Superfresh Growers is back with another instalment of their Orchard Update series. In this episode, Horticulturist and Tree Talker, Dave Gleason, stands in a Yakima, WA, Gala apple orchard as a dusting of snow falls. Dave sheds light on what this season is like for farmers in the Pacific Northwest and discusses orchard activities beyond harvest. The trees begin to sleep this time of year, and Dave settles into the quiet time. As leaves fall away, Dave and the Superfresh Growers orchard teams can get a better look at the limbs of the tree, which are good indicators of its health.
One of the most essential winter activities in orchards is pruning. Superfresh farm teams will soon be taking on this pertinent task. Proper pruning ensures that the crop is abundant, well-sized, and high-quality. Keeping the right balance between leaf and flowering buds is the trick. “If we don't have enough flowers, we won't have enough apples,” says Gleason. He adds, “Of course, if we have too many flowers, then there's too much competition for the nutrients in the tree.” In this Orchard update, Gleason explains how the company uses pruning to balance the apple crop. Dave’s parting words of wisdom are to enjoy the holidays with family and friends, and eat lots of Autumn Glory® apples!
Watch the Orchard Update here:
For more information:
Catherine Gipe-Stewart
Superfresh Growers
Tel: +1 (509) 966-1814
[email protected]
www.superfreshgrowers.com