1. APPLES

2. Where do apples grow? Apples grow in every state in the U.S.
Top-producing states are Washington, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, and Virginia
About 7500 growers manage orchards on 379,000 acres of land

3. Core Facts 22lbs apples/year/person Same as 65 apples
Apple is most versatile fruit
One of few fruits found fresh any time of year
Trees begin to bear fruit when about 4 or 5 years old

4. Core Facts Apple seeds brought to WI in early 1800s
Orchards found in 46/72 counties in WI
7,400 acres produce 56 million pounds worth over $9 million/year
1 peck= 10.5lbs; 1bushel= 42lbs

5. Fall Apples must be handpicked (they bruise easily)
Picking begins at the end of August and runs through the end of October
Farmers market their fruit (locally or nationwide)

6. Winter January, while dormant, pruning begins
Limbs sawed off and clipped to allow maximum sunlight into the growing structure
Pruning promotes larger, better colored, higher quality fruit.
Equipment repairs and maintenance

7. Spring April start preparing spring planting
Most planted are dwarf stock
Beginning of May, buds begin to swell
Mow grass, spray (when needed)
Monitor weather and pests

8. Summer May: Pollinating begins, bees rented
June: Fertilizing and tree training (tie up limbs or weigh them down)
July: Irrigation during dry years, spraying, mowing, and shaping continue
August last growing month
Picking buckets and bulk boxes placed around orchard

9. The world is an apple!

10. With that… let’s get harvesting!

11. Elements