April is a magical time at Alstede Farms as the farm awakens from winter and the first spring blossoms begin appearing across the orchards. As the days grow warmer, acres of fruit trees burst into bloom, creating one of the most beautiful times of year to visit a New Jersey farm.
Throughout April and early May, guests visiting the farm may see the orchards transform with colorful blossoms that signal the start of a new growing season.
Orchard Blossom Season on the Farm
Our orchards feature thousands of fruit trees, and each variety begins blooming in its own time throughout the spring.
Visitors may notice:
- Peach trees with delicate pink blossoms
- Apricot and plum trees bursting with soft white blossoms
- Apple trees blooming with white petals and soft pink centers
- Cherry trees dazzling with clusters of pale pink to vibrant pink flowers
During blossom season, the landscape becomes a breathtaking display of spring colors, fragrance, and the promise of the harvest ahead.
Berry Blossoms Signal the Start of Strawberry Season
Spring also brings the first signs of our berry crops beginning to grow.
- Strawberry plants produce small white blossoms with bright yellow centers. These blossoms eventually become the strawberries guests love to pick each year.
- Our bramble crops, including raspberries and blackberries, develop clusters of white to pale pink blossoms that will later turn into sweet summer berries.
These blossoms are an early preview of one of the most anticipated farm activities of the year: Pick Your Own fruit season.
Spring Farm Events and Mother’s Day at the Farm
Guests visiting the farm around Mother’s Day may be lucky enough to see the orchards in bloom while attending our popular Mother’s Day Brunch on the Farm. Blossom timing varies each year depending on weather conditions.
Spring blossoms are delicate and follow nature’s schedule. Wind and rain can sometimes shorten the bloom period, but as the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” These spring rains are essential for a healthy growing season.
Our Springtime & Easter Family Festival recently wrapped up, marking the official start of the farm’s busy spring season. As the season continues, guests can look forward to upcoming celebrations including:
- Mother’s Day Brunch
- Father’s Day Brunch
- Seasonal farm events and family activities
You can explore upcoming events by visiting our Farm Events Calendar:
https://www.alstedefarms.com/farm-events-calendar/
Pick Your Own Season Begins Soon
Spring also marks the beginning of Pick Your Own fruit season in New Jersey.
The first crop of the season is typically strawberries, which are usually ready toward the end of May depending on weather conditions.
From there, the harvest continues through the seasons:
- Strawberries in late spring
- Blueberries and summer fruits
- Peaches and sweet corn in summer
- Apples and pumpkins in fall
Pick Your Own season at the farm often continues through November, offering families many opportunities to harvest fresh fruits and vegetables directly from the fields.
See the full Pick Your Own Harvest Schedule here:
https://www.alstedefarms.com/pick-your-own-harvest-schedule/
Behind the Scenes: Preparing the Orchards for Spring
Blossom season may look effortless, but it is the result of months of work by our farm team.
Long before the blossoms appear, farmers spend the winter pruning fruit trees while they are dormant. Pruning helps:
- Shape the trees for healthy growth
- Remove damaged or overcrowded branches
- Improve sunlight and airflow in the canopy
- Encourage stronger fruit production later in the season
This essential orchard care ensures the trees remain healthy and productive for years to come.
Spring Farming Work Across the Farm
Springtime on the farm goes far beyond the orchards. During April, farmers are busy preparing for the growing season by:
- Planting early crops in greenhouses and high tunnels
- Preparing fields for planting
- Maintaining tractors and farm equipment
- Planning for the busy harvest months ahead
Each step helps ensure the farm can produce the fresh fruits and vegetables guests enjoy throughout the year.
Planting for the Future of the Farm
This year, we are also investing in the future of the farm with several new plantings.
To expand our orchards and continue growing fresh fruit for visitors, we have planted:
- A new grove of pear trees
- 300 new apple trees
- Three acres of Christmas trees
The Christmas trees will grow for several years before they are ready for families to enjoy as part of our holiday traditions on the farm.
A New Growing Season Begins
As April unfolds, blossom season reminds us that a new farming year has officially begun. The orchards are coming to life, the fields are filling with activity, and the excitement of another harvest season is just beginning.
From spring blossoms to summer fruit picking and fall harvest festivals, there is always something new to experience at the farm.
We look forward to welcoming you throughout the season.
