Emma Wallace Apple-picking is a fall favorite tradition in New Jersey, along with visiting pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and enjoying a delicious pumpkin spice latte. While many are gearing up with their chunky sweaters and oversized scarves, this year will look a little bit different, as the Northeast experienced a spring freeze that devastated many farm crops across the state. Numerous New Jersey farms have announced limited apple-picking availability this fall, and some have even canceled the season entirely. Read on to learn what happened and which NJ orchards are affected.
What Happened to New Jersey’s Apple Crop?
In early April, New Jersey experienced an unusual weather pattern that caused significant losses for local farms. The state first saw prolonged warm temperatures, with some areas reaching around 90 degrees. The warmth caused many fruit trees to bloom earlier than usual, which was followed by a sharp temperature drop into below-freezing temperatures.
This dramatic weather change came at a critical time in the crop’s developmental stage when it is vulnerable to damage. As a result of the frost, blossoms and newly formed fruit faced irreparable injury that could not be undone.
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In addition to apples, other fruit crops had major losses, including peaches, cherries, pears, grapes, plums, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and other crops across the entire state. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture found that some farms experienced losses of more than 90 percent.
The extent of damage depends on where the farm was located, the variety of apples, and the stage of bloom. Some orchards are operating with only a slightly diminished crop supply, while the frost completely wiped out other farms’ apple trees. Fields with apples and other fruit that bloomed early were particularly susceptible to frost damage.
NJ Farms That Canceled Apple Picking
Battleview Orchards — Freehold
Beemerville Orchard — Sussex
Donaldson Farms — Hackettstown
Eastmont Orchards — Colts Neck
Hillcrest Orchard & Dairy — Branchville
Johnson’s Corner Farm — Medford
Ripple Hill Farm — Basking Ridge
Russo’s Fruit & Vegetable Farm — Tabernacle
Strawberry Hill Farm — Chesterfield
Sun High Orchards — Randolph
NJ Farms with Limited Apple Picking
Giamarese Farm & Orchards — East Brunswick
Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm — Jobstown
Stone Tavern Orchards — Cream Ridge
Terhune Orchards — Princeton
Tranquillity Farms — Green Township
Windy Brow Farms — Fredon
What Does This Mean for Apple Picking This Fall?
Before visiting any pick-your-own farm, check the business’s website for the latest information on apple availability, picking conditions, and operating hours. Some farms are reporting smaller-than-normal fruit and fewer apple varieties because of the frost. Visitors are encouraged to go earlier in the season, as some varieties may sell out much faster than in previous years.
Farms with limited crops may also have shorter picking seasons because they are expected to run out of apples sooner than usual. For instance, Tranquillity Farms in Green Township announced that apple picking may not be available every weekend, depending on when the remaining fruit ripens.
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Many farms still have other fun fall activities to offer even if apple picking is suspended for the time being. Some locations have other fresh produce ready to buy, such as in-season pumpkins, winter squash, and pears. Fall enthusiasts can also enjoy corn mazes, hayrides, animal farms, artisanal markets, and more at some farm locations. It is best to check each farm’s website or social media for the most up-to-date information on availability and activities.
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