Orchard Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Pick-your-own
Q:Should I bring my own bag?
A: We will provide picking bags for you if you don't have one or you decide you would like to pick more.
If you would like to bring your own container thats great! However, please use a container that has a stiff or hard bottom so it sits on our scales nicely. (EXAMPLE: Reusuable grocery bag or moisture resistant cardboard box)
Q:Do I need to keep the different varieties separate?
A: Only if you are picking Honeycrisp. That is the only higher priced pick-your-own apple. All we ask that you do your best to keep it separate (rows will be marked with signs). Otherwise all other varieties can be mixed and matched.
Q: How will I know where to pick?
A: We place variety signs at the ends if the rows. However, not every row will be marked or signs will be pulled mid season for various reasons. It should also be noted that this orchard has been around for a long time and there may be an odd tree here and there. Please pay attention to where and what you are picking. You are responsible for what you pick.
If you are looking for something specific, PLEASE ASK, someone at the main building will be happy to direct you as best we can.
Q:How will i know what is ripe/ ready to pick?
A: We keep a list of what is ready on a white board in the main store when you walk in OR right here on the homepage of this website.
The list however, is more of a suggestion. Tastes vary and some prefer there apples on the tart or overripe side. If you are picking your own, we encourage you to sample as much as you'd like while you're out there (don't come back hungry 🤤 ).
Q:Can I take my car out into the orchard
A: Yes. Please leave enough for other vehicles to get by including the Wagon/Tractor. You are also welcome to walk out to the orchard or take the free wagon rides which are available starting in September (Weekends Only).
Q:Can I bring my dog
A: Yes but...
1.They must be on a leash
2.If they "make a mess" you must clean it up and take it home with you
3. They are not allowed inside the main building or in the store
Mum Care guide
(According to the internet)
Light
- Should get at least 6 hours of light
- Part shade on hot days good
Water
- Will require water every day to every other day. If pot feels “light”, that means it needs water
- Fertilization
- Should be done regularly (once per week) for non-flowering mums
- Flowering mums do not require fertilizer but a little generic fertilizer doesnt hurt (1 table spoon per week until it is done flowering)
Bloom Time
- Once in bloom, generally lasts 4 to 8 weeks
- Requires deadheading to last longer
- Blooms brought on by shorter days and colder weather.
Getting mums to “come back”
- ★Place straw, mulch, or Pine brush around plant to insulate roots★
- Leave it to die back naturally
- Stop watering when temps dip below 20º or is planted in ground and well established
- In spring, remove mulch and clean up dead foliage
Fun facts
- Like many perennials, they can be divided every 3 to 4 years in spring
- Very resistant to animals such as deer and rabbits
- Known to grow well temperature zones 5 through 9. Looses hardiness in zones 4 and above.
🎃 Preserving a pumpkin 🎃
1. Pick a healthy pumpkin
- Dont pick a pumpkin with a large bruse or cut in it, it will likely rot from that part first and won't last as long
- A healthy pumpkin shoud have a nice stem. a rotting stem or broken stem is more likely to rot the rest of the pumpkin.
2. Store or display your pumpkins in a good place
-If you are not displaying your pumpkin, store it in a cool and dry area off of cement (Cement will draw moisture from pumpkin)
-if you are displaying your pumpkin, avoid overly warm and sunny areas. The afternoon sun will slowly "cook" your pumpkin and it won't last as long as you would like. Also avoid areas that are overly wet. Wet pumpkins will also not last
-Keep from Deer or other animals. I have personally dealt with deer eating pumpkins right off my front porch. I have heard many stories of squirrels and other critters nibbling on pumpkins.
-Avoid carving. i know it seems obvous but, once a pumpkin is carved, it will only likely last another 2 to 6 days before "melting"
3. Soak in Bleach or Peppermint Oil (OPTIONAL)
-Bleach Method
~1 to 2 tablespoons of bleach to 1 gallon of water
~Soak for 1 hour to overnight
~Spray with light bleach water after, every few days until ready to carve
Non-Bleach Methods
-Peppermint oil, Natural Dish soap (peppermint based), or Castile soap
~1 to 2 Tablespoons to 1 quart of water and spray with spray bottle
4. Preserving a Carved pumpkin
Once a pumpkin is carved it will only last 2 to 6 days (depending on weather and sunlight exposure) To get the most out of an already carved pumpkin,
-On the "exposed" parts (that is the part between the outer orange skin and the inner "guts" of the pumpkin) rub Petroleum Jelly or Veggie Oil to help seal it a bit.
-DO NOT USE A CANDLE!!! Especially after putting any oils on the pumpkin, they are flammable... This should method should only be used on carved pumpkins that will never have a candle in them.
