Our orchard
“How we eat determines, to a considerable extent, how the world is used.”
—Wendell Berry
We believe that how we drink matters, too.
A 5.4-acre work-in-progress, Fireball Farm is the site of our cider orchard. Since moving here in 2010, we’ve worked hard to create a healthy, happy environment for the people, plants, and beneficial critters that call this patch of soil home. For that reason, we are committed to sustainable growing methods.
“Sustainable” has become an overused term, but for us, it means abiding by organic and biodynamic farming principles, promoting biodiversity, and providing habitats for beneficial animals and insects. Our goal is not to eliminate pests or weeds or nutrient deficiencies. Instead, we are focused on building a healthy soil and an interdependent, balanced ecosystem. This holistic approach ensures that our trees and plants can more easily combat pests, withstand drought, and produce abundant food ... and drink!
In January 2011, we began planting an orchard at our multi-crop farm on the Gravenstein Highway, named after west Sonoma County’s famed but fading apple variety. (This being wine country, we’re aware of the irony: after decades of orchards being replaced by vineyards, we’re planting ... apples.) We are beginning the process to get our orchard certified organic.
As of 2015, we had 100 cider apple and a dozen perry pear varieties in some stage of growth. We consider our orchard a proving grounds to see what varieties will grow well here. Our trees will not bear heavy crops of apples for a few years, so until then, we are sourcing the best varieties from local organic growers.
—Wendell Berry
We believe that how we drink matters, too.
A 5.4-acre work-in-progress, Fireball Farm is the site of our cider orchard. Since moving here in 2010, we’ve worked hard to create a healthy, happy environment for the people, plants, and beneficial critters that call this patch of soil home. For that reason, we are committed to sustainable growing methods.
“Sustainable” has become an overused term, but for us, it means abiding by organic and biodynamic farming principles, promoting biodiversity, and providing habitats for beneficial animals and insects. Our goal is not to eliminate pests or weeds or nutrient deficiencies. Instead, we are focused on building a healthy soil and an interdependent, balanced ecosystem. This holistic approach ensures that our trees and plants can more easily combat pests, withstand drought, and produce abundant food ... and drink!
In January 2011, we began planting an orchard at our multi-crop farm on the Gravenstein Highway, named after west Sonoma County’s famed but fading apple variety. (This being wine country, we’re aware of the irony: after decades of orchards being replaced by vineyards, we’re planting ... apples.) We are beginning the process to get our orchard certified organic.
As of 2015, we had 100 cider apple and a dozen perry pear varieties in some stage of growth. We consider our orchard a proving grounds to see what varieties will grow well here. Our trees will not bear heavy crops of apples for a few years, so until then, we are sourcing the best varieties from local organic growers.
Ashmead's Kernel blossoming at our farm. In the background is the tilted shed.
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Scott with his "graftlings" in the orchard nursery. We have about 100 varieties at our farm. Our first decent harvest will be in 2014. During the 2012 harvest, we picked about 100 pounds, small but meaningful. In 2013 and 2014, we yielded about twice that.
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This Roxbury Russet tree was planted in January 2011. Here's its second crop, in September 2013.
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