Tips & Tricks for Apple Picking

You can slice ’em … you can sauce ’em … you can bake ’em … you can pie ’em — but here’s what you need to know about picking ’em!

How ’bout them apples!

What apples are ready when?
August-September

McIntosh: Sweet/tart for eating & cooking

Late August-December

Gala & Red Delicious: Sweet apples for eating

Mid-September-Mid-October

Jonagold: Sweet/tart apples for eating & cooking

Mid-September-December

Golden Delicious: Sweet apples for eating & cooking

Late September-December

Rome: Sweet/tart apples for eating & cooking
Mutsu/Mutzu: Large sweet/tart apples that store well

Early October-December

Granny Smith: Tart apples for eating & cooking
Arkansas Black: Sweet/tart apples for eating & cooking

Mid October-December

Stayman Winesap: Tart, tangy apples for eating & cooking

Mid October-Late December

Fuji: Sweet, crunchy apples for eating

Late October-January

Pink Lady: Firm, sweet/tart apples for eating & cooking

  1. Wear a hat or bandana, plus sunscreen and bug spray. Bugs like apples, too, so beware of insect bites and stings.
  2. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Flip-flops are a bad idea!
  3. Dress comfortably and wear clothes that are okay to get a little dirty.
  4. Bring your camera and a bag or backpack. You’ll want to capture all the fun memories!
  5. Be kind to the fruit and fair to the farmer.
  6. Wet wipes are your friend.
  7. If it has rained recently, the ground may still be wet. Tread carefully and watch your step!
  8. U-pick experiences involve a tractor ride, so be prepared for some fun (and a big step up into the wagon).
  9. U-pick typically runs on weekends only. Call ahead or check online to find out what’s available in the orchard — and the market!

706-632-3411 | Mercier Orchards

706-492-7753 | Mountain View Orchards