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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW C.W. Smith will run for Senate ... Death at U.S. Cellular not considered suspicious ... Bank robber on the lam from Phoenix work center ... C.W. Smith will run for Senate ... Death at U.S. Cellular not considered suspicious ... Bank robber on the lam from Phoenix work center ... SINCE YOU ASKED Since You Asked: This news will warm fruit growers' hearts Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Mar. 15, 2016 at 12:01 AM Posted Mar. 15, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News I'm afraid to see the answer, but I'm asking anyway. Do all these beautiful early blossoms in my backyard mean I'm going to lose my fruit apple, peach and cherry crops this year? — Tom S., Medford It could be a tough year, if the temperatures dip into the 20s. The good news, however, is that long-range forecasts show temperatures are expected to be above normal. If those forecasts prove in error, apricots, cherries and peaches could be in trouble, says Phil Van Buskirk, who directs activity at the Oregon State Extension Service here in Jackson County. Early pear varieties are also vulnerable to spring cold snaps. "If you look at the early pears, like red Anjous and some Bartletts are at risk," Van Buskirk said. "The scales are starting to separate on the bud and the more open it is, the less low temperatures it can withstand." OSU's staff has long recommended against planting apricots in the Rogue Valley, because of the tendency for early blooms. Cherries and peaches seem to follow suit. Pears, of course are a major economic crop in the region. They're susceptible to damage when the mercury falls into the mid 20s. But if you like your glass half-full, you'll like the long-range weather forecasts. The National Weather Service predicts the last half of March to have above-average temperatures and forecasters at Accuweather say those warm temps should continue into April and beyond. Send questions to “Since You Asked,” Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by email to [email protected]. To see a collection of columns, go to mailtribune.com/youasked . We’re sorry, but the volume of questions received prevents us from answering all of them. MailTribune.com Writer Posted Mar. 15, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501