Where to pick apples this fall in Greater Columbus
It’s good news for apple lovers and apple growers. This year’s crop is expected to be bountiful.
Despite a rough start with an early frost, it’s been an almost perfect growing season, Ohio Farm Bureau spokesman Ty Higgins said.
“All of the factors were ideal,” he said. “There was a perfect amount of heat and adequate amounts of rain throughout the growing season.”
The successful yield is setting up a picture-perfect season for apple picking across the area.
Apple picking increased in popularity last year
Last year, while many restrictions were put on everything from attendance at sporting events to festivals and concerts, Gov. Mike Dewine suggested Ohio families go apple picking.
That advice changed the lives of orchard owners. Russell Joudrey, who owns and operates Apple Hill Orchards in Mansfield and Fredericktown, said his farm and his counterparts saw a rush of people anxious to get out and have some family fun.
“It was overwhelming and it is ex
pected we’ll have a good year this year,” he said.
Apple Hill Orchards is prepared for the onslaught of visitors.
The outdoor venues are ideal for social distancing, he said.
“Orchards are big and you can spread out. I don’t want to say it is ideal but it beats sitting shoulder to shoulder at a football game,” Joudrey said. “It fits the family bill and the safety bill.”
‘They are seeing the fruits of their labor, literally.’
Joudrey said, “We had a big crop last year and we have a somewhat smaller crop but we have pretty much everything, mostly full crop right on through to the beginning of November. We have apples ripening right into November.”
At Springhill Fruit Farm, 5646 Ganges Five Points Road, north of Mansfield, Jeff Burrer who operates the orchard with his wife Laura Burrer, said, “It’s a pretty big apple crop this year. Some varieties are a little light, like honeycrisp, but overall it’s a good crop.”
Friday, Burrer said the peach crop was good and the family is already making cider.
“People are excited to get and do things especially with the challenges of 2020 and early 2021,” Higgins said. “They are excited about fall and everything that comes along with those activities on the farm.” lwhitmir@gannett.com Margaret Quamme contributed to this story.
Where to pick your own produce in Greater Columbus
Apples have moved into the mix this month, and pumpkins will be coming in before you know it. Be sure to check with the farms before heading out.
FAIRFIELD COUNTY
h Paige’s Produce, 7975 Cincinnati-zanesville Road, Amanda: peaches, apples; 740-601-8419, www.paigesproduce.com
LICKING COUNTY
h Lynd Fruit Farm, 9399 Morse Road SW, Pataskala. Picking sites vary: apples; You Pick hotline, 740-927-1333, www.lyndfruitfarm.com
h Branstool Orchards, 5895 Johnstown Utica Road, Utica: peaches, apples; 740-892-3989, www.branstoolorchards.com
h Legend Hills Orchard, 11335 Reynolds Road, Utica: peaches, apples; 740-892-2498, www.legendhillsorchard.com.
UNION COUNTY
h Cherryhawk Farm, 16220 Springdale Road, Marysville: apples; 937-642-6442, cherryhawkfarm.com
h Fruit-full Acres, 18680 Bellville Road, Marysville: apples; 937-642-6961, Fruit-full Acres Facebook page
h The Orchard and Co., 7255 Route 42, Plain City: apples; 614-873-0510, www.theorchardandcompany.com
RICHLAND COUNTY
h Apple Hill Orchards, 1175 Lexington-ontario Road, Mansfield, 419-709-0408; and 16908-16970 Upper Fredericktown Amity Road, Fredericktown, 740-694-7688. Pick-your-own apples now through early November at either location during business hours. Visit www.applehillorchards.com for times.
h Springhill Fruit Farm, 5646 Ganges Five Points Road, 419-896-2866, www.springhill-fruit-farm.com.