Here at the Lavender Apple Farm, we have a lovely apple orchard. It was actually planted over six generations ago by our family founders here in Cache Valley. Many of the varieties of apples we grow here are actually vintage and have a much greater depth of flavor. We often get asked for tips in how to care for apple trees. Here are a few tips for caring for your apple trees in spring. 

Apple trees needs to be planted in a place where they will receive enough sunlight to grow, make sure they are not being shaded by other trees or buildings throughout the day. These trees will need about 6-8 hours of sunlight minimum per day. The spot should also have adequate drainage so the apple tree will not absorb too much water. In fact, if an apple tree's roots take in more water than it needs there's a chance the tree will not survive. Our orchard actually rests on a slight incline, which has served us well. 

Pruning is also an important part of caring for an apple tree, this process takes place in the spring. You need to remove any dead branches you see, and also anything cracked or broken. Also make sure you give each branch enough room that its not crowding out the other branches. You need to picture full grown apples hanging from each branch, would they receive sunlight? Try to make sure your cuts are made cleanly with sharp tools. If your cuts aren't sharp, the water may not drain off of your branch properly. You will also want to prune any branches that are growing in a downward direction. 

Here at the Lavender Apple Farm, we grow red delicious, gala, golden delicious, and many other types of apples. We are really looking forward to mid spring when the trees will begin to blossom with pink and white buds. Check back here on the blog in a few weeks and we will share our tips about tree training and even a few harvest tips. 

Have a great day! And don't forget, an apple a day keeps the doctor away! 

We have so many new blog readers here at the Lavender Apple. Welcome! To both old and new friends. I thought I should post a formal introduction to you all about the Lavender Apple. 

A lavender farm has been a dream of mine for many years. After living in France for many years, along with time spent in Provence, my interest in lavender grew. My husband's family had a farm, we decided to move onto the farm full time in 2007 and I made growing lavender a priority. We have two large lavender fields now and grow multiple varieties. We also inherited over 80 apple trees, many of which are delicious vintage varieties.  Starting with little or no knowledge on growing lavender, I began research and travel and found a wealth of knowledge in Washington’s Dungeness valley.  My big question was, “Would lavender grow in the harsh high mountain climate of Cache Valley, Utah?” Well, as in most things, you won’t know until you try.  So we planted 400 plants and they grew! Learning from trial and error and lots of experimentation The Lavender Apple is now a local favorite. Utah lavender has a scent all it’s own.  Our natural tree lined fields, with rocky gravel soil has added to our success - Yes, lavender loves poor soil.  We now have over 1000 plants!

So our journey has begun. We only wish we would have started a little earlier in life when we were younger.  Growing anything is all hand work and that includes lavender.  But with help from some hard working family, friends, and employees, it all gets done.  It’s been fun developing new products and dreaming up Lavender filled recipes.  In fact, I have so many ideas there isn’t enough time in the day to do it all.  In the future we hope to have a Lavender festival, but in the meantime we love visitors so just call and let us know you are coming.  Lavender is at the height of its growing season from July to August.  If you drop by don’t be surprised if we put you to work.  Thanks to all our wonderful customers who have loved our products and encouraged us to keep on going.

All the best, 

Peggy