Apple Picking Season

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Created on Monday, 14 October 2013 13:24
Written by Alex Shea

appleNORTHEAST KINGDOM- Fall is in full swing and with it comes a chill in the air, a change in the leaves and plenty of seasonal activities to enjoy. One of the most popular is apple picking, and lucky for us here in the Northeast Kingdom, this season was great for growing, despite   the early frost

"The frost can actually help in making the apples sweeter," said Rolanva Patoine, of the Dolly Gray Orchard in Hardwick.

The Dolly Gray Orchard started their picking season in early September, and what's left on the trees come October are susceptible to early frosts.

When the temperature drops below 32 degrees a frost is possible, and often harmful to the plants, but with apple trees a frost may sometimes help. Moderate damage to the tree will help thin out its leaves, allowing the remaining apples to gain maximum light and nutrition. Also, by sprinkling water on the trees, ice will form on the buds insolating them from future bitter air.

According to Patoine the prime picking season days are quickly disappearing, and if you want to score some of those sweeter apples you should act quickly! "The trees are already half full, there are probably a couple weeks left of the picking season."

To learn how to protect your own plants from upcoming frosts, click here