Bill Steenwyk

Weather
The various vegetable crops have, of course, responded differently to this season's particular environmental conditions. One common element to nearly all vegetable producers, however, has been the very low level on insect infestation. After an unusually cool summer, September has been kind to many West Michigan vegetable producers. The dry, warm weather has helped some crops catch up on maturity and kept many potential disease problems at bay.

Crop report
On the muck, celery harvest is 75 percent complete. The quality and quantity of yield varies, depending on rain accumulation in August. Areas hit with heavy rains during that time have seen reduced yield and quality; some severely so (see photo). In other areas, reports are average or better. Onion harvest reports are variable. Harvest progress ranges from complete to 50 percent to just beginning. Taken as a whole, I estimate two-thirds complete. Many are reporting good quality and size. Where downy mildew was more severe, the story is less optimistic. Lettuce and bok-choy harvest is nearly complete with positive reports. Radish is three-quarters finished. Again, yield and quality has been average or better. Planting was finished about a week ago. Carrots are 50 percent harvested with good yields.

Most reports regarding sweet corn are positive with the crop being 90 percent harvested. There is an occasional field that will not ripen due to the abnormally cool summer. Cabbage harvest is at least 75 percent complete with favorable yields and quality. Summer squash growers have completed their harvest with reports of average production. Hard squash and pumpkins are being harvested with at least average results. Melons have not faired as well with diseases such as fusarium, phytopthora and powdery mildew being problematic. With some exceptions, pepper fields have produced well. Tomatoes are a very mixed story. Late blight has devastated many fields where the grower had not implemented a pre-planned program of fungicide applications. Where the crop was protected, the plants still look good (with a few exceptions). Slow maturation continues to be a challenge.


50 percent stunted celery.