Author Archives: Sean Westerveld

About Sean Westerveld

Ginseng and Medicinal Herbs Specialist, OMAFRA

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

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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

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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

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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

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Managing Basil Downy Mildew with Resistant Cultivars

Basil downy mildew was first identified in Ontario in 2010 and caused devastating losses in the first few years after its introduction (Figure 1). The disease often shows up in Ontario in late July or early August, and once in … Continue reading

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Ginseng Crop Update – Early Season Pest Control – April 24, 2026

Temperatures have continued to be above normal despite the cool down earlier this week. As of April 23, we have accumulated 156 GDD (base 5), which is normally reached on May 6. Based on the current forecast, crop progress may … Continue reading

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