Building an Orchard in Growing Zone 5- Apples

This year I am praying to be able to take the first steps towards building a small orchard. For me, this means starting with a few apple trees as they seem to be the most versatile in use and hardy to our growing zone. The idea is to have a few varieties with harvests that are spaced out over the growing season for continuous production. I’m fairly certain between the local wild crabapples and neighbors trees, there will be ample opportunities for cross-pollination, and figured trees were best to start with as they will take the longest to grow and produce.

August Harvest- Starting off the list is the Norland Apple. Hardy to growing zone 2 with a medium disease resistance rating, it will be the first variety we have ready for harvest over the summer.

September Harvest- Next we have the Strawberry Pippin which is hardy to zone 5 and also has a medium disease resistance rating.

October Harvest- October will be marked with the Newton Pippin, with a hardiness to zone 5 and a medium disease resistance rating. My mom chose this variety and although I’m very excited for it’s storage abilities, I’m not entirely convinced of the Newton Pippin’s disease resistance. So I’ve included the Nova apple on the list as a backup as it’s hardy to zone 3 and has a high disease resistance.

That really is it for me today guys, short & sweet! I’ve got some big news coming up soon & I can’t wait to have it all sorted out and ready to share! I hope all if well on your end & don’t forget to always keep growing!!
-Anna R.