As autumn embraces our orchards, there's a gentle shift in pace at Chinchiolo Farming, Inc. But even as we savor this slower season, preparations for the new year are already underway. Our Lodi Blooms 🍒 cherry orchard stands at a critical juncture, facing the dual threats of bacterial infections and frost damage as winter's chill sets in. It's a little-known fact that only a fraction of cherry buds flourish into fruit, making early protection crucial. This is not just for the buds' sake but for the promise of a lush cherry harvest. Dive deeper into our strategies and the nature's challenges we face in our recent Fox 40 interview 🎥.
We're also keeping a keen eye on chill unit accumulation, strategizing the best time to awaken our cherry trees from their winter slumber – likely towards the end of January or the start of February. Another key player in this seasonal symphony is rainfall, or rather, the lack of it. Adequate hydration is essential as we approach freezing temperatures. Without sufficient rain, we might need to start our irrigation pumps to ensure our cherry trees are well-prepared for the cold.
The walnut orchards are not left behind in this winter preparation. Hydration remains a top priority here as well. A well-hydrated walnut tree, fully acclimated to winter conditions, can resiliently withstand the cold. However, a dry tree is vulnerable. We're considering firing up our irrigation systems in the walnut orchards too, ensuring our trees are robust enough to weather the winter.