Frequently Asked Questions
When are you open?
2010 Hours of Operation
May 7th – October 31st
Open Monday – Saturday 9-6
Sunday 10-5
November 1 – November 28th
Open daily 10-5 (CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY)
LAST DAY OF SEASON is November 28th, 2010
When do peaches (strawberries, nectarines, apples, pumpkins, etc) get ripe?
Please see our Fruit Availability Chart for general ripening dates. Remember that ripening dates can vary due to weather; please visit Today at the Orchard for latest updates.
We want to pick our own – what do we do when we get there?
Great! Come on inside the market and we will get you started. Bring a container from home if you have one; otherwise, we will have containers available for sale. We will let you know what is ripe, how to pick it, and where to pick! Please only pick in the designated areas. When you finish picking, bring your fruit back to the market – we will weigh it and charge you accordingly. Please pick only what you intend to pay for.
Can I just pick any fruit I see?
Not all varieties are ripe at the same time. We carefully monitor the orchards and only open for picking the areas that have ripe fruit. Our staff will direct you to the current picking areas – please respect our property and stay in these areas.
Can we bring our dog with us?
Only very well-mannered pets, on leashes, are allowed at Chiles Peach Orchard. You must clean up after your pets (yes, even in the orchard – please be respectful of our other customers). Please, no pets inside the market, or in the strawberry and pumpkin patches.
Can we taste the fruit in the orchard?
We don’t mind if you sample the fruit in the orchard; however, we ask that you not be wasteful.
Can I smoke while at the orchard?
Chiles Peach Orchard is a non-smoking farm. Please do not smoke anywhere on our property.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept VISA, MasterCard, personal checks (with proper ID), and good ole cash.
What is the difference between a clingstone and a freestone peach?
Peaches and nectarines are either cling-stone (which means the fruit does not come away from the seed easily), semi-cling-stone (which means that some of the fruit will come away from the seed), or free-stone (which means the seed breaks away easily from the fruit). Generally, the earlier varieties are cling-stone. Many people like to use cling-stone peaches for pickling. For canning and freezing, most people prefer free-stone fruit, as it is much easier to work with. By late July and into August, all the varieties will be free-stone.
What is the best apple to use for a pie (or applesauce, or salad, etc)?
Please click here for our Apple Use Chart.
Can I freeze cider?
Cider freezes beautifully – just open the container, let about 1 cup out (to make room for expansion), re-cap, and put in the freezer. It will taste just the same when you bring it out to thaw! Stock up so you will have plenty for the holidays and the winter ahead.
What is your connection with Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville?
Both Carter Mountain Orchard and Chiles Peach Orchard are owned and operated by the Chiles Family. You can pick peaches and apples at Carter Mountain, as well as enjoy the spectacular 40-mile view! Click here to learn more!
What do you do in the winter? Go to Hawaii??
Doesn’t that sound great? However, there is much to be done in the orchard in the non-harvest season! Each and every tree must be pruned for maximum production and tree performance. This process begins immediately after harvest and takes 3-4 months to complete. We also repair equipment and buildings. New trees must be planted in the late winter and early spring. Once the fruit starts blooming, we carefully monitor the weather – if the forecast is for below-freezing temperatures, we must use frost-prevention methods. We will be up all night checking temperatures, running wind machines, using overhead irrigation, and many other procedures to protect our crop as best we can. After bloom, the trees must be thinned (mostly done by hand) so that the fruit will be of good size. Finally, there are several conferences and meetings to attend, so that we stay current in the latest technology and industry trends. And before you know it, it’s harvest time again!
