Even though we have watered our apple orchard, this extended dry spell has taken its toll. We got a good soaking rain last night, but I fear it has been too little too late. Many of our apples began dropping in order to save the tree. The apples that remain on our trees are going to be of an inferior quality, soft and mealy when ripe. They will not keep very long, nor will they taste very good.
One of our mistakes this season has been in waiting too long before beginning to water. If we had started earlier, we might have been able to keep up. As it has turned out, we have been trying to water every plant on the farm, not just apples, in order to keep them all alive. Unfortunately we still suffered some plant loss. This fall and next spring will involve a considerable rebuild in several areas. This is to be expected from time to time.
For those of you who have come in the past, we are very sorry for the inconvenience and hope to see you next growing season.
Wayne & Suzan Hatcher
High-Fence Farm