Cherries will be the next major crop that comes to harvest in the Valley. Cherry harvest roughly follows the asparagus, starting in mid to late-June and continuing into July. Two popular varieties are Bings and Rainiers. A famous Washington native got his nickname from the cherries--you know Harry Lillis Crosby as "Bing".
Weather in June is crucial to the success of the cherry crop. Heavy rains swell the ripening fruit and cause it to split. The wind machines used in the spring to heat the orchards are sometimes used to blow dry the fruit to prevent this from happening. Bright silvery streamers are sometimes hung in the trees to deter birds. Another method of scaring off the birds is a noise cannon.
3 comments:
I envy you the cherries, we get too few here.
I found your blog through the City Daily site. Since I grew up in Selah in an apple/pear/cherry orchard I always enjoy your entries and stories. I remember my parents getting up in the middle of the night to light smudge pots. Later my dad built a wind tower which was powered by a tractor. Thanks!
Ah, I was supposed to see these this April but didn't make it. :-(
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