Frost, Heat and Drought have caused the Perfect Storm and because of that we will not have apples this fall!
1st. Frost and Freezing Temps.
Very warm temps in early April were a lot higher than they should have been both North and South. Huge temperature swings caused many orchards to have frost damage and loose the majority of their crop.
2nd. 90 degree Heat
Our trees are not programmed to have this type of heat in April and early May.
3rd. Drought We started spring with very dry conditions and have had very little if any rain.
Perfect Storm
We thought we were going to have one of the best crops we have had in quite a while. The trees had an easy winter and were loaded with fruit spurs which leads to more blossoms than you can imagine. Look at my last post both here and on Facebook and you will know what I mean. The bees were in heaven!
Now as of early June the trees have decided that they needed to save themselves so they aborted the majority of the fruit. This has happened in both the Northern and Southern parts of the states. After checking with several other orchards in different parts of the state I can tell you that this is what's happening. Some of this info has come from other orchards too. After checking our orchard the last few days, I found about 2 dozen apples on almost 400 trees. I may have missed a few but you get the idea. Our orchard is also irrigated but the I intense heat and lack of moisture is really hard on them. The bees also need the rain. Most of the flowers that should be blooming right now are not because it is so dry. Lets all keep our finger crossed that things will get better. A good rain would help us all. Maybe when fall gets here we will have a decent honey crop. Heres being hopeful and thankful!
1st. Frost and Freezing Temps.
Very warm temps in early April were a lot higher than they should have been both North and South. Huge temperature swings caused many orchards to have frost damage and loose the majority of their crop.
2nd. 90 degree Heat
Our trees are not programmed to have this type of heat in April and early May.
3rd. Drought We started spring with very dry conditions and have had very little if any rain.
Perfect Storm
We thought we were going to have one of the best crops we have had in quite a while. The trees had an easy winter and were loaded with fruit spurs which leads to more blossoms than you can imagine. Look at my last post both here and on Facebook and you will know what I mean. The bees were in heaven!
Now as of early June the trees have decided that they needed to save themselves so they aborted the majority of the fruit. This has happened in both the Northern and Southern parts of the states. After checking with several other orchards in different parts of the state I can tell you that this is what's happening. Some of this info has come from other orchards too. After checking our orchard the last few days, I found about 2 dozen apples on almost 400 trees. I may have missed a few but you get the idea. Our orchard is also irrigated but the I intense heat and lack of moisture is really hard on them. The bees also need the rain. Most of the flowers that should be blooming right now are not because it is so dry. Lets all keep our finger crossed that things will get better. A good rain would help us all. Maybe when fall gets here we will have a decent honey crop. Heres being hopeful and thankful!
