Apples And Grapes Grow Wild In The Forest

 Maple, Hawthorn, Cherry & Apple Trees

Apple growing is pretty common here in New York state. Our weather is just right for it, and our state is known for both, our apples and grapes. Both crops need the type of climate we have. In fact, the grapes are usually better tasting if we get a frost before they are harvested.

Wild Fox Grape Vine

Both fruits, apples and grapes grow wild around us in the state forest as well as on private properties. Not to mention the many varieties of berries and nuts. The birds feast on the berries and fruits before they are ripe. The deer get all the low apples and the ones that fall to the ground. Squirrels and chipmunks stow the nuts and probably some of the fruits, as well, away for their winter meals.

Apples on new trees!

So for me to be able to harvest any of them after they are ripe is amazing with all that competition. This year I am going to do my best to get a decent harvest from the apple trees and the berry bushes. I want to can those for our winter fruit supply. I love looking around and seeing all this food growing. All I have to do is harvest it. Then can or dry it. Having those jars of food on my shelves gives me a feeling of security. Not to mention the feeling of pride when I grow it or harvest it from the forest.

Copyright © 2011 Kathleen G. Lupole
All Photographs Copyright © 2011 Kathleen G. Lupole

My Forest Homestead In Summer

 I love the color green!

We have been getting thunderstorms daily for the past week. Our garden will never need watering if this keeps up. I am not complaining! It makes my job easier to not have to carry water to each of the raised beds. I do not have the luxury of using a hose and turning on the water....yet! Within this next year, I hope.

 A volunteer plant in the compost pile!

The garden is coming along. The green and wax beans have been attacked by the slugs but I have been picking them off in the morning. So now they aren't so bad. They will turn out okay. They usually do. The winter squash look really good and already have blossoms on.

 How lucky! Look what I found! Mullein!

I even found a volunteer cherry tomato coming up. These tomatoes I planted over five years ago here and every year since, they come up in different places. They are heirlooms from Johnny's Seeds called Matt's Cherry Tomato, I think. And they just come up automatically. Last year we had a bumper crop. They are not bothered by the Late Blight, it seems.

Wild Grape Vines

A few days ago, I started seeds for cucumbers and summer squash since none of them have come up. I figure if they don't peek out soon, I will have some back ups. If they do, I will just have more! Even the wild grapes, or fox grapes as they are known around here seem to growing good. But if I get any from it is another question, as the birds and the bees usually get them before I do!

Copyright © 2011 Kathleen G. Lupole
All Photographs Copyright © 2011 Kathleen G. Lupole