Author Archives: Sean Westerveld

About Sean Westerveld

Ginseng and Medicinal Herbs Specialist, OMAFRA

Lavender Crop Update – June 12, 2026

Despite warmer weather over the past two weeks, it still appears that lavender bloom is behind schedule. Normally, the first blooms on the earliest cultivars begin to open in Simcoe around June 15-18. This year, bud heads are just beginning … Continue reading

Posted in Herbs, Lavender | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Ginseng Crop Update – Avoiding “Heat” Stress – June 11, 2026

Rainfall has been highly variable over the past few days. Based on CoCoRaHS observations (https://maps.cocorahs.org/) and local rain gauges, rainfall ranged from 30+ mm from a line north of about Langton to Simcoe to 0 mm closer to Lake Erie, … Continue reading

Posted in Ginseng, Ginseng Pest Management, Ginseng Production | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lavender Crop Update – Winterkill and Pest Update – May 22, 2026

Winterkill By now, lavender plants should have fully greened up. If the outer portions of the canopy are still brown, the plant will only recover if new shoots are now visible lower on the branches or near the crown. Green-up … Continue reading

Posted in Herbs, Lavender | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ginseng Crop Update – Frost and Pests – May 22, 2026

Weather, Frost and Disease Some areas have experienced frost damage, mostly during last week’s frost events. Most of the damage is confined to field edges and low areas. We used to think that damage along field edges was due to … Continue reading

Posted in Ginseng, Ginseng Pest Management, Ginseng Production | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Full Moon and Frost Risk – Is There Really a Connection?

It is May, the time of year when growers constantly watch the weather because the risk of frost is high. Many growers and gardeners consider the May full moon as an important factor for determining when the last frost of … Continue reading

Posted in Ginseng, Ginseng Production, Herbs, Hops, Industrial and Misc. Crops, Industrial Hemp, Lavender, Specialty Fruit and Nuts, Specialty Grains, Specialty Vegetables, Sweet Potato | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Ginseng Crop Update – Frost Considerations – May 1, 2026

It is frost season again, and there is a lot of uncertainty at this time of year. Ginseng in older gardens is emerging through the straw and could be susceptible to freezing conditions. Here are some considerations for forecasting and … Continue reading

Posted in Ginseng, Ginseng Production | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment