Ahh, pretend spring!  I’m enjoying every minute!

Botrytis on overwintering crops – it’s a sneaky one.  Yes, it likes temperatures in the 70’s – who doesn’t?  (not much higher, though).  But UC Davis says ‘temperatures near 32 F will retard but not completely stop the development of gray mold.’  High humidity and free water are also necessary for the disease to progress.  So it could be lurking there waiting for a chance to sneak out.  So keep an eye on the overwintered stock, keep relative humidity below 75%, and keep the air circulating!

UMD Extension suggests starting ornamental pepper plants now if you want them as banker plants for Orius in March or when the day length is long enough in your area – about 12 hours of light.  They need to be flowering when you apply the Orius so they can feed on the pollen.

Couldn’t get to Maine, New Hampshire or Vermont for their terrific 2019 IPM Workshops? (you really should go some year) You can get the materials presented on-line at https://www.uvm.edu/~entlab/Greenhouse%20IPM/Workshops/2019/IPMWorkshop2019.html  It’s going to get cold again so you’ll need something to read….