Never Too Early To Begin Tracking Growing Degree Days (GDD)

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A recorded breaking warm-up in January is just a memory. While temperatures are feeling a bit more winter-like, it is not too earlier to begin following the Growing Degree Day Calendar online at  https://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/gdd/

 

A quick check earlier today showed that Toledo had accumulated 16 GDD units in 2017.  Do you know what is happening in your part of the state? Check it out today! 

 

Once at the website, all you will need is an Ohio zipcode! 

 

GDD Webpage
Screen Shot of GDD Home Screen

 

After entering your Ohio zip code, click on "Show me the Calendar" button, and you will be taken to the website's calendar page that will include the GDD, first and full bloom of plants and pest activity.    

 

GDD Calendar Page
Localized Calendar Page

 

Once I see where we are in the GDD accumulation, I like to manipulate the date and see where we were a year ago, five years ago, or somewhere in between.  For example, in 2016 we were at 3 GDD and in 2012 we were at 6 GDD.  While there aren't usually large differences this early in the season, it is something to explore and watch as temperatures warm impacting both the development of flowers and insect pests. 

 

Have fun exploring the phenology calendar now and explore ways to incorporate this tool in 2017 if you haven't already been using it.