By Blake Jackson
The 2023 apple season in the Mid-Atlantic region has been a mixed bag, with growers in New York facing significant challenges due to late May freeze, hail damage, and rainy weather. In contrast, growers in Pennsylvania and Maryland are reporting a good season overall, with yields and quality looking good.
In New York, Josh Morgenthau of Fishkill Farms has lost over half of his cider apples due to the late May freeze. The wet weather has also made it difficult to pick the fruit and has increased the risk of diseases such as apple scab and bitter rot.
In Pennsylvania, Don Seifrit of Penn State Extension reports that the season is going well overall, despite some challenges with powdery mildew and fruit cracking.
In Maryland, Macarena Farcuh of the University of Maryland Extension says that the apple season is about four to seven days early due to hot, dry weather in the spring. The yield and quality are like last year, but growers are concerned about fruit cracking due to recent storms.
Despite the challenges faced by some growers, there is still plenty of delicious apples to be found throughout the Mid-Atlantic region this season. Be sure to visit your local farm stand or orchard to pick some fresh apples to enjoy.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-richard-7
Categories: New York, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Weather