Fruit
What is Ripe Now?
Our garden center is now open, now we just need to wait for the fruit to bare. What a cold start to 2013. While we wait for summer and our lovely fruit we would like to thank all our faithful & new fruit customers coming to us this year and making 2012 our best summer in Palatine history.
A full list of produce can be found here.
Attention to details
Our fruit produce is grown with attention to details such as:
- Flavour enhancement
- Nutritional quality
- Shelf-life
We are committed to producing an excellent product.
Insect Management
We focus in IPM (Integrated Pest Management). The orchards and vineyards are scouted by individuals who are trained to recognize insects and diseases. We only spray when insect numbers exceed a certain threshold. We use sprays that have the least negative impact on beneficial insects, birds and animals. Products such as molasses, oils, clay and Growers Nutrional Solutions are used to enhance the health of the trees and vines.
Fungus Management
We also use IPM methods and the services of scouts for fungus management. We prefer to use sulfur, copper and 35% hydrogen peroxide.
Weed Management
Under trees, we use a minimal level of herbicides along with mechanical weed-control, as well as mulch. We have eliminated the use of long term residual herbicides.
Soil Nutrient Management
Our soil management is continually evolving, using the recommendations of Carey Reams, Dan Skow, and V.A. Tiedjens along with our own observations.
"Here are fruits, flowers, leaves and branches, and here is my heart..."
- Paul Verlaine