Fruits and Veggies (Georgia)
Although cold nighttime temperatures in early January were welcomed by Georgia’s peach farmers, experts are concerned that peach crops in the state won’tget the number”chill hours” needed tobloom and produce abundant fruit this year. Peach trees go dormant in during the winter months, when they need “chill hours” below 45 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for spring blooming. The vidalia onion, which is Georgia’s official vegetable, is doing well, however. The onions can survive low winter temperatures, as long as the ground doesn’t freeze – daytime temperatures in the 60’s, paired with nighttime temperatures in the 40’s, are great vidalia onion conditions.
Viewer Tip: As of early January, Georgia’s peaches were behind by over 100 chill hours, and if things haven’t improved, farmers will likelyhave to take action. Applying fertilizers and chemicals to the crops can help to compensate for lost chill hours, but can also cost farmers between 20 and 100 dollars per acre.
Season: Winter
(Sources: Georgia FACES. January 2008. “Peaches Welcomed Cold Snap, But Need More.” http://georgiafaces.caes.uga.edu/storypage.cfm?storyid=3310)