Winter Apple Orchard Projects 2018

Here at Oregon Heritage Farms, we get asked a lot about what we do in the off season. The term “off season” is misleading. The end of December is our slowest time as we recoup but then in January we pick back up! The apple orchard needs constant care and attention to prep it for next year. From pruning, to cleaning up the orchard floor, to managing pests, and cultivating relationships with our customers, there is always something to do on an apple orchard.

Our handy excavator making quick work of our old pear orchard.

One of the big projects we are working on is taking out our pear orchard right by the farm store. The trees were getting too old to bear quality fruit so it was time to say goodbye. Luckily, it is right by our farm store and we have something fun planned for the space that we think the whole family will enjoy!

Behind the now-removed pear orchard, we have also began prepping the land to plant more apples! A new apple orchard is always exciting at Oregon Heritage Farms. This orchard will be more of our favorite Buckeye Gala apples and will be planted this Spring. It will have its first harvest in 2021. We’ll be sure to share more photos of how we plant and train our orchards.

We hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season!