Atoms to Apples, a certified organic orchard near Mt. Horeb is experiencing one of its best blossom years in recent memory, according to owner Rami Aburomia.
“This is the first year in maybe four years without any freeze during bloom,” said Aburomia. “Almost all the varieties have a good amount of flowers and blossoms.”
Aburomia currently manages about five acres, with trees at varying stages of maturity. “We’re producing around 2,000 to 2,500 bushels annually,” he said. Each bushel weighs about 40 pounds.
Before planting his first trees, Aburomia prepared the former pasture land with cover crops and soil improvements. “It had good soil, but it had been poorly managed,” he said. “We spent about a year and a half preparing it.”
Being located on hilly land has proven to be an advantage. “Cold air drains away during spring and fall,” Aburomia explained. “That helps reduce frost damage.”
The orchard is certified organic, which impacts how pests and weeds are managed. Instead of herbicides, Aburomia cultivates and mulches under the trees. While early spring was rainy, drier conditions have kept fungal diseases at bay. “We use drip irrigation and mulch to retain moisture,” said Aburomia. “In dry weeks, I keep the grass short and rotate the irrigation blocks.”
He noted that demand for organic apples remains strong. “I don’t have trouble selling them,” he said. “Conventional growers might face more challenges, especially with potential trade tariffs affecting larger producers.”
