GOSHEN, Ind. -- For those growing their own gardens at home, meteorologists often warn growers to cover their outdoor plants when the threat of frost is imminent. That’s a little challenging for businesses growing an entire orchard.
Mollie Kieffer, co-owner of Kercher’s Sunrise Orchard, explains that they have already “[seen] some damage in some varieties, and then some loaded trees in other varieties.” While she knows the cold air has taken its toll on some varieties, they “won't really know until probably closer to July, August, how [they’re] progressing.”
For budding, optimal temperatures are between 59-68 degrees. Below freezing temperatures are dangerous for budding apple trees. Apples are very sensitive to frost. What’s more concerning—the effects aren’t seen until months later.
Despite the challenges the cold air has already presented, Kieffer is still hopeful for the fall harvest. “It won't be a bumper year this year,” Kieffer says. “We may run up out of certain varieties sooner than others, but we are optimistic.”
Luckily there are other produce Kercher’s specializes in, especially in the spring. “So, we do have flowers in the spring," Kieffer lists. “We try and have morel mushrooms, like right now is asparagus, and we just got local strawberries in yesterday.”
Other produce like sweet corn, watermelon, and squash will be available in just a few months. Kieffer and her staff at Kercher’s take pride in the fresh flavor of their produce because it is all locally and regionally sourced. “You know where your food's coming from."
For more information about spring and fall harvest, Kercher's Sunrise Orchard can be reached by phone or online.