Stewards of the Land

Proud to be an IPM Grower!

Since 1961, the Black family has been a proud steward of the gentle, rolling, fertile land of the Catoctin Mountains. For over 60 years, we have grown high quality fruits, berries and vegetables using a variety of “Integrated Pest Management” (IPM) methods. 

Catoctin Mountain Orchard makes the hills of Thurmont Maryland even more beautiful with miles of fruit trees that they grow and maintain, the rows of flowers in fields surrounding their buildings and the rest of the land that make up their orchards. When you visit, you can expect to see a plethora of fruits, vegetables, crafts, jarred goods, pies, breads and other homemade and natural goods.

Michael M.

What is IPM?

An approach to managing pests (which can be insects, disease, or weeds!) using a combination of biological, chemical, and cultural methods supported by weather prediction data, pest development models, and scouting information taken directly from the orchard.

How do we implement IPM on our farm?

Below are common examples of each of the three categories of IPM.

Biological

By installing mating disruption ties on trees we are able to “confuse” the males and never let them find a mate. This helps limit the number of future generations of insects and greatly reduces the use of pesticides. We also use “good bugs” (e.g. Lady Bugs & Green Lacewings) to work against “bad bugs” (e.g. Aphids, Stink Bugs & Mites). We let Lady Bugs thrive to do what they do best: eat Aphids!

Cultural

Proper pruning, training techniques, and keeping our orchard mowed and weed-free, we limit the pests breeding areas and reduce their chances of survival. By increasing the amount of organic matter in the soil, this helps to create an environment for good insects and organisms to help maintain a good healthy orchard.

Chemical

With constant research and more advanced chemistries available to us, we can use “softer,” less toxic products that specifically target the pest organisms instead of killing all the good insects in an orchard.

What About Organic? 
What’s The Difference?

Just like IPM practices, organic production methods are evolving. Many of the IPM practices used on our farm are accepted as organic. Unlike organic practices, growers who responsibly use IPM make optimum use of the many management practices mentioned previously.  Many IPM sprays do not qualify for use by organic standards. However, organic producers frequently use high rates of other sprays to try to control the same pests IPM growers control with their integrated approach. 
“Organic production” is very popular in today’s marketplace, but it is not necessarily a safer, healthier, or more environmentally friendly method of fruit production. Regardless, the U.S. produce you eat is grown in a safer, more environmentally friendly manner than anywhere else in the world – and supporting your local grower will keep it that way!
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Guidelines for Pick-Your-Own Fruit

  1. You must purchase your Pick Your Own bags at the check-in building located above the market on your way to the playground. You will see apple signs on the building indicating the check in for pick your own apples.
  2. Park your strollers and leave your pets, containers, bags, backpacks, coolers & blankets at home or in your car. These items are prohibited inside the orchard.
  3. You must take the wagon ride to and from the field. The wagons run continuously. There is an entrance fee of $3 per person to enter the u-pick apple field. Wagon ride is included. 
  4. All Apples picked must fit inside the bag you purchased. You cannot carry any apples out of the orchard. If you do, you will have to buy an additional Bag for them.
  5. Before leaving home, please check back on this page or call 301-271-2737
  6. Call for picking availability and hours depending on weather conditions. Catoctin reserves the right to close the Apple Orchard due to inclement weather that may include heavy rain, thunder, lightning and/or severe winds without advanced notice in order to protect our customers and employees.
  7. No picnicking in the orchard. Picnic tables are located at the playground.
  8. No walking in the orchard. We have moving tractors and other large machinery at work.
  9. No pets in the orchard.
  10. If you drop an apple or an apple falls off the tree while picking, we kindly ask you to pick it up to ensure no apple goes to waste. Thank You.
  11. Cash Only. All sales final, no refunds.