Author Archives: Patty Doll

About Patty Doll

Owner, operator, picker, seller, customer service, and grass mower for Doll's Orchard, LLC.

Eating v/s Cooking Applies

Posted on August 12, 2014 by Patty Doll

As I explain the characteristics of our apples at market, customers often ask what qualities differentiate an “eating” apple from a “cooking” apple.  First, it is important to keep in mind that any variety of apple can be cooked and any variety of apple … Continue reading →

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Summer Rains, Cool Temperatures and Delayed Harvest

Posted on July 29, 2014 by Patty Doll

Gingergold Apples have not ripened as soon as we had hoped.  Looking like we are about 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 … Continue reading →

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Picking the First Apples!

Posted on July 6, 2014 by Patty Doll

Apple harvest has begun at the orchard!  This past week we have picked a small amount of Early Harvest and Lodi apples.  These two varieties are minimal in the orchard,  just one tree of Lodi and four trees of Early Harvest and … Continue reading →

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Early June Update

Posted on June 14, 2014 by Patty Doll

May has faded into the warm days of June.  Mother Nature has blessed us with sufficient rainfalls and the storms of summer has so far evaded our area.  Threatening dark clouds and storm warnings worry those of us in the orchard … Continue reading →

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Apple Bloom – 2014

Posted on May 11, 2014 by Patty Doll

The bloom in the apples was breathtaking!  Cool temperatures allowed for an extended bloom and a longer pollination period.  The severe winter affected the honey bees in our orchard.  Eighty percent of the hives did not survive the winter thus … Continue reading →

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Mid-April Update: Preliminary Crop Assessment from Cold Winter

Posted on April 26, 2014 by Patty Doll

New trees arrived from the nursery on the first day of April and nothing more uplifting than tree planting.  There’s a good feeling of being one with nature when we plant the new tree stock.  Rainfall was plentiful just before the planting took place but … Continue reading →

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Late March/Early April Update: Approaching Bloom!

Posted on April 5, 2014 by Patty Doll

The calendar declares spring has arrived in Indiana and yes, the air still holds the chill of winter but the longer hours of daylight and the bright sunshine gives us a boost in our attitude.  Whatever Mother Nature still has … Continue reading →

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Mid – March Update: Almost Finished with pruning!

Posted on March 23, 2014 by Patty Doll

So, what have we been up to these last few weeks?  Seasonal pruning has been quite a challenge.  Cold temperatures, snow and ice accumulations have brought pruning to a standstill at times.  These last few warmer days of March, however,  has … Continue reading →

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Mid February Orchard Update

Posted on February 22, 2014 by Patty Doll

I’ve been somewhat lax in getting this site updated again since the end of harvest but just wanted to let everyone know that although harvest is over, plans are developing for the orchard in the coming year.  Our fruit season closed … Continue reading →

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Late August 2013 Update

Posted on September 2, 2013 by Patty Doll

August has come and gone with the peaches ripening, harvested and marketed.  As September unfolds apple harvest is in full swing.  Gingergold, Gala and Honeycrisp are picked and are being offered at local markets.  McIntosh apples are being picked this week as … Continue reading →

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