New Jersey farmers hoping May will brings some showers

April showers were a bit scarce in New Jersey this year. Some are hoping May will bring more rain.

A lack of major downpours helped farmers with their spring planting, said New Jersey Farm Bureau President Ryke Suydam.

“We needed it to dry out so we could get in the field, and most of that field work is well under way, if not finished,” Suydam said. “Now with seeding being done, a little bit of moisture would come in real handy.”

Assistant State Forest Fire Warden Steve Holmes also hopes for more rain because dry conditions in woodlands have increased the fire risk.

“If it’s wet out, we won’t get many fires. Usually, under a tenth of an inch is considered like no rain for us,” he said. “It will evaporate the next day in no time.”

Holmes advises gardeners not to put mulch too close to their homes because it can easily ignite and cause fire damage.