Visit to Hill Farm Orchard

On Thursday the 7th of May 2015, the MiniHorts of Wicor Primary School visited Hill Farm Orchards, who produce apple juice (http://www.hillfarmorchards.co.uk/ ). When we got there, we met two ladies named Davina and Jo who tend the fruit trees. MiniHorts went inside their office and tried some of their apple juice that had just been pressed and had no added sugar. After that, Davina showed us round the apple orchard which had lots of different varieties like Spartan and Gala, you might recognise these in the supermarket. Sadly Davina had to go, so Jo took over, and showed us the rest of the apple orchard.

Jo took us to see the newly planted trees, that was only planted a week ago. The MiniHorts had to tie an apple tree and the post together so they will grow straight and strong. Finally it was lunchtime and we got to try more of the apple juice. Jo explained to us that the first class apple was sent to the supermarket as a premium apple and the second class apple is made for apple juice.

Jo took us into a giant fridge where they kept all the apples. In one of the fridges which the MiniHorts went in,  the temperature was 3 degrees Celsius and the apples smelt like perfume. Near the end of the trip, Jo showed us the equipment they use to pick apples from the trees. She also donated a Braeburn apple tree which we must look after and which we will plant up at the next MiniHorts planting. Here is the method to care for your apple trees:

First you water your apple tree and make sure it is in a sunny position.

Prune the branches.  (prune means to cut)

Next you pick the apples off your tree.

Finally you get to eat your delicious apples.

Sadly, it was the end of the trip and MiniHorts had to go back to Wicor. We enjoyed this trip very much. We thank Davina and Jo for giving us our own Braeburn apple tree, all the MiniHorts are excited and can't wait to get gardening!

During this trip we learnt the hail stones can damage the leaves and destroy the apples. We also learnt that the process of the apple is bud, blossom and then apple.

By Lily and Amelia Year 6