Sean Lennon at Fitzgerald Fruit Farm

( Editor’s Note: Seventh of a series spotlighting local and area farmers, who participate in the Rockmart Farmers Market.)

Sean Lennon discovered his passion for farming, especially growing peaches, early in his life and attended college with a focus on learning to grow peaches.

Sean learned to grow in ways that managed the use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides to use only the amount needed. As he was finishing his education he planted his first peach orchard in 2008 and Fitzgerald Fruit Farm began.

Sean named the farm for his mother’s family farm in Ireland and set about growing peaches. As the peach trees grew they planted more trees and the farm began to expand.

After a bumper crop a few years ago the farm put in a packing shed that allowed the hand picked peaches to get packed in the shade instead of out in the field. At this time, the farm started growing blackberries and also began preparations to grow apples.

It takes most fruit trees about 3 years to reach fruiting stage so new trees are continually being planted to ensure new fruit will be ready. Fields with varying ages of fruit trees can be seen all over the farm, from the first year seedlings to the fruit laden mature trees.

The farm continues to grow. The first acre of strawberries is being planted now and the first harvests of apples have finally begun. Fitzgerald Fruit Farm is growing many favorite apples including honey crisp, granny smith, gala and Fuji. Even as the farm continues to expand they are dedicated to sustainability.