HOLLIS, N.H. — Throughout New Hampshire, the 2021 peach harvest is underway at many orchards. Members of the New Hampshire Fruit Growers Association (NHFGA) are pleased with this year’s crop thus far and now have the delicious and juicy fruit available at their farm stands and stores. Others are opening their orchards for pick-your-own harvesting.
The story of this year’s growing season has been wetness. The state of NH has seen a great deal of rain this summer with some places receiving double-digit inches of rain. The wet weather has affected growers differently. Homer Dunn, the Orchard Manager of Alyson’s Orchard in Walpole, reported that he has seen an increase in the occurrence of brown rot on some fruit at Alyson’s due to the damp weather. Another grower, Brett McKenzie from McKenzie’s Farm in Milford, shared that the wetness has not been much of an issue other than the implementation of extra drainage around the trees.
Despite the wet growing conditions, harvests are looking very good. At Alyson’s Orchard, Homer said the peaches are coming in 5-10 days early. Their Bright Star and Donut peach crops have been good so far with a few weeks of pick-your-own remaining at the orchard. Brett described McKenzie’s crop as one of the “best in years.” McKenzie’s offers 14 varieties of peaches and two varieties of nectarines. They have pick-your-own at their orchard as well, and Brett reported that visitors and workers have been busy picking every day. They are looking forward to the start of their Red Haven variety that will be ready for picking soon.
The peach harvest will continue through the rest of August and into September throughout the state. Whether for eating, baking, or canning, you don’t want to miss out on New Hampshire’s great peach crop this year! To find an orchard with peaches near you, check out the NHFGA website at https://www.nhfruitgrowers.
About the New Hampshire Fruit Growers Association:
The NH Fruit Growers Association (NHFGA) is a non-profit association made up of tree fruit farmers, commercial, and supporting members who share a passion for New Hampshire-grown apples, peaches, cherries, plums, and pears. Among the association’s approximately 30 member orchards and farms,
there’s diversity in size, fruit, and farm products, but they all gladly share the hard work of taking great care to grow quality fresh fruit for their customers. Keep up with NHFGA on Facebook and Instagram (@NHFruitGrowers) for nutrition information, fun facts, recipes, and more!
–New Hampshire Fruit Growers Association
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