Dave Gleason is back with another orchard update! Today, we're diving into the challenges the summer sun brings when it comes to growing the perfect apples. One major concern is the impact of climate on apple orchards, especially in Eastern Washington, where the sun blazes from dawn till dusk.
While the desert environment here is ideal for apple cultivation, it also comes with significant risks due to high solar intensity. Sunburn can damage the apple skin, sending apples straight to the processor. To combat this, Superfresh Growers employs several strategies to protect our apples. We arrange our orchard environments to maximize crop quality using cover crops, sprinkler systems, and shade cloths. Cover crops prevent soil compaction. Sprinkler systems help maintain a cool environment within the orchards and help keep them moist. Shade clothes reduce the solar intensity by 15% AND help minimize wind damage.
Tree management practices, like pruning, are crucial alongside these prevention methods. Pruning allows us to control sunlight penetration by adjusting tree growth to prevent excessive shading. This meticulous care ensures the best fruit grows on the lateral limbs, where apples hang beneath the leaves, avoiding damage from limb rub.
With many unpredictable and predictable factors in our orchards and our commitment to delivering the freshest fruit, we must remain vigilant and proactive in our farming practices.
Thank you for joining us for another orchard update!
