FAQs

Can we come to Carter Mountain at other times?
Carter Mountain Orchard is a working farm, and is not open to the public other than during our posted public dates and hours.

When do apples (nectarines, peaches, etc) get ripe?
Please see our Fruit Availability Chart for general ripening dates.  Remember that ripening dates can vary due to weather; please call or check What’s Ripe Now for current information.

We want to pick our own – what do we do when we get there?
Great!  Come on inside the barn and we will get you started.  Bring bags or baskets from home if you have them; otherwise, we will have bags available.  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 barn – we will weigh it and charge you accordingly.  Please pick only what you intend to pay for.

Can we bring our dog with us?
We welcome pets, on leashes, in the orchard.  Please, no pets inside the barn.

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.

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 Chiles Peach Orchard in Crozet?
Both Carter Mountain and Chiles Peach Orchard are owned and operated by the Chiles Family.  You can pick strawberries, sweet cherries, peaches, apples, and pumpkins at Chiles Peach Orchard. Visit the Chiles Peach Orchard website 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.  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.  New trees must be planted in the late winter and early spring.  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!