November 2013 Update

Apple Pick Your Own has ended. Thanks to everyone for a great season! But just because you can’t pick your own doesn’t mean you can’t get fresh apples! Our farm stand is open 7 days a week and we have a HUGE selection of apples – some of which were not available for pick your own. We also have utility (pie) apples, winter and butternut squash, kale, potatoes, cider, jams jellies and honey. For you gardeners out there now is the time to apply lime and compost to your gardens. Lime helps make nutrients available to the plants next season and sweetens or neutralizes acid soils. Applying aged compost or manure helps replenish microbes in the soils lost over the growing season. We also have winter rye seed for a fall cover crop. Rye will sprout on warm November days and help hold the soil for the winter. Turn it under in the spring when its about 4-6 inches tall to help add organic matter to your soil. Thanks and hope to see you soon. ~ CN Smith Farm

October 26/27 2013 Update

This weekend (Oct 26/27) will be the last for Apple Pick Your Own! We have a few varieties left such as: Empire – this Red Delicious/Mcintosh cross is an excellent eating and dessert apple. Spencer – this Yellow Delicious/Mcintosh cross is sweet and juicy. Excellent for eating. Northern Spy – the old adage says “Northern Spy makes a good pie.” Similar to Cortland when baked. Mutsu – a Yellow Delicious/Pippin cross, this large apple is great for baking and eating as well. Golden Russet – Tart skin and pear like flavors. Good for pies if mixed with any other variety. Other varieties may also be available in limited quantities. Also this weekend bring the kids for our “Not too haunted hayrides”…these daytime hayrides are perfect for younger kids and parents alike – jump off the wagon to pick your own pumpkin just in time for Halloween! Visit our farm store spooky greenhouse, pick up some of our own fresh winter vegetables like potatoes and squash, our own apples and apple cider and for your sweet tooth – our own fresh made cider donuts! Thanks for supporting your local family farm!

October 19/20 2013 UPDATE

Apple Pick Your Own continues until we get picked out! For the weekend of October 19 and 20 we have a number of varieties such as: Empire – this Red Delicious/Mcintosh cross is an excellent eating and dessert apple. Spencer – this Yellow Delicious/Mcintosh cross is sweet and juicy. Excellent for eating. Northern Spy – the old adage says “Northern Spy makes a good pie.” Similar to Cortland when baked. Mutsu – a Yellow Delicious/Pippin cross, this large apple is great for baking and eating as well. Golden Russet – Tart skin and pear like flavors. Good for pies if mixed with any other variety. Also available in limited quantities are Red Delicious, Fuji, Breaburn, and Yellow Delicious. Also for the next few weekends bring the kids for our “Not too haunted hayrides”…these daytime hayrides are perfect for younger kids and parents alike – jump off the wagon to pick your own pumpkin! Visit our farm store for our own fresh winter vegetables like potatoes and squash, our own apples and apple cider and for your sweet tooth – our own fresh made cider donuts! Check out the ghoulish greenhouse and Halloween fun! Thanks for supporting your local family farm!

October 13/14 2013 Update

UPDATED FOR 10/13....APPLE Pick Your Own for Columbus Day Weekend October 12, 13 and 14 (9am-4pm): Our annual Harvest Hoe-down Weekend: live music with Dale and the Dudds, hayrides, pumpkin picking, pony rides, and more! Varieties ripe for pick your own are Empire, Delicious (Red and Yellow), Northern Spy, Spencer, Fuji, Breaburn, Mutsu, Granny Smith, Golden Russet. NOTE! While we have alot of apples to pick still, not all varieties may be available when you come as some may get picked out partly thru the day. We will attempt to keep the blog updated or you can just take a ride over and see as there are plenty of other things going on! Some useful picking hints: For some varieties the best picking is at the ends of the rows (not the back of the orchard). Also, apples are not just at the top of the trees – they also can be found under the leaves and lower branches! Apples in the shade may have less color than those in the direct sun but all are ripe! You are expected to pay for what you pick and pick only what you paid for! Please remain in designated areas only. We have plenty to reach with your two feet on the ground and do not allow tree climbing. It may be crowded so please be patient and considerate of others when parking, picking, in the store and elsewhere (like the portable restroom facilities!). Due to the need for extra parking lot help, a small parking fee is required for the festival. Venture over to our farm stand where you can get additional apple varieties not available for pick your own, pears, garlic, fresh veggies, cider, donuts, pumpkins, mums, Halloween decorations and more! Thank you for supporting your local family farm! ~CN Smith

October 5/6 2013 Update

APPLE Pick Your Own Update for October 5/6 (9am-4pm), as well as Wed-Fri Oct 9, 10, 11 (10am-4pm): Varieties ripe for picking are McIntosh (limited availability), Macoun, Cortland and Empire varieties. Last weekend was a record crowd and If the weather is decent we anticipate another one this weekend. Please be patient and considerate of others when parking, picking, in the store and elsewhere (like the portable facilities). Some useful picking hints: In some cases the best picking is at the ends of the rows (not the back of the orchard). Also, apples are not just at the top of the trees – they also can be found under the leaves and lower branches! The may have less color than those in the direct sun but all are ripe! Lunch and snacks from our food trailer includes fresh baked CIDER DONUTS and HOT APPLE FRITTERS! If you do not want to pick your own, just continue past the orchard entrance until you come to our farm stand where you can get our own apples, peaches, garlic, fresh veggies, cider, donuts, pumpkins, mums, and Halloween decorations! Thank you for supporting your local family farm! ~CN Smith