Time to pick-your-own apples

By Kylie Turner

Apple farmers in Windsor-Essex are ready for the season and Wagner Orchards expects to see close to 30,000 guests from September to October.

For most orchards in Lakeshore, Leamington and Kingsville, apple harvest began Labour Day weekend. Harvest Ontario, a Canadian company promoting Ontario agritourism, said depending on the location, province and weather, the season can begin as early as August and last until November.

Harold Wagner, owner of Wagner Orchards and Estate Winery, said they expect roughly 700-800 bushels of apples per acre a season.

“The season begins when the apples are ripe. People often come for wedding pictures with the apple blossoms,” said Wagner.

This year Wagner Orchards has a variety of apples to choose from including: Royal Gala (early September), Empire (late September), Mutsu (early October), Yellow Delicious (mid-October) and Red Delicious (late October). There are bagged apples for purchase or you can pick-your-own.

According to the Ontario Apple Growers the drought in 2016 affected some of the province’s apple growing regions. The OAG represents the province’s 200 commercial apple farmers and said Ontario’s apple crop is expected to be 20 per cent less than last year. The apple crop in Ontario will be less in volume but is expected to be juicier and more colourful.

“In spring it was wet and windy which affected the pollination for the apples,” said Wagner. “When the weather was dry the soil had to be irrigated to keep the crop and now the apples will size up well.”

Kallie Truant, social science student at the University of Windsor, said she goes apple picking once every year. Truant went apple picking this year at Wagner Orchards and usually goes with friends or family.

“The ones I personally pick always are much better apples,” said Truant.

For more information about Wagner Orchards and Estate Winery view their website at www.wagnerorchards.com or visit the orchard. Other pick-your-own apple orchards can be found on the Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island website at visitwindsoressex.com.