As the NJ apple-picking season draws to a close at Peterson Farm, visitors might think the harvest is over. But the story of the apples doesn’t end when the orchard gates close. At Peterson Farm, our operations are ongoing, ensuring that every apple serves a purpose, whether in the hands of our CSA members, at our farm stand, or contributing to sustainable farming practices that benefit our land and community.
Not All Apples Are Picked—And That’s Okay
Even though New Jersey apple picking ends in late October, not every apple makes its way into the baskets of visitors. Some apples, especially late-ripening varieties, remain on the trees, their flavors enhanced by the crisp autumn air. These apples often continue to mature, developing a unique sweetness and a distinct taste that is a hallmark of late-season varieties, a taste that is truly worth waiting for.
Farm Stand and CSA: Extending the Harvest
After the public picking season ends, Peterson Farm still offers fresh apples through our farm stand and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. Members of our CSA continue to receive the season’s bounty, which may include apples harvested late in the season and other produce. The farm stand also remains where locals can enjoy fresh apples and apple products long after the last visitor has left the orchard.
By keeping these outlets open, we ensure that the community, including you, continues benefiting from the harvest, offering apples perfect for cooking, baking, or enjoying fresh food.
Composting and Soil Enrichment
Any apples unsuitable for sale at the farm stand or in the CSA boxes do not go to waste. Instead, we focus on sustainability by composting these apples to enrich the soil. This natural process helps improve the health of our orchard’s soil, ensuring that future crops will thrive.
Composting is an integral part of our farm’s sustainable practices. It contributes to a circular system where every part of the apple’s life cycle supports the farm’s ecosystem. Returning organic matter to the soil, we help nurture next year’s apple crop, supporting a healthy and fertile environment.
Supporting Local Wildlife
Apples that fall from the trees after the season are not discarded. They provide a natural food source for local wildlife, including deer and birds. This symbiotic relationship between our farm and the surrounding ecosystem helps maintain the balance of nature and supports biodiversity on the farm.
A Focus on Sustainability for Apple Picking in NJ
At Peterson Farm, our commitment to sustainability extends far beyond the public apple-picking season. Whether it’s through composting, offering fresh apples at our farm stand, or supplying CSA members with the best of our harvest, we strive to ensure that every apple has a role in our farm’s operations.
By embracing sustainable practices, we can continue sharing the fruits of our labor with the community long after the picking season has ended. It’s a reminder that apple picking in New Jersey is not just about a single moment in the orchard but about the entire life cycle of the apple—nurturing the land, feeding our community, and preserving the natural world around us.
Further Reading
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