Come celebrate the fall apple season by learning more about this exceptional local fruit. Join University of Illinois Extension's Local Foods and Small Farms Educator, Grant McCarty, for the Growing Great Apples program. In this presentation, you will learn about general production of apples, new and unique varieties, rootstocks, seasonal issues encountered in 2024, insect challenges, harvesting, and preparing your trees for winter. This program is for those currently growing apples or wanting to add trees for a small orchard as well as those interested in learning more about apple production in Northern Illinois. 

"Apple orchards thrive in Northern Illinois. From family-owned, u-pick orchards to trees in the backyard, these fruit trees regularly yield well with a wide range of different varieties,” McCarty states. “While they do well most years, they still can have challenges like biennial fruiting and insects/disease. So, management is key for getting great yields”

Growing Great Apples will be held on Tuesday, October 15, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cherry Valley Library, 755 E State Street, Cherry Valley, IL. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. Register by calling the University of Illinois Extension at (815) 986-4357 or on-line at go.illinois.edu/jsw. This program will also be held in Elizabeth and Freeport. Check our webpage for details about time and location.