October is a month of transition. Now that the summer harvest is behind us, growers have the chance to perform the maintenance and cleanup tasks that can make a big difference once winter arrives.
If you’re looking to make the most of this month, here are four items to put on your October checklist.
Inspect your irrigation systems
- Clean your filters and screens. Inspect all valves, pumps, emitters, and fittings for leaks and clogs.
- Drain any exposed lines before winterizing, especially if freezing temperatures are possible in your area.
- Visit your nearest FGS supply store and stock up! “Use these months to stock up on irrigation parts you may need for the warmer months,” advises Sam Baldivia, our Irrigation Sales Manager.
Clean up your post-harvest debris
- Fallen fruit can attract pests. Either remove those crops, destroy them, or turn them into recycled ground cover.
- Empty your harvest bins and storage areas.
- When it comes to weeds, be smart! Weeds that steal water from your crops or provide a home to pests should be suppressed, while vegetation that protects soil from erosion should be encouraged.
Service your equipment
- Take a look at your equipment inventory and make sure everything is ready for spring.
- Inspect your tractors’ tires and belts. Lubricate the moving parts. Grease the fittings.
- If freezing weather is possible in your area, check your antifreeze levels. Also check the oil, coolant, and transmission fluid levels on all machines.
- If repairs are needed, do the work now. Order those replacement parts. Get everything fixed during the off-season, so your equipment is ready for spring.
Prepare for El Niño
- It’s probably going to get wet this winter. Before those winter storms hit California, inspect your property for areas where erosion is possible.
- Stabilize your soil with appropriate ground cover. Make sure your drains are clear of debris and other vegetation.
- Are you near a recently burned watershed? Heavy runoff, woody debris, and ash could be coming your way. Prepare accordingly.