Now that the weather is starting to feel and look a lot like fall, if you haven’t already, maybe it’s time to gather the family and head to an orchard. This time of year, is always fun for us, but when it comes to harvesters at orchards, this time can always be a tricky one. Blaming the weather!
According to Food Forest Nursery, this would be the best time to pick apples from the trees. It looks like this season things have taken a turn, and apple crops are hit or miss depending on which part of the state the apple trees are planted.
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Some orchards are struggling with a shortage of apples. It’s all thanks to a late spring freeze. In other spots, the weather was warm in the spring which caused apples to ripen early and fall from the trees making orchards launch their U-PICK schedules early.
Related: When to pick the different kinds of apples grown in Michigan
I picked some orchards that offer U-PICK and gathered some information. Here’s what you can expect on your visit to one of these:
Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill – Armada
No problems with their apple crops. In fact, 50,000 lbs. of apples were harvested this year to help feed those in need. Blake’s says since 2011, over 400,000 lbs. of apples have been shared with the community.
Wide variety of apples to choose from like Honeycrisp, Gala and Golden Delicious.
U-PICK:
Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Wiards Orchards - Ypsilanti
Wiards was hit by a late freeze in the spring causing an “exceptionally light apple crop.” Therefore, the orchard will not have apples available on the weekends this season. However, there will be enough apples to support the store and school field trips.
U-PICK:
Available WEEKDAY Country Fair days from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Stoney Creek Orchard and Cider Mill – Romeo
Thanks to a warm spring season, apples were early at Stoney Creek Orchard. They began falling off the tree before they were ripe, but there are still apples to pick.
U-PICK:
Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Spicer Orchards – Fenton, MI
Now picking:
MacIntosh, Ambrosia, Northern Spy, Gala, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Jonathan, Ruby Mac and Jonagold
U-PICK:
Daily 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Gull Meadow Farms – Richland
Only a select few varieties of apples are up for picking at Gull Meadow Farms.
U-PICK:
Availability is for weekends only. Weekday U-PICK is available from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., but varieties will vary. U-pick Honeycrisp is only available on Saturday and Sunday at this time, according to its website.
Husted’s Farm Market – Kalamazoo
Husted’s apple crop is good. It says, “the heat is making them ripen earlier than normal by a few weeks.”
U-PICK:
Tuesday – Sunday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Closed Mondays
Clearview Orchards - Haslett, MI
“The growing season was fantastic, and everything is ready early. It may feel like summer, but it is in fact mid-September!”
Now picking: Mutsu, Northern Spy, Ida Reds, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Golden and Red Delicious, Empire, Jonathon and McIntosh.
U-PICK:
Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.; Closed Mondays
Obstbaum Orchard – Northville
Obstbaum Orchard was hit with a late freeze, therefore it’s unclear when U-PICK will be open this season. The orchard says, “we need to pick the apples we do have to ensure we can make enough cider to sell inside the store and the remainder of the apples are either bagged to be sold in store or unable to be consumed at all.”
Obstbaum Orchard tells me customers are disappointed since they cannot experience the thrill of the hunt for their own apples. It says this has happened before but are still inviting guests to try their cider and apples that are for sale in the store.
Know before you go
Before you go to an orchard, check their website and social media for updates on apple picking and which apples are up for grabs.