It's been a long cold winter in Palisade!

Colorado State University Research Center has noted that the unusually cold winter has slowed the fruit tree rest across the western Colorado area. Our peach trees are running about 29 days behind normal bud break. Tree fruits are now accumulating growing degree days which is needed to push bud break. Temperatures between 32 and 45 degrees are needed for rest completion, and this can happen quickly once temperatures warm above freezing as is happening now. Projected dates for bud stages from now on may change quickly if the temperatures warm up.

Pruning of the mature peach and cherry trees is about complete at High Country Orchards. We will begin our frost control program soon to prevent split pit and soft suture incidence as well as spring freeze of our peach crop. Freeze damage is caused by severe spring frost followed by unusually warm late spring and early summer weather. At High Country Orchards we use large propelled wind machines to keep the air moving throughout the orchards and vineyards during late night and early morning hours when cold snaps are most likely to occur. The spring time brings with it many sleepless nights for the orchard crew.

During the month of March we will tend to the young trees by pruning and shaping them to maximize healthy growth, fruit quality and production. In early April we will plant over 6000 new baby peach trees that will include seven different varieties.

Our wine grape vineyards survived the winter fairly well with no significant damage so far.

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Winter Quiet

Welcome to 2008 and our first edition of the PEACH ALERT! Mother Nature provides a season of rest for all of her creations and here at the orchards and vineyards the trees and vines are deep into their slumber. This is the season when everything and everyone takes a rest and prepares for the busy growing season that we know will be here in a few short months. The mature trees are being pruned of their excess growth and the ground will soon be prepared to receive thousands of new baby trees. This is a great time to reflect on past harvests. We take note of what was done well and look for ways to add fresh new ideas to maintain the quality, taste and beauty of the fruit we produce at High Country Orchards.

The weather here in Palisade, Colorado has been unseasonably cold and snowy this winter but we consider ourselves blessed to live and be connected to the land in this beautiful and unique part of Colorado. Each season offer it’s own natural beauty and opportunities and each is a gift to be appreciated.

We are very excited about the success of our new product lines that we unveiled in 2007. High Country Orchards produces six varieties of fresh fruit preserves and three flavors of peach salsa. The wonderful feedback that we have received from our customers is most appreciated and with the innovative addition of our attractive gift boxes our on-line store offers lots of gift ideas for all occasions. As always, the ingredients we use are grown right here on our property. The care we take to ensure that we deliver only the freshest quality product has made us a leader in the industry.

Peach harvest will soon be upon us. We will begin shipping fresh peaches and gift box combinations directly from the orchards in July from our on-line store. You can visit the Country Store at High County Orchards for a selection of fresh fruits and products and take of tour of the orchards and facility while you’re here.

We look forward to keeping you updated on what is happening at the orchards, vineyards and gardens and sharing any new happenings and events with you. We love hearing from you so stay tuned to the PEACH ALERT for harvest updates.





Best Regards,
The staff at High Country Orchards