Iowa

Recent Warmth a Problem for Gardners in Iowa
Feb 1, 2002, Associated Press

With above normal temperatures for much of this winter and drier than normal conditions, it has been one of the harshest winters in memory - as far as trees and plants are concerned. Last week's record warmth has fooled some plants into thinking it's spring with a few flowers peeking through the ground. "I've been doing this for what seems like a hundred years, and I've never seen a winter like this," said Dean Platt, owner of Platt's Nursery in Waterloo. "It's the driest in my history." The unusually warm winter could spell trouble as many plants or fruit trees begin to bud too early. In some cases, such as apple trees, an entire crop could be lost. ... The colder weather is also needed to keep trees and plants from budding too soon. Apple growers could suffer the biggest losses if the mild winter continues. If trees begin to bud and freezing temperatures return, the crop could be lost, Jauron said.