Strawberry and cherry people - the spotted
wing drosophila (SWD) - that insect that gets
into the fruit and shortens it life significantly
was caught in the Rive Road area.
Soooooooooooooo, as the weather warms up
(as predicted by the weather people) , the
 number of SWD will probably increase rather
quickly.  For trap and spray information,
go to:  OSU SWD.

For people selling the fruit, clients usually don't
like critters in the berry or fruit.  HOWEVER
for the home owners, as we look at more
sustainability, the SWD  is really only added protein. 

Be aware, many of the warm seasoned
veggies in the stores are suffering from
the cold weather.  I saw several stores
today that had squash, pepper that the
 new growth was yellow.  Soil is just too
 cold to grow properly.

Soil planting will help but warmer soils
 is the key, or put water jugs, walls of
water or Remay cloth over the warm
season plants.

Be aware, there is powdery mildew
on zucchini already.

Strawberry season in the Willamette valley -
berries are ripe so don't delay in
getting your berries.

Another great weekend for growing a garden.
Keep planting of transplants.  Warm seeds
are still slow on germinating.

Continue to thin peaches, pears, apples.  Rain
this last weeks contines to spread the apple and
 pear scab, PLUS massive spread of coastal
cedar rust on apples, pears, service berry,
quince and NOT wild rose severely infested.

Slugs and snails bad in some areas.

Look for Spotted Wing Drosophila as the
berry crops continues. Call the Extension
office is you find SWD  541 344-5859.  
Rain will soften the strawberry crop and
also cause gray mold.

Rain most of the week.
Didn't have to irrigate as soil WAS
getting very dry on the top 1-2 inches.

Strawberry season started 6 days ago.  Strawberries
have been ripe in the home garden areas for a week. 
Blueberries sizing a head of schedule.  Raspberry,
blackberries all blooming at almost the same time, and early.

Anticipate huge spotted wing drosophila (SWD)
with the early spring.  Please call your local
 Extension office IF you find SWD.  Go to: 
OSU SWD for more information and
latest developments.

Coastal cedar rust hammering apples, pears, quince,
service berries, Mt. Ash plants, even more than
last year.  There are some commercial sprays that
will help keep the fungus under control.  Nothing
for the home gardener other than pick off fruit and leaves.

Most fruit crop yields - look OK.    Most look like
 a reduced yield, except for some areas.

Warm season veggies, still slow at growing.

Patience,as it is ONLY May 24 but panic as it
 is May 23 and strawberries are ripe and other
berries are developing ahead of normal.

Strawberries ripe - May 20. 
Typically 10-15 days early.

Lots of leaf rollers in hazelnuts
and apples - use Bt.

Some warm season seeds
slow at emerging.

Continue to thin apples, peaches
and pears.