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Warm weather gets apples, pumpkins off to good start

You can thank the stretch of warm weather the area has experienced over the last several weeks for what hopes to be a great crop of apples and pumpkins this fall. Last year, the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association blamed untimely rains for keeping the bees away after the blossoms bloomed, leading to a poor crop. While the cool spring may have slowed down some of the progress, Bill Roethle of Hillside Apples in Casco says they had lovely blooms this spring, and the weather has cooperated to pave the way for what expects to be a good crop this year.

As for his pumpkins, they might be growing almost too well, thanks to the recent warm weather, depending on when you planted your seeds. Roethle says whether they are his giant pumpkins or his smaller ones, there are many things to keep track of to have a good crop.

Other crops in the state have taken advantage of the warm weather. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, corn silking is six days behind last year’s pace at 33 percent, and 65 percent of soybeans are blooming, which is about a week off of the previous year’s rate. Both crops were hovering around two weeks behind when it came to planting and emerging compared to last year. 

 

The picture is from last year's giant pumpkin patch Roethle started last year. The reigning Rookie of the Year for the Wisconsin Giant Pumpkin Growers Association, Roethle says he has three that are shaping up to be good pumpkins, including one he hopes can break 1,000 pounds this fall.

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