Circa March 5th

So with the forecast calling for temperatures in the eighties, and having top-dressed we decided it was time to go ahead and water the wheat. We had been holding off all through February both despite and because of the warm temperatures. On the one hand, if the wheat is going to start growing, it would be nice if it had some moisture. On the other hand, watering the wheat during a short warm spell is a pretty good way to guarantee that it grows. The concern, of course is that a sudden cold snap could seriously damage growing wheat. The reason why winter wheat can stay green through the winter is that it is able to, in effect, create its own antifreeze. It takes a little time for the plant to transition between growing mode and freeze-control mode. Anyhoo, 80 degree weather pretty much means growing wheat, no matter what. One quick round, followed by one slow round. Easy peasy.