January Rains Bring February Flowers?

A few weeks ago, Jake and i were out trimming some of our Pristine and Zestar! trees when a couple of our lady friends buzzed by us.  One stopped and buzzed around us, seemingly checking out us and our work.  While we stood looking at her, i wondered:  are you not happy with our work?  and, why are you out of the hive?  It was early January, and i couldn't help but be reminded of our last season's apple crop (or should i write, the lack thereof?).

Even today, we stopped trimming early to get out of the rain.  January rains!?

We just have about 100 trees left to trim, some Gold Rush and Candy Crisp; and, another season of trimming will be completed.  The brush needs to be stacked and burned, and the Orchard treated with some urea.  Then, Winter's and Early Spring's work with the trees will be close to completed! 

So, keep your fingers crossed for more cold weather as it would be nice to have some fruit and fewer bugs this year.

bee hives in winter 2010

trimming a pristine apple tree