“Wet Springs make dry Summers!” How true that “old wives tale” has turned out to be this year. The months of March, April and May were unseasonably wet with rainfall every other day or so. Now, the months of June and July have been unseasonably dry. Predictions of imminent storms have not materialized and things are dry. With the high temperatures (in the 90″s) and dryness, some of the early apple varieties are shedding fruit to preserve and maintain what the tree can sustain.

Due to a later bloom period the development of the apples is about seven to ten days behind our usual harvest schedule. We anticipate offering our Gingergold apple variety to our customers around the 5th to 10th of August. The Zestar and Sansa will be following and then the ever popular Gala.

Since a later bloom produces a later harvest, we have not yet been able to participate in any local Farmers’ Markets. We do, however, encourage your visiting the local markets in your areas to purchase good food from local vendors. Our area vendors are now offering corn, tomatoes, berries and other vegetables and fruits. Visiting your local markets gives you, the customer, transparency. Ask the vendor about how his product is grown, what sprays, fertilizers or other applications of chemical are used in the growing process. Most are more than happy to explain the processes he/she uses.

As food prices skyrocket in the grocery stores, you should not be surprised to see the prices at your local markets have increased as well. Most growers are trying to hold the line in the selling price of their products’ but we can only do so much. Fuel costs, labor costs and packaging/selling costs have just gotten out of control and small growers just can not absorb these increases, they have to be recouped by price increases. Fresh food, however, is really still a great bargain.