Gardening With Gutner: Apple Picking Tips

TYNGSBORO (CBS) - One of the most beautiful times in New England is during fall season.

Crisp air, bright blue skies, and colorful foliage. And one of the greatest family traditions in New England is apple picking. The apple season is well underway and with the warm temperatures that we experienced in March, the season is about 10 days ahead of a 'normal' schedule.

At Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro, our apple orchard covers over 14 acres.

It is comprised of more than 12,000 dwarf apple trees, which, although small in stature, produce large, delicious apples.

We grow more than 20 different varieties of apples including traditional favorites such as MacIntosh, Gala, and Cortland and many new varieties such as Early Fuji, Decoster Jonagold, and Cameo.

Even with all these wonderful varieties, our most popular apple is Honey Crisp.  It is a cross between Macoun and Honeygold apples.

With explosive crispness, Honey Crisp is a large, tangy-sweet apple that is extremely juicy. It is excellent for all uses – eating, baking, and sauce. If you like a sweet apple, you will love Honey Crisp!

At Parlee Farms, we celebrate the apple picking season with Apple Cider Donuts, Warm Apple Crisp, and Hot Apple Cider.

You can never have enough apples!

Before you leave home, check the farm website for picking conditions and varieties available for picking that day.

With the season ending early, I know that I speak for the farmers of New England that we all hope you visit us early this fall for apples and other great fall activities. Let us help you create those family memories!