A. Yes, for the consistent quality of the fruit we follow a strict Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Integrated pest management is an effective, environmentally friendly approach to pest management that relies on a combination of commonsense practices.

The main goal of IPM is to reduce the need of spraying for safety, environmental and economical reasons. IPM consists of multiple steps of pest control. IPM starts with preventative measures like the removal of diseased plants/trees and setting thresholds or acceptable pest levels.

With observation from our IPM agent, help from UMaine Extension and the use of pest traps we can monitor and indentify pests. Promoting beneficial insects will help reduce targeted insect levels. Other mechanical and biological controls can be used prior to the use of spraying. We use a combination of organic and synthetic pesticides and all are biodegradable.

The US EPA defines IMP: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

The IPM approach can be applied to both agricultural and non-agricultural settings, such as the home, garden, and workplace. IPM takes advantage of all appropriate pest management options including, but not limited to, the judicious use of pesticides. In contrast, organic food production applies many of the same concepts as IPM but limits the use of pesticides to those that are produced from natural sources, as opposed to synthetic chemicals.

www.epa.gov/opp00001/factsheets/ipm.htm

http://www.umaine.edu/ipm/

A. We are open 8am-5pm Daily (in season) expect for days we are closed for ripening or inclement weather. Please check the Open Status page or call before you venture out.

A. There is No Admission charges and no cost for parking. Fruit is sold by the pound, no minimum or maximum amount.

Pick-Your-Own Blueberry prices are:
$2.75/lb for Less than 20lbs picked
$2.25/lb for over 20lbs picked (Per Household).
 

Pick-Your-Own Raspberries are $4.00/lb.

Pick-Your-Own Apple prices are:
Summer Apples (Crab Apples, Paula Red's, Zestar! and Ginger Gold) $1.50/lb
Fall Apples (Macs, Cortland, Honey Crisp, Macoun, Gold Delicious,etc) $0.85/lb

A. Cash or Check. We also have an ATM for your convenience.

A. Yes! We offer educational tours for all ages and group sizes. All types of tours are welcome including Senior Groups, Bus Tours etc. We are also available (November-April) for at school presentations. Please call for more information and reservations.

A. We are sorry to say we can not allow pets in the fields due to safety and insurance reasons. This does not apply to assistance dogs.

A. No, you do not have to. You are welcome to bring your own container which we will mark for the weight (that way you will not be charged the weight of the container). We have an excellent container for the purchase of a $1.00 that will hold any amount to 12lbs.

A. All our fruit is sold by the pound.

A. Maine weather can change quickly and is unpredictable. It is good to come prepared i.e.. jacket, sweatshirt, hat, shorts, raingear sunscreen, bug spray etc. Cold beverages are available for purchase. Don't forget to pack a lunch, we have picnic tables for to enjoy your lunch.

A. We have a Full handicap accessible Restroom with hot and cold running water (not an out house!). Our check in/out building is also heated for those cold fall apple picking days.

A. We currently have 9 varieties/9,500 Blueberry plants and are planting more each year. We also have 15 varieties/1,800 Apple Trees and 3 varieties of Peaches. Since 2010 we have been planting Raspberries. We have 6 varieties/1,000 Raspberry plants and we are planting more next year. In total we have about 40 acres in production each year.

A. YES, within 1/2 mile of our farm on Sawyer Mt Rd. there is a new parking lot and trail to the summit. This new trail connects to the exciting trail and parking lot located on RT. 117 Maps will be available at our farm. For more information on Sawyer Mt. visit Francis Small Heritage Trust, Inc.

A. No, I am sorry we do not grow strawberries. However we recommend visiting Doles Orchard, they have pick your own strawberries in season. Doles is located in Limington, 6 miles away from us.