Peaches have been the main focus in the orchard for the past three weeks. We have finished picking several of the early varieties and now are picking Canadian Harmony and Harold’s Beauty. Next week the Madison will be picked. This variety is a favorite for home canning and baking. The peach has a bright yellow flesh and is a free stone peach. Free stone meaning the pit is easily removed when canning or baking. All the varieties of peaches planted in the orchard are free stone peaches but we are finding that the unusually wet conditions that we are experiencing are affecting some of the characteristics of the peaches.
We also have been picking some Gingergold and Zestar apples. Spot picking now, but anticipating harvesting in earnest on these varieties next week. In about two weeks the all time favorite, Gala, will be introduced to our markets. The Gala is a variety well received by our customers. Our Gala look awesome this year.
Work in the new orchard continues. The good amount of rain has really helped the progress if the newly planted trees. We continue to weed and cultivate the new trees. Quite an effort but we have been receiving good comments about the orchard. Weed control in the established orchard is still a major challenge. Weedeaters continue to be used whenever we are not picking fruit, just trying to maintain.
Another busy harvest season is upon us but we always love harvest as it is a culmination of a year’s efforts. Come visit us as we bring produce to Farmers’ Markets or stop to see what we offer at our home business.
do you still have Honeycrisp apples??
Connie,
thanks for the comment. We tend to sell out of Honeycrisp in Mid-September. This year, they went faster than usual. Hoping we can get some more of these in the future – they are a tough apple to grow!
David