Trenton, NJ (May 12, 2010) –That loamy fragrance wafting across New Jersey's highways and landscapes is fresh-turned earth, signaling an early planting season for the Garden State's farm crops, traditionally going into the ground the first week or so of May. But, an old wives' tale bids farmers plant "after the full moon in April," without fear of killing frosts. Since this April's full moon was near the end of the month, many farmers banked on that early wisdom, planting a bit earlier than usual, which means if the weather continues its current pattern, Jersey Fresh produce will reach kitchens across the state a week/10 days earlier also.
Ben Casella, New Jersey Farm Bureau's field representative, has been polling farmers on the progress of their crops. "Early spring soaking rains (the wettest March on record) delayed farmers getting into the fields," he says, "but unusually warm sunny days that followed allowed them to catch up quickly, planting early and putting the growing season squarely on a normal track. Vegetables like soil warm and dry (at least 55 degrees), with a little rain here and there. So far, the weather's been cooperating perfectly." The last few days' chill has had little to no impact on crops.
Even though New Jersey is a small state, growing/harvesting patterns differ from south to north, with southern Jersey running about two weeks ahead of central Jersey; and north Jersey, about two weeks behind central. Weather patterns throughout the state thus far augur well for especially abundant and high quality produce for sale at farmstands, farmers markets, supermarkets and in restaurants.
Asparagus is being picked now throughout the state and will run through mid-June. Strawberries are being picked in South Jersey. Strawberries will ripen through early June. Farmers from south through central Jersey have planted corn and intend to have it for sale even ahead of July 4th, the traditional date farmers strive for. "That's when everyone wants that fresh corn," says Chip Katona of Katona Farms, in Chesterfield, who planted his corn early and is now planting tomatoes and melons. "So far, everything looks real good. So, if this weather behaves, we expect a good season for Jersey-fresh produce."
Peach trees throughout the state bloomed very early, with masses of flowers that have already set fruit, and have orchard owners anticipating bumper crops. This fruit needs warm sunny days and cool nights.
A sampling of crop patterns throughout the state:
Gloucester County
April's warm spell brought home gardeners to David Scott's container nursery in Deptford about two-three weeks ahead of last year. Since he grows everything in containers, the wet weather didn't impact his starter plants. "Trends are interesting," he says. "Japanese gold thread used to be in great demand; now hardly anyone wants it. What they want now are new varieties of heuchera, columbine, armeria, forget-me-knots. All are pretty early blooming — I guess people can't wait to see flowers.
Camden County
Ed Cuneo of Sam Spinella Farms in Berlin planted some early crops in his sandy soil, and they're shooting up. Within the next three weeks, he expects to be picking mixed salad greens. He has carved out a niche in less traditional produce, like Japanese eggplant, heirloom tomatoes and vegetables, which are increasingly popular with food connoisseurs.
Burlington County
Christine Katona of Katona Farms in Chesterfield took a risk, planting sweet corn about three weeks early, under plastic to keep the soil warm. "I'm following the old wives tale to "plant after the April full moon," she says, "which is about two/three weeks earlier than the usual planting time." Katona is picking asparagus and planting tomatoes, lettuces, peppers, watermelon and cantaloupe, all started in the greenhouse. She hopes to have watermelon and cantaloupe ready for July 4th, which would be a "first."
Ray Hlubik, in Chesterfield, expects to have strawberries by the third week of May, at least 10 days early. "Warm weather pushed our plants right out of the ground," he says, "and they look good." He has spinach now and by late May, will have lettuce and broccoli.
Hunterdon County
Chia Cheng Huang, of Chia Sin Farms in Pittstown, grows Chinese specialty vegetables in addition to the traditional. Warm weather had him preparing his soil early, ready for planting the first of May, about a week earlier than usual, and hoping for an early harvest. "Food lovers are seeking out some of the more exotic vegetables that are commonplace with Chinese cooks, but not generally grown in this country," he says. He's carved out niche in Oriental cucumbers, Chinese cabbage and eggplant, bitter squash, bok choy and bitter melon.
Morris County
John Hauser in Old Bridge planted potatoes and all the greens in early April, and they're shooting up nicely for first of June harvest. He projects his sweet corn will be ready by July 4th.
Passaic County
Moving up toward north Jersey, Rudy Ploch , the last farmer in urbanized Clifton, was just plowing his fields around May 1st. "It's been too wet up here to plow," he says, "and I'm playing it safe, getting my tomatoes in the ground around Mothers Day." He'll be harvesting enough lettuce in early July to supply his restaurant customers, but not opening his farmstand until the end of July, when his tomatoes, eggplant and peppers will be in full supply.
Bergen County
Pete Demarest in Hillsdale will plant his vegetables around Mothers Day–early for north Jersey — with a hope of harvest by mid-July. As for his peaches, "trees were three weeks ahead of schedule with profuse blooms," he says. "We anticipate a banner peach crop, and a good full apple crop." If the warming trend continues, he will be having peaches for customers to pick their own from mid-July through Labor Day.
Following are produce projections from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. Bear in mind, these are only estimates. Farmers always anticipate weather changes that can enhance or damage crops.
Source: New Jersey Farm Bureau