Gingergold Apples have not ripened as soon as we had hoped. Looking like we are about
‘Gingergold’ apples in late July. We will begin harvesting these beauties in a week.
seven days behind our usual picking schedule. There is no need to be concerned. This delay in harvest is due to milder temperatures experienced this season. Cooler temperatures experienced during the cell division period (spring and early summer) prolongs this stage of growth, leading to an increase in the number of divided cells within the apple. This will delay harvest, but leads to larger fruit. Milder temperatures also increase anthocyanins, which provide color to the apples.
In other words, milder temperatures will delay harvest, but will give us bigger, more colorful fruit. This includes an excellent blush to the beautiful Gingergold. We anticipate introducing this apple variety to the markets next week, the week of August 4th. Following the Gingergold apple will be the favorite eating apple, the Gala.
‘Gala’ apples in July. Excellent coloring is due to mild summer temperatures.
As the grasses in the orchard continue to grow, we continue to be busy using the mower and string trimmers to keep the orchard from being overrun with tall grass and weeds. We have decided to use string trimmers this year to reduce the amount of herbicides applied in our orchard. Although a bit time consuming (and hot work), we wanted to try and reduce our inputs. Picking apples is done manually and harvest is much easier if there are no tall weeds and thick grasses with which to contend. The apples also have a better appearance if there are less tall weeds to block the fungicides that are applied to the trees to protect the fruit from the summer diseases of the Midwest.
We are anxiously awaiting the “launch” of another season. It is a busy time but we approach it with the perspective that it is the culmination of an entire year’s planning and work. We hope to see our familiar customers at market and also look forward to meeting new faces and making new friends.