Shifting weather patterns in the US have led to new discussions about growing fruits and vegetables in times of climate change. Natalie Hoidal and Annie Klodd both work as University of Minnesota Extension educators. Hoidal’s focus targets vegetable production, whereas Klodd’s specialty is fruit.
Looking back on weather records for Minnesota and Wisconsin, there have been noticeable changes in precipitation. Hoidal and Klodd said some key highlights show more intense precipitation whether it is rain or snow, but also warmer winters. Although we are receiving more water, they anticipated more time between rain events, meaning intense precipitation mixed with drought and dry periods.
Klodd said a common misconception is that new varieties of fruits and vegetables can be grown in the region because of warmer winters. “That’s not the case,” Klodd said. “I think it would take a lot of years of climate change in order for us to start growing fruit varieties that we haven’t been growing before. We still do get really cold temperatures in the winter.”
Although winters have been warmer with fewer extreme cold events, temperatures drop 35 to 40 degrees below zero in some parts of the upper Midwest. There will be notable changes though, according to Klodd. Predictions show 27 fewer freeze days during the winter with earlier starts to spring.
An early spring may seem welcome, but warmer temperatures can cause early bud break, leaving them susceptible to frost damage if cold temperatures return. Some experienced producers use overhead irrigation to prevent frost damage with the idea that the frozen water will protect berries because it acts as an insulating layer.
“That’s pretty complicated, so I would encourage people to look up more information on that before trying it,” Klodd said.
Wet weather can also cause other disasters for fruit producers, which is why several switched to high tunnels production to keep diseases from strawberries or raspberries. Another recommendation was to keep rows between plants well mowed or use landscape fabric to keep humidity out of the system and prevent disease.