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First apple

  • August 31, 2014
  • 2 comments
  • 9 views
  • Rory

First apple harvested from our orchard

We enjoyed our first homegrown apple from our apple orchard yesterday. The Zestar variety ripens earlier than the rest, by the end of August. It tasted similar to a Honeycrisp but more tart. It was especially sweet since we have so few apples this year, having to pick most of the blossoms to force the roots to establish, then losing most of what remained to wind and worms.

Overall, I’m happy with our orchard’s progress. There were some mishaps to be sure, like the Harralson that got so weighted down with apples that three branches broke. Cedar Apple Rust, a common fungal disease has infected other trees but can be easily treated with a fungicide spray. And of course watering the apple trees every day with 5-gallon buckets for the first six weeks was a chore. But seems like we’ve done ok, overall. From here on out the maintenance decreases and the fruit increases.

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Rory

Rory Groves moved his family from the city to the country several years ago to begin the journey towards a more durable way of life. Rory and his wife Becca now reside in southern Minnesota where they farm, raise livestock, host workshops, and homeschool their six children. He is the author of Durable Trades: Family-Centered Economies That Have Stood the Test of Time.

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  • Apple Trees
  • Zestar

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2 comments
  1. Kelly @ Love Well says:
    August 31, 2014 at 9:41 pm

    That looks like the apple the witch offered to Snow White. Almost too perfect.

    Here’s to more perfect apples in future years.

    Reply
  2. John says:
    August 31, 2014 at 10:17 pm

    Looks tasty, Rory and Becca!

    Reply

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