“Planting cotton is the second great urge known to man.” I am not sure who to accurately attribute that quote to, but I have heard it several times from Dr. Will McCarty, former Extension Cotton Specialist at Mississippi State University.

Cotton planting time is upon us once again. Below you will find predicted heat unit accumulation and rainfall chances for the next ten days. There is considerable uncertanity for the Thursday, Friday and Saturday. If you want to get started and tune the planters up just plant a few acres. Beginning Monday (4/30) the forecast improves and tremperatres are predicted to be more stable. Remember that wee need 25 heat units over 5 days aftre planting cotton to maximize our change of getting a good stand. Beginning Monday we predicted temperatures indicate the potential of upto 60 heat units in a 5 day period. This will help cotton to ‘jump’ out of the ground.

It is important to remember that with such conditions we need to be applying herbcdes (Gramoxone, Caparol, Cotoran) to kill and control Palmer pigweed quickly before the seedlings emerge. Also, pay attention to heat unit accumulation after plating. If temperatures decline the likely hood of needing to make an insecticide application for thrips increases.

If you have questions about planting forecasts please contact you County Extension Agent or Specialist directly.