This Charming Apple Orchard In Delaware Is Picture Perfect For A Fall Day
Kim Magaraci
Author
Fifer Orchards in Camden-Wyoming has been a working farm for over 100 years. The founder, Charles Frederick Fifer, moved his family to Kent County in 1919, seeking fertile ground to grow his fruit and vegetable crops. It turned into so much more than a simple apple orchard in Delaware.
Delaware’s sandy, well-draining soil and moderate climate make for a great growing season for a variety of crops, including peaches, pears, grapes, apples, tomatoes, potatoes, sweet corn, lima beans, asparagus, strawberries, and much more.
When Charles first founded Fifer Orchards, Delaware was in the midst of a devastating peach “yellows” plague that threatened farmers in the top peach-growing state. Many farms never recovered from the disease’s devastation, and that marked the beginning of a decline in Delaware agriculture. The railroads saved the day, and demand for canning fruits and vegetables revived the industry. By the 1950s, interstate trucking took over, and southern states began to reign supreme when it came to fruits and vegetables. Most Delaware fruit and vegetable farmers began to switch over to crops and of course, poultry.
Through all of these years, though Fifer Orchards has continued to be an important farm in Kent County, where locals could pick their own fruits and vegetables all season. Fifer Orchards still produce a variety of crops, such as asparagus, strawberries, tomatoes, blueberries, apples, peaches, nectarines, plums, heirloom varieties, apples, pumpkins, and more. Almost every one of these is open for pick-your-own.
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Here are a few tips when visiting Fifer Orchards in this video from Fifer's Farm Store & Kitchen:
There are so many great farms that have existed in this state and many that still do. It really isn’t hard to find a great apple orchard in Delaware.
Are you planning to go apple picking in Delaware this fall? If you enjoy the First State’s agricultural history, you will fall in love with these 21 beautiful old barns in Delaware. Why not rent an RV and go on a barn-hunting road trip?
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More to Explore
Go apple picking in Delaware
What are some U-pick farms in Delaware?
Delaware has a rich farming history and has been offering U-pick fruits and vegetables for over one hundred years! Here are a few U-pick farms in Delaware for you to grab your own delicious goodies and fresh flowers:
- Magee Farms, Selbyville and Lewes, DE: This U-pick farm in Delaware has been operating since 1865! They specialize in strawberries but have plenty more farm-fresh goodies to share. In the fall and winter, you can stop by for pumpkins and Christmas trees respectively. You'll also find them at local farmer's markets selling produce like broccoli, cucumbers, onions, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, squash, zucchini, sweet corn, tomatoes, watermelon, and more.
- Fifer's Orchard, Camden Wyoming, DE: We highlighted Fifer's above for its apple orchard, but its U-pick flowers are another big attraction. Add a burst of color to your table with fresh sunflowers and zinnias in the summertime.
- Bennett Orchards, Frankford, DE: Another place to get apples in Delaware is at Bennett's. It is another farm that has been in business since the 1850s, which is an incredible feat. Besides apples, they have award-winning peaches and big juicy blueberries that you can pick and pop - into your mouth.
- Parsons Farms Produce, Dagsboro, DE: Parsons Farms has a 200-acre farm filled with goats. And while you can't "pick your own" goat, you can pick your own blueberries. While you are there you can grab all sorts of goodies including corn, pumpkins, and lots of other produce.
If you are looking for more fun farm experiences from U-pick fruits and vegetables to flowers and dairy farms, check out this list of some of the best farms in Delaware for a day trip.