Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Have questions about planning your perfect fall day at Scott’s Orchard? We’ve gathered our most frequently asked questions below to help you prepare for a fun, stress-free harvest experience!
Schedule & Timing
When does apple picking begin?
Our pick-your-own apple season officially kicks off on Labor Day every year and runs through the third Saturday in October.
Can you pick apples every day?
No, apple picking is available on select days to ensure optimal fruit availability. Our standard picking hours are:
- Thursday, Friday, & Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Special Holiday Hours: We are also open for picking from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Columbus Day and every day (Monday through Friday) during local Fall Break!
Tickets, Booking, & Pricing
Do I need a reservation or can I just show up?
While you can walk up, we highly recommend purchasing your tickets online ahead of time to guarantee your entry slot, as popular days do fill up quickly.
How does pricing work?
We keep our pricing straightforward with an entry fee + bag system:
- General Admission: $7.00 per person (school-age and up) is required to enter the orchard grounds for any reason.
- Picking Bags: Once inside, you can choose what size bag(s) you would like to fill. You can purchase as many or as few as you like!
- Half Peck Bag (holds ~12 apples): $8.00
- Full Peck Bag (holds ~24 apples): $14.00
Do you provide the picking bags/baskets?
Yes! We provide the designated bags for your harvest at the check-in station. Please do not bring your own bags or baskets into the picking fields.
Apple Varieties & Availability
What apple varieties do you have, and when are they ready?
We grow many different varieties that mature at different intervals throughout the autumn. Because Mother Nature runs on her own timeline, we cannot guarantee exactly what varieties will be available on the day you visit. However, if you are looking for Pink Lady apples, please note they are a late-season crop and are typically not ready until at least October.
Do you have pre-picked apples available?
Yes! If you are short on time or prefer not to head into the fields, just step inside our Farm Store. We keep it fully stocked with pre-picked bags of our freshest seasonal apple varieties ready to grab and go.
Can I pick apples up off the ground?
No. Under strict USDA food safety guidelines, once an apple touches the ground it can no longer be harvested or consumed. Please only pick fresh fruit directly from the branches!
What happens if I pick apples but decide I don’t want them?
To prevent food waste and honor the hard work of our growers, all apples that you or your children pick must be paid for before leaving.
Experiences & Farm Environment
Is a wagon ride included with apple picking?
Standard pick-your-own tickets do not include a wagon ride. However, we do host exclusive Operations Tours every Saturday of the pick-your-own season! These behind-the-scenes tours are $12.00 per person and depart promptly at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. They include a live packaging line demo, cold storage tour, and a scenic wagon ride through the trees!
Are the orchards stroller and wheelchair friendly?
Our main Farm Store is fully accessible via a ramp. You are more than welcome to bring strollers and wagons onto the farm grounds; however, please keep in mind that our trees are located in natural, unpaved grassy fields, which can be bumpy and difficult to navigate.
What should I wear?
Because we are a working, outdoor agricultural establishment, we highly recommend dressing for the weather and wearing sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes suitable for grass and uneven soil.
Weather, Refunds, & Growing Practices
What happens if it rains?
We operate rain or shine! The only time we close the orchard fields is if active lightning is present in the area. While we do not offer cash refunds for inclement weather, we are more than happy to help you reschedule your online tickets or issue you a credit toward a future visit.
Are your apples organic or sprayed?
Our apples are not part of a certified organic program. We utilize a Best Management / Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program and safely apply sprays strictly according to stringent agricultural guidelines only when necessary to protect our crops from specific diseases and pests.
Have a question not listed here?
Feel free to drop by our Farm Store, check our social media channels for real-time updates, or give us a call at (256) 828-4563!
FARM FRESH
Goodness
The Scott’s family represents the fine tradition of growing and selling the finest quality native fruits and goods.
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