are many challenges in growing watermelons. Hail occurring right before harvest time is undoubtedly one of them. In the past weeks, there have been thunderstorms in southern Indiana. Some brought hail. Small hail causes minor damage to watermelon leaves and stems, but big hail can devastate the foliage and cause significant scarring to the[Read More…]
The Clearspring Produce Auction is located just 2 miles south of US 20 in Clearspring Township in the Heart of the LaGrange-Elkhart Amish Settlement. It is within easy driving distance of the towns of Shipshewana, Topeka, Emma, and LaGrange. Produce is sold 3 days a week throughout most of the growing season (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday),[Read More…]
What is it? Honeyvine milkweed (Cynachum laeve) is a perennial, deciduous, vining member of the milkweed family Asclepiadaceae. It is native to the United States and can serve as a host for monarch butterfly larvae. Honeyvine milkweed tends to be more problematic in production systems with reduced or no tillage, including perennial fruits. It can[Read More…]
As the dog days of summer continue in folklore through August 11, the temperatures and humidity have increased to heat advisory status throughout the weekly outlook. Figure 1 shows the average temperatures over the last week, reaching into uncomfortable territory. Outlooks for temperatures in the 6-10 day and 8-14 day show a probability for above[Read More…]
Office of Indiana State Chemist will be offering the Pesticide Core Exam in Spanish starting Monday, July 24th. Passing the Pesticide Core Exam is required for individuals wanting a Private Applicator Permit (Farmer License). The Spanish Core Exam can be scheduled at http://indiana.metrosignup.com/ If you have questions, contact Leo Reed at the Office of Indiana[Read More…]
We are looking for sweet corn growers to participate in our 2023 Twilight Vegetable Meeting and Sweet Corn Tasting. Our Meeting on August 24 at Pinney Purdue Ag Center in Wanatah will feature information on pumpkins, pepper, sweet corn, compost, and tomatoes. The event will also include information for consumers/homeowners on Vegetable Gardening, and Private[Read More…]
Vegetable equipment for small farms will be demonstrated on August 10, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central Time, at the Pinney Purdue Agricultural Center. Market gardeners, urban farmers, home and community gardeners are invited to attend and learn about equipment and tools for seeding, planting, weed management, and tillage. Demonstration equipment will include a[Read More…]
Pumpkins, peppers, sweet corn, compost, tomatoes, and more will be discussed at the August 24th Vegetable Twilight Meeting at Pinney Purdue Ag Center, 5 to 8 p.m. Central Time. Vegetable farmers, market gardeners, urban farmers, and home gardeners are invited to tour trials and hear from researchers and educators about weed management in pumpkins; key[Read More…]
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