Cooperative Extension at Highmoor Farm

In this newsletter: Apple Maturity Report Announcements Maturity Report The storm arriving this weekend is likely to bring enough rain to cause fruit cracking in Honeycrisp and Gala in areas expecting more than an inch of rain. Trees with smaller apples should be less likely to have fruit cracking. Strong winds will likely knock some […]

In this newsletter: Apple Maturity Report Disaster Relief Applications Due November 6 Maturity Report The storm arriving this weekend is likely to bring enough rain to cause fruit cracking in Honeycrisp and Gala in areas expecting more than an inch of rain. Trees with smaller apples should be less likely to have fruit cracking. Strong […]

In this newsletter: Maturity Report Maturity Report Peaches We have a few more varieties yet to harvest. Glowingstar was picked late last week. Messina will be ready to harvest later this week. Apples Honeycrisp apples taste ready for a ‘first pick’, but are still not ready for long-term storage because the risk of bitter pit […]

In this newsletter: Maturity Report Soil Moisture Readings First Announcement for the New England Veg and Fruit Conference (NEVFC) in Manchester, New Hampshire in December 2026 Maturity Report Peaches This week, we are picking this week: Coralstar Varieties in our collection that should be picked this week are Blushingstar, PF17, PF23 and Veteran. Coralstar peaches […]

In this newsletter: Maturity Report Soil Moisture Readings Maturity Report Peaches This week, we are picking this week: TangOs PF 15A, 2nd harvest Raritan Rose, a white flesh peach. It was over-ripe by the time I remembered to pick it. Starfire, a traditional yellow peach Varieties in our collection that should be next are Blazingstar […]

In this newsletter: Maturity Report Peel Sap Analysis Results for Honeycrisp Bitter Pit Prediction Disaster Relief Announcement Maturity Report Peaches This week, we are picking this week: PF 15A, one of our best varieties for fruit size and flavor. We are also picking BuenOs2 and TangOs, both donut-type peaches. Our last fungicide was August 1. […]

In this newsletter: Predicted harvest dates for McIntosh apples Fruit Drop Control Harvest Maturity in Peach and Apple Varieties Predicted McIntosh Harvest Date Predicted ‘first pick’ for McIntosh apples at Highmoor Farm is September 13 and a few days before that for orchards in southern Maine. The predicted end of harvest for long-term storage is […]

In this newsletter: Leaf and Soil Sampling Reminder to Pay Attention to Preharvest Intervals Peach Disease and Pest Issues Peach Harvest Maturity There is Still Time for Leaf and Soil Sampling Mid to late July is the ideal time to collect leaves for nutritional analysis. Visit the University of Maine Soil Testing Lab webpage to […]

In this newsletter: Leaf and Soil Sampling Long-Range Weather Outlook Summer Tour updated agenda Leaf and Soil Sampling Time Mid to late July is the ideal time to collect leaves for nutritional analysis. Visit the University of Maine Soil Testing Lab webpage to learn about all their services or access forms. Soil samples can be […]

Reducing Biennial Bearing in Honeycrisp Apples It is time for NAA (naphthaleneacetic acid) summer sprays to enhance repeat bloom in Honeycrisp and other varieties. NAA will no longer thin apples and can be applied at this time to stimulate flower bud formation for next year’s crop. Three applications at roughly two-week intervals will cause a […]