As we head into our growing season of 2016, we have some big plans for the new year here at Frog Hollow farm!
Currently, the farm exists on two segments of land. We have 130 acres of orchard in our main parcel, and then we also have a 10 acre parcel of peach trees, around Farmer Al and his family’s home. There is 70 acres that separates the two pieces of Frog Hollow Farm, and those 70 acres went up for sale last year. Farmer Al couldn’t let this opportunity slip, the chance to expand, and simultaneously make the farm contiguous.
So, the farm made the purchase and set to work planning for the expansion. We decided that we would plant the land over the course of 4 years: 20 acres planted in 2016, 20 in 2017, 20 in 2018, and 10 in 2019.
2016 showed up quickly, so now we’re off to work. The first 20 acres will be planted in a mix of peach tree varieties. To be specific, everyone’s favorite peaches! Cal Red, O’Henry, Autumn Flame and Summer Ladies. As many of you know we already grow these varieties here at the farm. These are the peaches that we sell out of each year.
And, to make matters more complicated, many of our most popular peaches were planted 25-30 years ago, so the production of these trees is beginning to taper. In order to ensure that we can meet demand for these varieties, we need to plant new trees that will take over the production for our aging orchards. This new planting will enable the farm to make a smooth transition in supply; in orchard management, you always have to be planning ahead.
We are very grateful for the rains that have greeted us in this new year. The farm and the hills around us are quickly becoming green and lush, ready for a Spring burst of growth. However, these rains are also hindering work on the farm. The ground is very muddy and easily compacted under such wet conditions. As soon as the ground dries sufficiently, we will start planting our 20 acres of new tees. We are even planning to plant a native, flowering cover crop amongst the new peach orchard.
Stay tuned for news about our native flower plantings!