Hard cider promises to be another direct-to-consumer business, joining farm wineries and in-town craft breweries in serving upscale clientele. Old Stone Cider, produced by the Gruber family at Old Stone Farm, Landenberg, Pennsylvania, is on the cutting edge of the market. In many ways, however, hard cider is an old-fashioned drink. Colonists brought the seeds … Read more
Spring planting is probably on your mind. Whether you’re waiting for new varieties to arrive, or old favorites that have regained their popularity, replanting the orchard is an ongoing task. – Root of Replant Disease It’s also cause for concern. Trees planted in the same soils where others have been removed often show signs of stunted … Read more
The root of tree health is fertility, and fertility begins in the soil. Simply amending the soil or using a foliar spray each season isn’t the answer to orchard fertility; these are merely tools used to address concerns. – Building Tree Fruit Fertility “Nutrition needs to be something that we do every day, not just once … Read more
With the recent focus on the beneficial health-related properties of blueberries, this berry is in demand. Sales venues aren’t the only methods in which blueberries find their way to consumers; however, some make their way via wholesale distribution to food processors. A few continue their journey — or perhaps divert it — to reach unique, … Read more
Nearly 30 years ago, in 1988, Theresa Gaffney made the fateful decision to become a blueberry farmer. Newly married to Tom Gaffney, she moved to his home and 100 acres in Stockton Springs, Maine. Of note – a whopping 25 of those acres were covered in lowbush native blueberries. – Blueberry Crop That same year she … Read more