As most of the state continues to see , there were some questions about how that might affect crops. But at in Guilford, preparation has been key for these situations.
鈥淛ust like we need food and water as humans, it鈥檚 the same. It needs sunlight for the fruit trees. So we鈥檝e had a lot of sun, we just haven't had a lot of rain,鈥� said Sarah Bishop Dellaventura, one of the owners of Bishop鈥檚 Orchards. 鈥淲e鈥檝e been doing a lot of moving of irrigation pipes and pulling water from the irrigation ponds that we have on our farm, which has become more and more difficult, especially in the last couple of weeks. But we made it through.鈥�
Bishop Dellaventura said that as the farm heads into prime pick-your-own season for fall, it鈥檚 fully stocked with pears, raspberries and, of course, apples this month.
What to expect
While the scant rainfall did not affect the availability of produce, it might affect the appearance.
鈥淭he ground is so dry that trees weren鈥檛 getting the nutrients in the water that was necessary for them to size up,鈥� Bishop Dellaventura said. 鈥淪ome of the fruit varieties may not be as big as you normally may see them to be, but the flavor is definitely there.鈥�
In fact, they may be sweeter than normal, she added.
Apple picking at Bishop鈥檚 will also be complemented this fall with bounce pads, hay mazes, pumpkin picking, live music and more. Last year, the farm sold about 175,000 pounds of apples through the pick-your-own option. Due to the size of the apples this year, Bishop Dellaventura said they expect the weight sold to be less.
When is the best time to go?
Bishop Dellaventura said the answer is different for everybody. The farm grows over 25 varieties of apples at any given time during the season. But they might be available at different times.
鈥淚t really all depends on what kind of apple you like and what you鈥檙e going to do with it, whether you鈥檙e going to eat it or if someone鈥檚 going to do something with it. Some apples are great for baking but aren鈥檛 so great for eating right off the tree.鈥�
From early- to mid-September, Gala, McIntosh and Cortland are available.
For pickers interested in pears or raspberries, the best time to stop by is before the end of September when the temperatures might drop. The first big frost of the season is what usually kills raspberries.
鈥淲e've got something for everyone,鈥� Bishop Dellaventura said.
For more information on the pick-your-own produce call 203-458-PICK.
