Spring Has Sprung at Forest Lodge Orchard!

Spring has officially arrived here in Central Otago, and our orchard is buzzing with life as our cherry buds awaken from their winter rest. After a quiet season, we’ve shifted from the Tight Cluster Stage into the White Tip, where the first glimpses of blossoms begin to emerge. Over the next few weeks, these blossoms will fully bloom, setting the stage for pollination.

The Importance of Pollination

As our cherries prepare to bloom, we welcome nearly a million bees from Taylor's Pass Honey to our orchard. These bees are essential during the pollination phase, transferring pollen from blossom to blossom, ensuring the healthy development of our delicious cherries. Without these hard-working pollinators, there would be no cherries!

Frost Protection: A Critical Challenge

While spring is a time of growth, it also brings challenges—especially the threat of frost, which can be harmful to young buds. At Forest Lodge, we tackle the infamous Central Otago frosts with two key lines of defense:

Electric Frost Fighting Fans:

Our 30KW electric frost fans, imported from South Africa during the pandemic, have been a game-changer. These fans protect our delicate cherry buds when temperatures drop close to -2 or -1 degrees Celsius. The fans are equipped with software that allows us to run them automatically, giving us 24/7 protection during these cold spring nights.

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Micro Sprinklers:

As a secondary defense, we use micro sprinklers on particularly clear, cold nights when there’s no cloud cover to trap heat. The sprinklers cover the ground with water, which helps insulate it. Interestingly, when the water freezes, it releases latent heat, slightly raising the air temperature around the trees. This helps our frost fans work even more effectively!

Electric Frost Fighting - Cheaper & Greener?

Unlike traditional diesel-based frost-fighting methods, our system is 100% electric, meaning we don’t burn any fossil fuels. This is a win-win for both the environment and our wallet. Our shift to electric machinery, paired with solar and battery systems, has significantly reduced both our carbon footprint and energy costs.

Spring is an exciting and challenging time here at Forest Lodge Orchard, but thanks to our dedicated team, innovative technology, and a commitment to sustainability, we’re well on our way to growing another crop of delicious Central Otago cherries!

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