Sheboygan County is experiencing a “Moderate Drought” according to the National Weather Service. While that’s not a good thing, UW-Extension Crops and Soils Agent for Sheboygan County Mike Ballweg isn’t sounding alarms – yet. As Ballweg put it, if it’s going to be dry at any point in the season, then this is the best time for it.
The Ag agent said that soil moisture was very good for planting, and crops have emerged early. That early start to the growing season is something Ballweg said isn’t just a one-off in Wisconsin. Reviewing data over the last 30-50 years, the growing season has lengthened by 2-3 weeks with earlier springs and longer falls.
While the drought isn’t yet as big a problem here as in other parts of the state, Ballweg said there are concerns to be aware of. Crops will actually benefit by putting down deep roots when it’s this dry, making them more resistant to drought as long as we do get rains soon. However, in about a month from now the larger, more mature plants will demand more rains to succeed.
Homeowners, meanwhile, should pay more attention to trees and shrubs, especially if they’ve been planted within the last 3 or 4 years. In those cases, make sure they get enough water. Lawns, although dry, usually do OK in dryer weather, but if rains don’t return in another few weeks, it will be time to water the grass.
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