Sampling our soils and sending them to a soils lab for analysis is an annual thing. We take samples from the orchard, the strawberry fields and the pumpkin fields. Did you know that twenty percent or more of the energy that plants take in from the sun results in the plant roots expelling various organic compounds into the soil through their roots? These organic materials feed the millions of living organisms that live in the root zone and make nutrients available to the plants. Our friends at the soil lab take our soil samples (yes, I know, it’s a little weird to send dirt through the mail) an ..read more

People ask what effect the warm weather has on the apple trees—will they start to bud out in the middle of winter then die when cold weather returns?  The answer is, miraculously, no.  Apple trees have a “chilling requirement” that must be met before they break dormancy. Generally, the requirement is for a certain number of hours spent below the low 40 degrees threshold. Every variety is a bit different but 800 hours is a good rule of thumb. This normally protects the trees from budding out during a January thaw and, in a winter like we are having, our numerous warm spells. By someti ..read more

Our very last weekend of the season, we celebrate all things Christmas with sales on many items throughout our store! It’s the perfect time to stock up on your favorite apples, pies, crisps, gourmet foods and find the perfect hostess gift or stocking stuffer. Apples available include: First Kiss, Honeygold, Snowsweet, Haralson, Cortland, SweeTango, Honeycrisp, Fireside and Keepsake apples. All apples are discounted this weekend (10% or more) and are available while supplies last. Our bushel sale on Cortland and Prairie Spy ($44) and SweeTango 2nds ($50) continues while supplies last. Additiona ..read more

The last regular season is over; but its not the last day to get all your favorite apples, bakery and shop for gifts!  Come join us for a gentler season at the orchard! Apples will be available in the store while supplies last. We have a good supply many of your favorites as we begin the November season. If you’re looking for great eating apples, or apples for making pies and sauce, we’ve got you covered!  Apples currently available:  SweeTango, Honeycrisp, First Kiss, Haralson, SnowSweet, Fireside, Honeygold, Cortland, Keepsake and Prairie Spy apples.  To help you with you ..read more

As we continue to celebrate the 12 Days of Halloween (October 20 – 31); we have some sweet daily specials in store for you! The first three days of this event were super fun and the weather was an October bonus! Twelve Days of Halloween Specials! Day 4/Monday: 20% off all pies and crisps Day 5/Tuesday: Caramel apples @ $5 each; while supplies last Day 6/Wednesday: 20% off all apples Day 7/Thursday: 20% off all fall and halloween decor and gifts Day 8/Friday: 20% off all PVO sweatshirts and t-shirts Day 9/Saturday: Free pumpkin from the pumpkin patch with hayride purchase (weather permitt ..read more

This week has been just golden! Every day has been a perfect fall day and we’re looking forward to a beautiful weekend! This weekend we start our annual end of season special event: The 12 Days of Halloween. We’ve got lots of special activities planned and weekday specials! To start it all off – this Friday, October 20th we will have Spooky Story time featuring the book, Halloween at the Orchard, by Phyllis Alsdurf with readings at 11 am and 12:30 pm. Friday we will also have the food trailer open serving up apple cider donuts, slushees and hot cider. Finally on Friday, we will have hayrides g ..read more

October at the orchard means all the things you love about fall! Tree ripened Minnesota grown apples, colorful pumpkins, fall colors and hayrides!  Apple harvest is wrapping up early due to the warm temperatures pushing things along. It’s the best time of the season to visit the orchard! In the store we have First Kiss, SweeTango, Zestar!, Sweet16, Honeycrisp, Honeygold, Haralson, McIntosh, Cortland, Luscious and  Gourmet Pears. Coming soon: SnowSweet, Fireside, Prairie Spy and Keepsake. Pick-your-own this weekend will be on SnowSweet. They are a delicious sweet apple, very whit ..read more

As we transition from September to October, we also transition from apple season to pumpkin and apple season! That means hayrides and hayrides to the pumpkin patch! You can go on a traditional hayride through the orchard or have the option to hop off in the pumpkin patch, pick out your perfect pumpkin and hop back on the next hayride! Pay for your pumpkins upon your return from the hayride. Our express window works perfectly to expedite this experience!  Pick-your-own this weekend will be on Honeycrisp, SweeTango and Cortland, depending on availability and as determined by PVO. As a remin ..read more

The fall colors decided to arrive in the St. Croix Valley! It is certainly very beautiful driving through the valley and into the lovely communities here in the Chisago Lakes area.  This week we’ve started picking everyone’s all-time favorite! Honeycrisp and will have them in the store starting Saturday and will be offering pick-your-own on SweeTango, Honeycrisp and Cortland apples, while supplies last.  Apples currently available in the store are First Kiss, Zestar! SweeTango, Wealthy, Cortland, Chestnut Crab and Patten and Luscious Pears. If you’re looking to jump start your ..read more

October 16th & 17th is our first big event of the year! Anniversary Weekend! It’s always and exciting and dynamic time at the orchard. Hours for the weekend are 10 am to 6 pm; the vendor fair will run until 5 pm both days.  This event features a vendor fair; on the grounds and in the barn. Both Saturday and Sunday this year!  We have a wide array of vendors; food, artists and home goods. Music at the Orchard and hayrides begin this weekend too!  The food trailer will be serving up those luscious cider slushees, apple cider donuts and brats and hot dogs.  Pick ..read more