The Rural Voice, 2003-07, Page 21Goderich that has a microclimate that
has traditionally allowed peaches to
be added to the more hardy orchard
crops like the many apple orchards
that dot the area.
The sandy soil has few nutrients
of its own but that works well on a
fruit farm with so many varieties.
Each type of tree and bush has
different needs and the O'Briens can
supply exactly the nutrient
requirements through irrigation.
The summer of 2001 was spent
planting. On the 30 workable
acres in the middle of the farm
they planted four acres of apples and
Saskatoon bushes as well as peaches
and pears, two acres of raspberries,
six acres of strawberries and an acre
of blueberries. They also planted as
asparagus and vegetables.
Marlene calls the blueberries her
experiment and says it has been a
challenge trying to adjust the pH of
the soil to make it suitable for the
finicky fruit. Still, she says, "You
'You have to have a
little bit of fun and
experiment.'
have to have a little bit of fun and
experiment."
By last year they were getting
production from the strawberries,
raspberries and currants. Some of the
trees will take seven years before
they begin producing fruit.
Their against -the -current approach
extends to harvesting. Unlike many
berry growers, they did not choose a
pick -your -own solution. Marlene
says she uses most of their own
berries in her own kitchen and she
wants to be able to know for sure she
has enough produce for her own
needs. With pick -your -own you
never know how much fruit will
actually be picked, she says.
While many fruit growers
complain about difficulties finding
labour, Marlene argues "Where
there's a will, there's a way. Younger
people, if they want the money, they
really put effort into it."
The operation's kitchen is located
�aViieed
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RR#1
Bayfield
77697
Orchard Line
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Farm 41.4
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