By Andi Anderson
Michigan vegetable farmers saw 2–4°F above-normal temperatures this past week with scattered rainfall and spotty severe weather, including hail.
Forecasts suggest more showers from Wednesday through Saturday and a return to drier conditions by Sunday. Medium-term predictions call for near- to above-normal temperatures and rainfall.
Soil Moisture Monitoring Opportunity
Michigan State University (MSU) is inviting 10 farms to join a soil moisture research project. Participants will receive real-time data from probes installed in two fields for three growing seasons (fall 2025–2028). Interested farmers can contact Alex Kuhl at kuhlalex@msu.edu.
Crop Updates
Asparagus
Harvest continues in west central Michigan. Growers expect rains and warmer weather to extend picking. Now is a good time to scout fields for perennial weeds like Canada thistle, field bindweed, and tree-of-heaven. Spot treatment may help, but uncalibrated spraying can damage crops. Asparagus beetle presence varies by farm, with some needing multiple sprays.
Brassicas and Greens
First harvests are approaching. Caterpillar damage is being seen, especially from cabbage white butterflies (imported cabbage worms). Damage is occurring in fields and greenhouses.
Carrots and Celery
Aster leafhopper samples from six western counties have tested positive for aster yellows. Both pest numbers and infection rates are up, lowering spray thresholds. Visit MSU’s Plant and Pest Diagnostics website for updates.
Carrot growers are applying linuron and clethodim, but resistant crabgrass and pigweed remain issues. MSU encourages farmers to report suspected herbicide resistance or send seeds for testing later this year.
Growers should stay alert and monitor pest levels and weather changes to protect their crops and yields.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Rural Lifestyle