Tip Sheets

Warmer weather wanted: NY early crops behind schedule

Media Contact

Joe Schwartz

Stephen Reiners

Professor in the School of Integrative Plant Science

Steve Reiners, professor of horticulture at the New York State Agriculture Experiment Station, says that an unusually cold spring put early NY crops such as peas, lettuce and broccoli behind schedule – but it’s too early to call the season a washout.

Reiners says: 

“We need a week of warm, dry and breezy weather to dry the fields to the point they can be planted.

“As it stands, early crops like peas, onions, leafy greens, broccoli and cabbage are already behind schedule. But not to worry – it’s too soon to call the season a washout and you can still expect New York grown early crops to come to market. But the weather will have to hurry.

“Meanwhile, warm season crops like tomatoes, peppers, squash and cucumbers won’t be planted outside for another few weeks, so there is still time for the season to turn around. This is all less than ideal, but New York farmers are a resilient bunch and they’ll come through just fine.”

Cornell University has television, ISDN and dedicated Skype/Google+ Hangout studios available for media interviews.