Just outside of Athens, the earliest bud breaker at the Horticulture Research Farm, Lomanto, has broken bud. This is about a week earlier than usual where our last spring frost is often in mid April. While the start of a new season is always exciting, we are also at risk for damage from spring frosts and freezes.
Starting today, the warm weather is turning and putting some of those concerns in the front of some folks minds. I wanted to share some resources that may help:
- UGA B1490 Vineyard Frost Protection
- UGA Late winter pruning, frost protection, and timely disease and weed management
- NCSU Prevention and Management of Frost Injury in Wine Grapes
- Penn State Understanding and Preventing Spring Frost and Freeze Damage to Grapes
- TAMU Methods of Frost Protection
- Lodi Frost Management Strategies
Weather Resources:
- UGA Weather Network: http://www.georgiaweather.net/
- Hoffman NCSU Updates on THIS event: https://strawberries.ces.ncsu.edu/news/turbulent-frost-weather-ahead-starting-thursday/
Other Resources:
- Is your disease and insect management plan ready for the season? See the FRAME Checklist for other helpful tips. Or see other FRAME resources.
- Need a new podcast? My enology colleague, Dr. Andrea Botezatu from Texas A&M has a podcast about winemaking – The Wine Lab
Upcoming Events:
April 7, 2026 Noon to 1:30PM – Viticulture Vineyard Management Efficiency: Industry Panel
April 14, 2026 Noon to 1:30PM – Enology Barrels: obtaining, maintaining, and more pertaining to their use
Free, but registration required – Link to register:https://extension.psu.edu/sixth-annual-eastern-viticulture-and-enology-forum-webinar-series
