Adapted from a talk given by Extension Dane County Horticulture Educator Lisa Johnson, presented with her permission. Narrated by Amy Freidig, Outreach Specialist, Master Gardener Program.
Practice 1: Grab a pencil, paper, and calculator to calculate accumulated total degree days for the three days listed. You’ll calculate the number using the math formulas and enter your answer in the form linked below.
Day
Minimum temperature
Maximum temperature
1
41ºF
60ºF
2
35ºF
62ºF
3
48ºF
62ºF
Here is how to do it: Calculating Degree Days
Step 1: Calculate Average Daily Temperature= (Minimum Temp + Maximum Temp)/2
Step 2: Calculate Degree Days for that day: Daily DD50= Average Daily Temp – Base Temp
Use 50 as the Base Temperature
If you get a negative number for the Daily DD50, just use zero (0), not a negative number
Step 3: Add up all the Daily DD50 to get the accumulated total Degree Days.
Practice 2: Use the table to answer the following question in the form linked below: 102 Degree Days have accumulated. What would you predict is likely to happen soon?
Practice 3: Answer the following question: How can phenology and degree days help you practice Integrated Pest Management the garden? It’s ok to use a specific example.
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