Picking Schedule

This is the 2008 picking schedule. It's a beautiful spring day here in southwest Michigan and now that we know what to expect, it's newsletter time! We had a nice winter with lots of snow to add to the water table; even Lake Michigan water levels are up several inches. There was minimal critter damage to orchards, so that's a good thing.

Spring has been, as usual, a roller coaster ride weather-wise. March and April were very cold months, thus making this a later season than last year. Wee had three nights in late April with freeze warnings putting almost all fruit buds at risk. We found dead flowers in all orchards with Transparent apples faring the worst, which will make for a light Transparent crop this year.

We planted ten acres of new blueberry bushes; in a few years we hope to have U-Pick blueberries. We're also putting in an irrigation system for blueberries, raspberries, pumpkins and the garden. We expect an increase in production for all these crops. So far it looks like we'll have a good season. Garden plants have been started and we'll be offering the usual produce and flowers. In addition, we've added herbs and a different heirloom tomato variety this year.

The price of fruit will be a bit higher this season due to the fact all our costs are up. Almost everything related to farming involves petroleum. We hope you understand. However, we are still committed to offering the best product for the lowest price possible.

We can't wait to see everyone again!
Gary and Sandy Crane

2008 U-Pick Hours (when fresh fruit is available): 9am til 6pm Monday through Saturday; Sunday 10am til 6pm. Please call 269-561-5126 for current fruit information.

Our 2008 fruit calendar should be close to the following:

Transparent apples:
Latter part of July, light crop, we advise checking for availability by July 10th.

Red Raspberries:
The first patch should be ready by the third week of July, Remember...we grow three varieties so picking continues well into apple season.

Peaches:
Our season starts with Rising Star (around July 25th this year), followed by Redstar (first of August), Red Haven (approximately August 10), Blazingstar, Starfire, Glo Haven, Coralstar, Loring, Blushingstar (white fleshed peach), Glowingstar, Allstar and Redskin. Peach picking goes into September.

Nectarines
We offer three varieties, all are very sweet and freestone. The first variety should be ready the second week of August.

plums:
There are two varieties, Shiro, a sweet yellow plum, and Santa Rosa, a purple plum. Both are delicious. Shiro are ready August 10, and Santa Rosa will follow August 20.

Sweet Corn :
Available already picked in August.

Blueberries:
Available already picked in August.

Apples:
Picking starts in early September (this year should be around September 10th) with Gala and Golden Supreme followed by Honeycrisp, Empire, Jonathan, McIntosh, Cortland, Jonagold, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Mutsu, Ida Red and Rome. Picking continues into late October.

Pumpkins:
The patch opens the second week of September. Pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn and winter squash are available along with other fall decorating supplies through October.

Chestnuts:
Usually start falling in early October.

Please remember, all of the above dates are approximate. If you are interested in a particular fruit call (269) 561-5126 for current fruit information. Dress properly: layered shirts, sunscreen and close toed, flat shoes. Save money by bringing your own containers, small shallow boxes or 1/2 bushel baskets work the best. Always call the above number for current fruit information. We can't wait to see everyone again!