Our journey at Cherrywood Orchard began in 2021, when we dove headfirst into the world of cherry growing with little prior experience. That first year was a whirlwind of discovery as we navigated the challenges of orchard life without a roadmap. Thankfully, our neighbors and fellow cherry growers welcomed us into the community, generously sharing their wisdom on everything from pruning techniques to spraying routines and harvest timing. We picked up valuable insights with each conversation that helped us refine our approach.
One of our early goals was to adopt more regenerative practices, which set us on a slightly different path from many nearby growers. We’re proud to have eliminated herbicides entirely, focusing instead on alternative methods to maintain the orchard. While this shift was positive for the orchard, it also introduced new challenges in managing the grass and plants growing under the trees. After some trial and error, we found that our cover crop and regular weed whacking worked well to keep these growths in check.
To nurture the orchard from the ground up, we take soil samples to understand its health and nutrient levels. Partnering with Westland Seed in Ronan, we developed a custom blend of amendments tailored to meet the orchard’s specific needs. Westland Seed also crafted a cover crop mix for us, which we sowed alongside locally sourced compost from Dirt Rich in Columbia Falls. Over the past two years, these efforts have paid off, and the nutrient levels in our soil are now hitting the benchmarks we aimed for.
As each season passes, we continue to learn and adapt. Montana’s unpredictable weather brings unique challenges, from wildfire smoke and hailstorms to late winter freezes and early spring frosts. As we enter our fourth season at Cherrywood Orchard, we’re proud of our progress and excited for what lies ahead. Originally from Illinois, our family now divides our time between Illinois and Montana, fully embracing the vibrant life and landscape that make Flathead Lake so special.
