We are pleased to introduce the first in a series of reflections from Annabel Kauffman, an MCA volunteer, high school student and Ag Reserve resident. Learn more about her on our Staff and Volunteer Page. We are always looking for reflections for our site - drop us a line - [email protected]
“It is a rewarding experience to work on my orchard, knowing that I am continuing a family legacy that started almost 100 years ago.” Gene Kingsbury
Faithful Pooch Maggie at the Orchard.
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Kingsbury’s Orchard has been a family owned farm since 1907. I talked to fifth generation farmer Gene Kingsbury about his land and crops. In the beginning Gene’s family used the 132 acres for mostly dairy farming, with only a few peach trees. In 1930 his great grandfather, Phil Horine, stepped away from the dairy business and started in the peach orchard business. Gene says his inspiration comes from memories of his grandfather working on their farm. Now Kingsbury’s Orchard uses about 55 acres to grow 50 varieties of peaches, 20 varieties of apples, as well as apricots, pears, sweet cherries, and other fruit trees.
Gene has also been called "The Poet Laureate of Peach Tree Road." Read his poems "This Peach" and "Timothy Time" |
Kingsbury’s farm keeps Gene busy as there is work to do for every month, commenting that “orchard work is a year round job.” Pruning goes on throughout the winter months, followed by the planting, fertilizing and thinning seasons. Harvest begins in mid-June starting with sweet cherries, followed by apricots and peaches, and the first peaches ripen in late June and last through September 15th. The apples begin in early August and end in early November. Finally pears begin to ripen in mid-August and last through the end of September. Kingsbury's Orchard uses a specialized integrated pest management plan that has targeted pesticides which reduces the chemicals used on the farm.
During the past year weather has been a challenging factor for the farm. “Our record rainfall last year made it extremely difficult to grow and harvest good quality fruit.” This record rainfall is likely a result of the continuing climate change which also creates other difficulties such as spring frost damage, hail, drought, and fruit sunburn from excessive heat. Despite those obstacles Kingsbury Orchard still finds a way to produce, selling 75% of their crops through a retail market on site and the other 25% through local stores such as Giant and Whole Foods.
Gene is very appreciative of the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve, stating that “Kingsbury’s Orchard would not be in business without the help of the Agricultural Reserve, it keeps the land safe and benefits the county's urban areas.” To view harvest schedules, and when to visit the farm please check out the the Kingsbury’s Orchard.
