Looks Like Another Cold One In Santa Rosa County

Daniel E. Mullins
IFAS Extension Agent IV
Santa Rosa County Extension
6263 Dogwood Drive
Milton, FL   32570
danm@santarosa.fl.gov
850-623-3868
850-623-6151

Issue/Alert Affecting Crop: This fall, low temperatures have some horticultural producers scrambling to protect sensitive crops. Citrus and blueberries are especially sensitive to early cold spells and this has led to many questions from concerned producers.   

"Sprinkler freeze protection being applied to Southern highbush blueberries in Santa Rosa County - December 8, 2010."

Photo Credits: Dan Mullins

Our IFAS specialists have produced some very helpful documents on the subject of cold protection containing specific information for use in protecting these and other crops.  They are easily found through EDIS or just by searching the area of interest preceded by “IFAS”.  For example, using a good search engine, type in IFAS Blueberry Freeze Protection or IFAS Citrus Freeze Protection for a complete list of documents.

Weather Note:  It looks like we are in for another cold one.  Though it’s not winter yet, we have already recorded 209 chill hours in central Santa Rosa County as of  December 8. The historical average for our area is about 600, yet last year we received over 1,000 chill hours. These cold winters are beginning to add up!