As the weather cools down and leaves turn shades of red and orange, it’s clear that fall has arrived. For many Ontario fruit and vegetable growers, this means it’s harvest time—the busiest and most exciting part of the year. Here’s a closer look at some of the widely grown fruits and vegetables that reach their peak during this season.

Apples

Apple picking is a fall staple. Whether you’re heading out to a pick-your-own apple orchard or simply enjoying a freshly picked apple at the grocery store, fall is the prime time for these delicious fruits. The harvest begins with early varieties like Paula Reds in late August and as the season progresses all the favourites like Ambrosia, Honeycrisp, Mcintosh and Gala become available.

Have you ever wondered how you can find great tasting local apples year-round? It’s all thanks to the incredible storage systems apple growers use that preserve the apples in ideal conditions. Check out one of our previous blogs where we break down how it works in detail.

Wine and table grapes

Fall is also grape harvest time. For wine grapes this season stretches from August through November, whereas table grapes have a much shorter harvest window. Growers work to monitor their crops, ensuring that each grape is picked at the peak of ripeness for optimal flavor and quality. This is also the perfect time to visit local wineries, which make for an excellent day trip. Ontario is full of several spectacular wine regions, including Niagara-on-the-Lake and Prince Edward County, where you can sample some of the region's finest wines.

Don’t forget about table grapes either. Keep an eye out for the delicious snack that are perfect for an afternoon picnic.

Potatoes

The potato harvest season can begin as early as July, depending on the variety and weather. Most often, it runs right through the fall, with September and October being the busiest months. The potato harvesting machines have a big responsibility – they need to dig the potatoes out of the ground and separate them from stems, dirt and rock, all without bruising the crop during the process. Much like apples, local potatoes benefit from a specialized storage system that allows them to be available almost year-round.

Carrots

In Ontario, the Holland Marsh, located about 50 km north of Toronto, is famous for its rich muck soil. This unique soil creates an ideal environment for growing carrots and other root vegetables. Despite its relatively small size – just over 7,000 acres – the marsh stands out as Ontario’s largest producer of carrots, onions, and other specialty crops, thanks to its exceptional soil. Like many other fruits and vegetables, carrot harvest begins in late summer and continues through the fall.

Pumpkins

And of course, no fall season is complete without a trip to the pumpkin patch. A tradition for so many families and friends looking to enjoy a sunny autumn day and the seasonal activities. Many pumpkin patches also offer fun things like corn mazes and tractor rides, making it a perfect outing before choosing your ideal pumpkin to carve or decorate.

As you pack away your summer clothes and bring out the hoodies, remember all the great fresh produce that the fall season has to offer. Whether you’re enjoying a nice apple pie, sipping a pumpkin-spiced late, or warming up a potato stew, it’s the perfect time of year to celebrate the harvest season.