Smith Orchard

04/17/2026

Spring is here, and it’s time to give our apple trees a little boost! Fertilizing helps the trees grow strong, healthy, and ready to produce the best apples for you to enjoy. It’s one of those important behind-the-scenes tasks that keeps the orchard thriving all season long. Hard work now means sweeter, juicier apples later!

03/27/2026

DID YOU KNOW:
Apple trees go dormant primarily to conserve energy and protect their tissues from freezing temperatures. This dormancy is triggered by environmental cues such as shorter day lengths and cooler temperatures in autumn. The process involves a series of physiological changes, including the accumulation of chilling hours, which are the hours spent within a low, non-freezing temperature range. These hours are necessary for the tree to reset its hormonal balance and break its internal rest cycle, allowing it to resume normal growth in spring. Dormancy is a natural survival strategy that ensures the tree can withstand winter conditions and prepare for a productive growing season.

03/26/2026

Behind the Scenes at Smith Apple Orchard 🍎

It’s been a busy time in the orchard! Clearing the brush left behind from pruning our apple trees. Making sure every row is tidy and ready for the season ahead. Keeping the orchard clean helps the trees grow strong and healthy, and there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into it!

03/01/2026

Did you know there’s a lot of history behind Smith Apple Orchard?
Established in 1928 by Charlie Smith, the orchard is proud to be the first “pick-your-own” apple orchard in New Hampshire. Wende and Robert Richter purchased the orchard in 1986, expanding the property to 3,000 semi-dwarf trees before Robert’s passing in 2018. Today, Wende continues to run the orchard with her son, Chad — carrying on the tradition and welcoming the community each season.

02/17/2026

Greetings from the Richter family!
Over the next few months we will be sharing a look at the orchard — from its history, to blueberry picking, fresh apples, the barn stand, the tractors that help keep everything running, and yes… the amazing apple cider donuts we make right here!
There’s something special about spending time here, and we can’t wait to show you more of what makes this place so great. Stay tuned!

01/01/2026

Happy New Year, Apple Lovers — here’s to a sweet year ahead!

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family.

12/21/2025

Wishing you and your loved ones peace, warmth, and light in the darkest days of the Winter Solstice.
The Richter Family

11/01/2025