No fruit in season right now. Please see our in season page for estimated ripening times.

February 7: The orchard is currently sleeping under a blanket of snow... just the way we like it!

Strawberries and some of the crops that grow on the ground are sensitive to extreme winter temperatures and the snow insulates them. For example, the current air temperature on this frigid day is 14 degrees. But just 6 inches under the ground our weather station behind the house is showing the temperature at 30 degrees. Quite a difference!

Apples are incredibly good at handling cold winter temperatures. They come from central Asia where temperatures routinely drop below zero. We have never (in over 100 years) lost a crop of apples due to absolute cold temperatures in the winter. Of course, frost during bloom is a much riskier proposition.

Peaches are a little more at risk. Low temperatures below zero put the crop at risk. In fact, we are pretty much at the northern edge of the range of "economical" peach crops. Areas to the north and west of us loose crops to winter cold several times a decade (except near the great lakes... when they aren't frozen).

Blackberries are the riskiest crop for winter cold. We lost more than half the crop last year when the temperature in the valley fell to zero. This year, we have not noticed it being that cold, but we have had at least five nights down to five degrees. That is getting too close for comfort. Only time will tell.

In any case, there is absolutely nothing we can do about winter being cold. Given the risks of spring freezes, the longer it stays cool, and the plants stay dormant, the better off we are.

Stay warm!

Dear Friends,

For 117 years our family farm has been producing fresh fruits and vegetables. Located on the historic Mason-Dixon line, our farm market offers some of the best quality fruit you'll find anywhere in the country, as well as local produce, jams, jellies, flowers, and canned goods. The orchard is open for pick-your-own strawberries, raspberries, pumpkins, cherries, blueberries, and apples. Our website is updated weekly and is the best way to stay informed of the season.

As always, we hope you find your visit to Shaw Orchards to be an enjoyable one.  We are committed to bringing you the finest quality, home-grown produce season after season.  See you soon!

Barron & Jana Shaw