Summer Solstice is being celebrated today with a short respite from outdoor labors. A much needed slow, steady rain has been falling since mid-morning and as it refreshes Mother Earth we are enjoying a day away from weed eaters and mowing equipment. Rainy days do have a way of refreshing us as well. The past five to six days of ninety degree temperatures have made our orchard work challenging.
Peaches are progressing and have gone through their “June drop.” At this point we expect to have a fair size crop of mid to late season peaches. Peaches are ripening “on schedule” with expected picking to begin about the third week of July. We will be opening our markets with peaches followed by Gingergold apples.
We expect to harvest apples a little later than past years because bloom was late this year. Fruit drop is just beginning to occur in the apples. So far fireblight disease has not reared its ugly head in the apple orchard but dry, hot weather is the reason that it is still under control. The apples have good fruit set and the crop looks very good. Of course, we are only about mid season and still have a long way to go. Summer storms play havoc with fruit, wind and hail are our nemesis. An interesting read for current crop conditions in the State of Indiana is reported in Purdue University’s publication, “Facts for Fancy Fruit.” (fff.hort.purdue.edu)
Farmers’ Markets are in full swing and again we encourage you to support your local growers. Not only do you avail yourselves of fresh fruits and vegetables, you are helping your agricultural community. Buying local gives you, the consumer, transparency. The buyer meets the grower with no middle man involved. What grocery store can offer the consumer that advantage?