Farming Practices

At Edwards Orchard, we are committed to using environmentally responsible methods to grow our apples.

• Prairie and wetland restoration on 18 acres of the farm provides a habitat for bees that help pollinate the orchard.

• We have practiced Integrated Pest Management for over 30 years.

• Natural predators help reduce mice and rabbit damage to apple trees. We place nesting boxes throughout the orchard to encourage owls. We leave brush piles in windbreaks to establish fox dens.

• Pheromone ties hung on tree branches disrupt codling moth mating.

• Soap bars and reflective tape discourage deer from feeding on young apple trees.

• Drip irrigation conserves water usage in dry years.

• Tree training and pruning makes the tree canopy less conducive to disease.

• Because the warm, humid midwestern environment is ideal for insect and disease growth, we are unable to entirely eliminate sprays. We use the lowest labeled rates of fertilizers and narrow spectrum pesticides, only when necessary, which targets very specific pests and reduces damage to beneficial organisms.