Chicago Area Plant Health Report Highlights Weather Impact on Gardening
The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, is providing valuable insights for gardeners through its Plant Health Care Report. This weekly newsletter, available during the growing season, offers data-driven guidance on pest and disease control, emphasizing the importance of understanding weather patterns. According to the report, growing degree daysâa measure of accumulated warmthâare crucial for predicting plant and insect development. For instance, redbud trees flower and pine sawfly larvae emerge at approximately 100 growing degree days, which can occur in late March or April depending on the year's weather. The report also includes information on soil temperature and moisture, helping gardeners time their interventions effectively to avoid environmental harm. The Morton Arboretum encourages gardeners to subscribe to the report for timely updates. 
