CHERRY NUMBERS DOWN THIS SUMMER BECAUSE OF THE WINTERY WEATHER EXPERIENCED
The cold and wet start to spring has not been kind to cherry growers. Early cherries were split, sometimes even shredded by the violent, almost tropical deluges - and they hadn’t even began to colour up. The cold weather delayed the ripening and growth process. Some cherries just gave up and dropped from the tree before they showed any sign of becoming ripe!
As the ripening of our late varieties of cherries approaches, we are hoping the rain will not return to wreak havoc on them. they are looking fantastic as they start to turn to a deep red/black colour. Cherries everywhere will be in great demand this year due to the fact that they are in short supply so get along to the markets early so you don’t miss out.
Like last year, the humid weather has brought out lots of garden bugs and the weeds have really taken off,… and those giant mozzies make picking fruit a real health hazzard.
However, the berries have enjoyed the cooler weather, especially the cold nights. We have large plump Brambleberries, Loganberries and Tayberries ready for late November - early December. Then there will be Boysenberries, followed finally as Christmas approaches - Marionberries and Waldoberries.
Remember all berries freeze well, so if you want to be sure of having a particiular variety of berries on your Christmas pavlova or trifle, you can always purchase them in advance and freeze them so you won’t be caught without them for Christmas.
Saturday 3rd December- MOUNT BEAUTY COMMUNITY MARKET: Hydro Park 9.00am - 1.00pm
Saturday 10th December- WANGARATTA FARMERS MARKET Holy Trinity Cathedral Grounds, 8.00am - 12.00 noon
Saturday 17th December: -MANSFIELD FARMERS MARKET: High Street Median Strip 9,00am - 1.00pm