The PAm. Pollinator Brassica Mix (pictured above) will begin to see growth in as little as 6-8 days after planting. Photo credit: Project Apis m. Orchard Maintenance and Sanitation During the winter months, cover crops can be managed in a way that does not interfere with orchard maintenance like tree pruning, spraying and winter sanitation. Planting in alternate rows or at alternate times, as well as the selection of low-growing cover, can help keep bare, workable rows open for any planned orchard maintenance. According to UC Davis Integrated Pest Management, having ground cover in your orchard during wet winters can even aid in mummy nut decomposition.² Though more research on the topic is needed, a recent study suggests that winter cover crops in almonds “appear to contribute to the reduction” of Navel Orangeworm (NOW) populations in the orchard.³ Despite the potential to increase decomposition rates of NOW host nuts, it is still critical to shake and remove mummy nuts from the orchard to manage NOW emergence. Frost Risks and Research Another common concern is how cover crops may impact overnight orchard temperatures and frost damage. Cover crops do keep orchard temperatures lower than bare soil, which can be a cause for concern for frost damage during almond bloom. As of right now, the standard management practice is to terminate cover crops in your field before an anticipated frost event.
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