Forecasts are pointing toward the possibility of a wetter-than-average winter across California as El Niño conditions develop in the Pacific. While seasonal forecasts are never certain and conditions can vary widely from one region to another, many growers are already thinking ahead about how additional rainfall could affect orchard management this fall, winter and spring.
A little preparation now can help avoid challenges later, especially if wet conditions make orchard access more difficult. Here are a few seasonal considerations to keep in mind as growers prepare for potentially wet weather in the months ahead.
Fall Considerations
Early fall is a good time to tackle projects that become much harder once winter storms arrive.
- Check drainage: Evaluate areas prone to ponding and maintain ditches to help move excess water off orchards more efficiently.
- Consider cover crops: Where appropriate, cover crops can help improve soil structure and water infiltration over time.
- Plan herbicides early: Discuss pre-emergent herbicide plans with your PCA before wet weather narrows application windows.
- Review nutrition: Use hull samples to identify boron deficiencies and discuss whether a fall application makes sense before orchard access becomes limited.
- Inspect irrigation systems: Check pumps, valves, filters and irrigation lines now to help prevent emergency repairs during the rainy season. Perform a distribution uniformity test now if you can.
- Explore recharge options: If your orchard is suitable, contact your irrigation district and review ABC’s Groundwater Recharge Guide before storm water arrives.
Winter Considerations
Once rainfall arrives, orchard access can quickly become the biggest challenge.
- Finish sanitation early: Remove mummy nuts as soon as practical to avoid delays if orchards become inaccessible and to support navel orangeworm management.
- Time pruning carefully: If pruning orchards, schedule pruning a few days before or after storm events to reduce operational challenges and disease concerns. Work with your PCA to protect pruning wounds.
Early Spring Considerations
As conditions begin to dry out, early-season decisions should be based on what is happening in the orchard rather than the calendar.
- Evaluate irrigation needs: Avoid irrigating too early in February and March if winter rainfall has provided sufficient moisture. Soil moisture should guide irrigation decisions more than the calendar.
- Watch stressed orchards: Trees that experienced premature defoliation may enter spring with greater nutrient needs and less flexibility for delayed applications.
- Most important - Monitor disease risk: Moisture and warming temperatures can increase fungal disease pressure, making regular scouting and PCA communication especially important. Red leaf blotch and rust are favored by high humidity and late spring rains, which increase disease pressure and premature defoliation risk.
Plan Now, Benefit Later
Whether the winter ends up slightly wetter than normal or delivers a series of significant storm events, taking proactive steps this fall can help reduce surprises next season. Focusing on drainage, sanitation, nutrient planning, irrigation maintenance and recharge opportunities now can position orchards to make the most of whatever conditions develop in the months ahead.
The forecast may be calling for more rain, but the most important step is the same every year: prepare early and stay flexible.
