Question about digging Emery planted on May 13 in Gates County:

Question:

How many days would you give this sample? Emery planted around May 13.

Jordan: I would say one week. The ones you have under black I would slide back to brown. I go by the colors at the top. Keep in mind that when they fall under the green curve they are ready to dig right away. They are at optimum maturity. Some folks think that my recommendation is often 7 days after they should be dug. Naturally, I think the chart and my perception of colors is accurate but I don’t argue with anyone and the criticism is fine to hear. What I’ve noticed is that once we reach optimum maturity there is about two weeks where yields are similar after they reach optimum maturity. I’m often guarding against digging a week early. We may not realize at least 5% of our yield. In my view this sample today falls in that category.

Follow Up: My recommendation was to dig a streak in 7 days and look at them.

Jordan: Sounds like we are on the same page!