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ORCHARD UPDATE

Apple picking will OPEN WEDNESDAY AUGUST 26th for the 2020 season! Ginger Gold apples will be available first. After Ginger Gold we’ll be waiting on Gala Red and Macintosh to be ready. PYO will be available week days ONLY. There will be NO WEEKEND PICKING at this time. Bring your walking shoes this year! In accordance with the new guidelines put in place by the CDC and Connecticut Department of agriculture we will not be transporting you by tractor. You’ll be hoofing it!! 😉 Those of you who know us know that our orchard is not flat. So, bring your walking shoes and your “can-do” spirit! We’ll be with you every step of the way 🙂 For those of you who aren’t up for an orchard hike, we’ll be stocking the market and our weekend outdoor farm market with freshly harvested apples for pick-up. Please remember that masks are mandatory at the farm for adults and children over the age of 2 yrs that can safely wear one. Remember your water, sun hats, sunscreen AND your walking shoes!!

Raspberry picking is open today (Tuesday, August 25, 2020). We’ll Keep you posted if things change.  (Always call ahead as availability changes frequently with raspberries. they open and close throughout their season.)

Blueberry picking is closed for the 2020 season.

Peach picking is CLOSED for the 2020 season. 

**When picking ALWAYS remember to wear sunscreen and a sun hat. We suggest that you wear closed toe shoes not sandals for walking through the orchard and last but not least stay hydrated!! 

During our pick-your-own season, we will continue to follow all state guidelines set forth for COVID-19. The health and safety of our visitors is of the utmost importance to us. We ask that adults wear a face covering while  picking and do their best to help us maintain proper social distancing. We ask that children over the age of 2yrs, who are able to safely wear a mask, do so as well. 

Year at a Glance

Guidelines For Pick Your Own

  •  We do request that our visitors abide by our picking rules to help retain as many apples on the trees for all pickers to enjoy.
  • Pre purchased bags are required before entering orchard, and backpacks and other carriers are not allowed for fruit picking.
  • Do not climb or shake the trees. Limbs break easily, and the fruit will fall and bruise.
  • Using one hand to hold the branch, use your forefinger and thumb to gently turn fruit upward till it releases. (Pulling will cause other fruit to fall and destroy flower buds for next year’s crop)
  • Many labor intensive hours go into the loving care of our fruit bearing trees. We ask that if you accidentally drop any fruit on the ground to please make every effort to pick that piece of fruit up and place in your picking bag so that no fruit is wasted. If two or three fruits are clustered together, use two hands and gently pick all the fruit in the cluster.
  • Fruit varieties mature at different times. Pick only in designated areas or where there is a guide or posted signs.
  • Please wear sturdy footwear.
  • Be mindful of your cameras, keys, cell phones, etc. as these personal belongings are easily lost.
  • Please dispose of refuse in trash receptacles.
  • Port-a-potty area is located near the animal farm entrance.
  • Due to safety reasons, children under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult. Only Pets certified for handicapped assistance are allowed.
  • Smoking is prohibited.

Do you know how to pick an apple?

Silverman’s Own Jon Wason shows you how in this short video!

aerial photo by John C. Goble.

Silverman’s Apple Chart

Approximate Harvest Schedule

Variety Harvest Time Flavor Eating Salad Pie Sauce
Ginger Gold Early Aug Sweet Good Good Fair Good
Gala Red Late Aug Very Sweet Superb Superb Fair Good
MacIntosh Early Sept Tart Superb Superb Superb Good
Cortland Mid Sept Tart Superb Superb Superb Superb
Empire Mid-Late Sept Sweet Superb Good Fair Good
Macoun Mid Sept Tart Superb Superb Fair Superb
Honey Crisp Mid Sept Sweet Good Good Fair Superb
Crimson Crisp Mid-Late Sept Sweet Good Good Fair Good
Red Delicious Late Sept Sweet Superb Superb Fair Good
Golden Delicious Late Sept Sweet Superb Superb Superb Superb
Mutsu Crispin Early Oct Slightly Tart Superb Superb Good Good
Jonagold Early Oct Sweet-Tart Superb Superb Superb Superb
Autumn Gala Early Oct Sweet Good Superb Fair Good
Ida Red Early-Mid Oct Tart Good Good Superb Superb
Northern Spy Early-Mid Oct Sweet-Tart Good Good Good Good
Red Rome Mid Oct Sweet-Tart Good Good Superb Superb
Cameo Mid Oct Tart Good Superb Good Fair
Sun Crisp Mid Oct Tangy Sweet Superb Superb Fair Good
Red Winesap Mid-Late Oct Sweet Good Good Good Superb
Enterprise Mid-Late Oct Tart Good Good Superb Good
Fuji Early Nov Tart Superb Good Fair Fair
Pink Lady Early Nov Tart Superb Good Good Good