Farms concerned about impending return to cold weather

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (AP) - Farmers in western North Carolina are worried about the current spell of warm and wet weather and an impending return to winter-like temperatures next week.

WLOS in Asheville reports Jason Blackwell of Rainbow Ridge Orchards says apple trees started waking up about a week early due to warmer temperatures. Blackwell said he expects the apples to make it through the cold weather forecast for the beginning of March, but he’s more concerned about the peach crop.

Blackwell said peach trees are in greater danger next week, depending on how much more they bloom. He said either they could be wiped out or they survive if the blooms are tighter.

Also, Blackwell said, the blooming plum trees may not survive the weather.

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Information from: WLOS-TV, http://www.wlos.com/