How to Start Apple Farming in USA: A Step-by-Step Planting to Harvesting, and Production Guide

Apple is one of the most valuable fruit crops in the United States. Commercially growing Apple trees can be a good source of income, provided it is done rationally and on a medium to large scale. According to the American Apple Association, more than 7,500 farmers in all 50 states are growing Apples. The best way to prevent Apple disease is to choose varieties resistant to disease in your area.

How to start Apple farming in USA

Apple farming importance in the USA

Apple trees can be grown in many parts of the country and lend themselves well to part-time farming. The initial investment for Apples may be higher depending on the preferred production method, land preparation, and initial tree investment. New varieties, rising incomes, expanding production in the United States, a more diverse population, products that better meet consumers’ lifestyles, and factors that increase consumption of Apple and Apple products.

In addition to disease-resistant cultivation, prune trees regularly so that enough sun and air can enter the tree’s crown and cut off diseased branches, leaves, or fruits. While US acreage and Apple production have declined recently, consumer demand has boosted the rapidly growing organic Apple sector. Apples managed under a certified organic farming system now account for about 7% of the total area of American Apples.

While traditional Apple production outweighs organic production, Organic Apple ordered price premiums at every level of the supply chain – farm gate, wholesale, and retail. Despite declining total Apple production over the past decade, the US Apple sector has seen a rapidly growing demand for new varieties of Apple and organically grown Apples that receive price premiums.

Farmers who want to sell on their Apple farms or at farmers’ markets have a smaller initial investment than wholesale producers due to the smaller land and equipment requirements. The direct market garden can be planted anywhere with enough customers to buy the product, as long as the soil has suitable soil and climate. Although direct marketers can sell their products at a much higher price than wholesalers, they also face the cost of overhead and labor and the lower cost of selling their products.

The long-term viability of these small farms depends on whether they can recoup their investment and earn an annual return. Depending on the amount of land dedicated to the orchard, the method of production, and the size of the trees, the equipment cost can be kept to a minimum. If the orchard is part of an existing agricultural operation, you may have more essential equipment than before.

Apple production will require several hours, depending on the size of the orchard. During the summer, the garden must mow the lawn, apply various pesticides, and dilute the fruit. Depending on the variety and orchard size, extra labor may be required at harvest time. Although you can complete these tasks with family members and local part-time labor, hiring labor may also be necessary.

Apple-producing states in the USA

Thirty-two states in the United States grow Apples commercially. The top Apple-producing states in the USA are Washington, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, Virginia, North Carolina, Oregon, Ohio, and Idaho. Washington is the number 1 Apple-growing state, growing 65% of the United States’ Apples.

Apple growing season in the USA

Fresh Apples are now available in grocery stores all year round, thanks to the global market, but the Northern Hemisphere Apple season is usually from early July to late November. The peak of the Apple season in the USA is September and October. Some (not all) varieties of Apples store very well and will be stored for months in storage warehouses that maintain a proper temperature and humidity.

It extends the season to 6 months later (March / April) when the southern hemisphere Apples are in season. It means fresh Apples in US grocery stores from March to July come from the Southern Hemisphere, mostly from Chile and New Zealand. That’s about 6 percent of the annual US Apple consumption, according to the American Apple Association.

In case you missed it: A Step-By-Step Guide to High Density Fruit Farming: For Guava, Banana, Mango, Pineapple, Lemon, Papaya, Litchi, and Apple

Does soil affect Apple tree growth?

Although most types of Apple trees can grow in a variety of soils, poor soils reduce yields. The best environment for them to grow is sandy soils and looms that are well-drained, slightly acidic, and fertile. Wet soil can result in inadequate aviation, stunted root growth, and fungal infections. It can stop the production of healthy Apples.

The presence of organic matter, such as compost, in the soil of the Apple tree allows a good root system to develop. Before planting, adding a little lime to the altered soil helps to raise the pH level. It is best to get acidity levels between 5.8 and 7.0 for tree and fruit growth. It is essential to know your soil.

Site selection for Apple farming in the USA

The success of any orchard is directly linked to planning and preparation. The ideal garden is on sloping or rolling land to improve air drainage during the cold spring. The best site faces south, with a slope of between 4 and 8%, as operating equipment on steep slopes can be difficult. Deep and well-drained soils are preferred because shallow, poorly drained soils cause root system problems.

Consult a county soil map before choosing a site. Soil maps can be obtained from your county extension office or the USDA’s Farm Service Agency. Another consideration for selecting a site is irrigation. Regardless of the irrigation system type, locating a garden near a water source will make it easier to set up the system and reduce operating costs.

Apple production and varieties in the USA

The USA is the world’s second-largest Apple producer after China. After Poland, Italy, and France, there is an American production. The USA grows about 200 unique Apple varieties. The top 10 varieties in the United States are Red Delicious, Gala, Granny Smith, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp, McIntosh, Rome, Cripps, Pink Lady, and Empire (US Apple Association). Over 5,000 Apple growers in the United States grow an average of about 240 million bushels of Apples each year.

These producers grow Apples on about 322,000 acres of land. In the United States, anyone wishing to purchase limited-use pesticides must have a license to apply for pesticides. Even some materials used in organic farming now require a license. In Pennsylvania, the licensing process is handled by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Please check with your state about these requirements.

Due to the complexity of Apple production and the many pests and diseases that attack trees and fruits, this publication does not cover all the necessary production methods and procedures. However, some popular varieties in the United States are Golden Delicious, Courtland, Haralred, Honeycrisp, etc.

Soil preparation for Apple cultivation in the USA

Proper arrangement and soil preparation are essential for establishing a new Apple orchard. The goal is to produce high-quality, high-yielding, high-quality crops. In addition, ease of harvesting and management are important factors to remember. Modern systems use higher densities. The average density is 400-2500 trees per acre.

Sun and water requirements for Apple farming in the USA

Like most fruit trees, Apple trees like plenty of sunlight and need at least 6 to 8 hours of sun daily during their growing season. Apple trees must be planted in bright, direct sunlight but in early spring areas away from the risk of frost. While they prefer warmer climates in summer, Apples need a certain number of cool hours to bear fruit, so they perform well in cold climates and cold weather.

When the risk of frost is high in late winter, steps can be taken to protect your Apple trees, such as mulching or covering them. Severe fluctuations in temperature can adversely affect your fruit production. Apple trees should be watered relatively frequently and well, provided they live in well-drained soil. When planting juvenile Apple trees, first soak them deep so that air pockets in the soil can be removed.

Younger Apple trees need careful irrigation, so keep an eye on their soil. Mature fruit trees are less fussy. The most important thing when you grow an Apple tree is not to overwater it. It can cause the roots to get wet and the trees to lose oxygen. Newly planted Apple trees need weekly watering. The key is to allow the water to slowly soak into the soil so that deep water is allowed until it is formed. Once established, Apple trees only occasionally need water unless there are long dry periods.

In case you missed it: Top 16 Steps to Boost Custard Apple Yield: How to Increase Fruit Size, Quality, and Production

Feeding management for Apple farming in the USA

Apple trees will grow about 8 to 12 inches each year. They don’t need to be fed extra fertilizers over and over again. Instead, apply aged manure around the tree’s base once or twice a year in the spring or late fall after the plant leaves have dropped. The nutritional requirements of Apple trees vary throughout their lives and are affected by factors such as rootstock, crop load, soil type, and climatic conditions.

In addition to phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium, Apple trees require adequate amounts of calcium, boron, copper, and zinc to maintain the tree’s health and produce quality fruit. After planting, soil tests and leaf analysis are recommended at least once every three years. Leaf analysis is the most accurate method to determine if a tree uses a soil modification.

Thinning and weed control for Apple farming

Allow the Apple trees to set well before they bear fruit. Handpick flowers and young Apple fruit during the first two years. It will increase the tree’s ability to take root instead of producing fruit. You can allow the Apple tree to bear a small crop in the third year of planting but thin the fruit to ensure the Apple’s quality and size.

Frequent hand pulling and shallow cultivation, not more than an inch deep, control weeds and minimize root disturbances. Deep cultivation disrupts shallow roots and is not recommended for young and established trees.

Pruning for Apple tree growth

When your Apple tree is young, you can take two steps to encourage it to bear fruit without pruning. The first step is to rub the buds in the wrong place before they become branches in the wrong place. The second is to bend the stems almost horizontally for a few weeks to reduce growth and promote branching and fruiting.

For this method of fruit stimulation, you can tie the branches to the ground or the bottom with a string. Once the tree bears fruit regularly, cut the stiffest, straightest stems, the tallest in the tree, every winter. As the tree ages, remove the entire limb with fruiting sprays to make room for smaller replacement limbs.

In case you missed it: Fertilizer Management for Apple Trees: Organic, Compost, NPK, and Schedule

Apple trees benefit from pruning. Pruning will allow the Apple tree to receive light and air. It would help if you harvested every year. However, never cut more than one-third of the tree in the same growing season. The best time to harvest apples is in late winter when the tree is dormant and before the buds appear. To prune an Apple tree, follow these steps:

Remove all diseased, dead, or broken plant branches.
Remove all water sprouts – fast-growing vertical branches that usually have no side branches.
Remove all suckers – fast-growing shoots that grow from the roots below the soil surface.
Remove narrow V-branching crotches that form branches that do not support the weight of the entire fruit crop.
Remove crossing or abrasive branches – where the two branches cross and rub.

Pests and diseases control in Apple farming in the USA

Apple trees are susceptible to several pests and diseases. Insects that attack Apples include scale, Apple maggots, codling moths, fruit worms, leafhoppers, and bugs. Some affected diseases in Apple trees include fungal diseases, cedar Apple, powdery mildew, Apple scab, and fire blight. These Apple tree pests and diseases are difficult to control without preventive sprays. Common insect spray schedules include:

When the buds begin to break, spray the multi-purpose fruit tree.
Do not spray when the Apple tree is in bloom.
When almost all flower petals have fallen off, spray a multi-purpose fruit tree every 10 to 14 days.
Turn off all sprays two weeks before harvest.

In case you missed it: High Density Apple Farming – Planting, Spacing, Yield In India

For diseases, prevention is the best method. Choose tree species that are disease-resistant in your area. Prune trees regularly so sun and wind can enter the tree’s crown and cut off diseased branches, leaves, or fruits. Keep the garden clean of leaves, branches, and other plant debris to discourage fungal spores.

The best way to prevent Apple disease is to choose varieties resistant to disease in your area. In addition to disease-resistant cultivation, prune trees regularly so that enough sun and air can enter the tree’s crown and cut off diseased branches, leaves, or fruits. Keep the garden clean of dead leaves and branches and plant debris.

Apple tree care tips

Regularly water young Apple trees to establish the root system. Update the mulch every year, but remove it from the tree in the fall so that the rats do not build nests in the winter and eat the bark.
Apple trees need training to build a strong frame of branches that can withstand the weight of heavy Apple crops.
Although Apple trees are prone to pests and diseases, if you use a well-balanced organic fertilizer that allows the tree to thrive and is engaged in controlling organic pests and diseases, the tree can be used organically. It is possible to grow.
Proper timing of pest and disease control is essential to avoid harming bees and interfering with pollination. Any pest control activity occurs from the flower and fruit development stage, not calendar-based. Research your nature and climate to determine which pests are most likely to cause trouble, and engage in timely prevention.

Imports

The United States imports fresh Apples to meet production shortages at the end of the season or before the fall harvest. Many of these Apple varieties are imported from the southern hemisphere. Only 5% of Apples used in the United States are imported.

Harvesting for Apple farming in the USA

Freshly marketed or processed, Apples are traditionally cut by hand in large wooden or plastic bins measuring 20 to 25 bushels. Extreme care must be taken not to injure or damage the fruit during the harvesting process as it reduces the quality and storage and the profit from the sale of Apples. Harvesting Apples at the right time is key, not only to get high-quality fruit but also to maximize storage life. Each type of Apple has its own ripening time and can depend on weather conditions during the growing season.

The ripening of the fruit is related to the change in color, texture, quality, and the development of characteristic taste. Fruits should be uniform, strong, and crisp at harvest time. Upon maturity, skin color varies from yellow to red. However, the maximum harvest time depends on the quality of the fruit and the required storage time. Hand-picking is recommended as it reduces scratches caused by fruit falling during mechanical harvesting.

In case you missed it: Organic Apple Farming, Cultivation Practices

Apple yield per acre in the USA

Standard Apple orchards at a spacing of 20 to 30 feet produce 20,000 to 30,000 Apples per acre. The current high yield of 500 trees has doubled the yield per acre. A crop circle of an Apple orchard can double that to more than 100,000 Apples per acre. Over 5,000 Apple growers in the United States grow an average of about 240 million bushels of Apples each year. These producers grow Apples on about 322 thousand acres of land.

Conclusion

Commercial Apple farming is very profitable when you use a proper farm management system. There are approximately 2,500 Apple varieties produced in the USA. The above steps are important for Apple tree growth in the USA. Are you planning a commercial apple farm in the following United States? This article may help you achieve your goals.

How to Start Apple Farming in USA: A Step-by-Step Planting to Harvesting, and Production Guide

Table of Contents