Mad Tom Orchard

Many happy pickers came for the raspberries and cherries since we opened on July 10 – we appreciate the flexibility people have shown in adapting to the on again/off again schedule to let more berries ripen after a heavy picking day.

The raspberries did not have the late season push of more ripe berries that we used to get – some of this is due to the recent very hot weather and some to the fact that the Nova’s in the lower field were planted 13 years ago.

We expect the new planting of Boyne raspberries in the upper field will give us a good crop next year and we will replant 500 more Nova’s next spring in the three lower field fallow rows.

The apple crop this year looks very good – adequate moisture is giving us good size – if we avoid hail storms, it will be a bumper crop.  We will have an “EARLY APPLE SATURDAY” ( or possibly an early apple weekend ) in September for Zestars, Sansas and Ginger Golds – I will post late August as we determine when fruit will be ripe.  Zestars often get picked out on the first day.

Thanks for making the raspberry and cherry harvest a good one – cherry crop this year was exceptionally good.  Things are currently quiet up on our hill as we prepare for 17 family visitors.

Come see us for apples!!

Tomorrow Tuesday July 28 will be our last day for raspberries and cherries for this season.

There are still good berries and cherries, but you will need to look for them.  As always, come early – it will be hot by mid day.  If you know where the fruit is located, come early – I will open up the small raspberry house by 8:00 AM.

Saw lots of good folks today and they took home a lot of good raspberries and cherries.

We will again be closed Sunday and Monday for more berries to ripen and then back open Tuesday July 28.  Visit our neighbors at Wildwood Berry farm for blueberries.

I will post picking conditions Monday evening.

We will be back open tomorrow Saturday for raspberries and cherries.  Picking will be very good, but not as many berries as earlier in the week.  Pictures below were taken this afternoon.  Down the row is always best picking for berries and cherries.

We may or may not be open Sunday – as usual it depends on how many pickers we get Saturday – I will post Saturday evening as soon as we know.

Best pickling is ALWAYS  early in the day.  We open at 9:00 AM, but if you know where the fruit is, you can come by 8:00.  Look forward to seeing you!

Lots of good berries and cherries were picked yesterday and today.  As we expected, we will be closed Thursday and Friday for more berries to ripen for the weekend.

Take advantage of our break to visit Wildwood Berry Farm just 1/4 mile north of our orchard on Mad Tom Road – get some great blueberries and try the popsicles.

As always, come early on Saturday for best picking.  Picking will be excellent!