Our philosophy is based on an elemental idea of organics: Healthy soil produces healthy plants that create healthy people. Our farm is a place that welcomes all living organisms. Therefore, we use no substances that are toxic or that kill. Pest control is achieved via the use of biodynamic techniques. We also hand-remove pests when possible and practice good husbandry by pruning and mowing.
Our next step is to work with the microorganisms in our soil in a more conscientious and direct way using soil amendments. Our desire is to have a complete and healthy biosphere.
Sewall's Orchard is located in Lincolnville, Maine on the south side of Levensellar Mountain at an elevation of 250-500 feet above sea level. The top of our blueberry field rises high above the orchard and looks out over the Camden Hills State Park and parts of Penobscot Bay to the southeast, and Acadia National Park hard to the east. The vista from the top also includes Coleman, Pitcher, Norton and Knight's Ponds and Megunticook Lake.
Ours is the oldest organically certified orchard in the state of Maine. Before we planted our trees in 1980, we spent two years preparing the soil using the Rodale method. We have 550 trees on standard and semi-dwarf root stock, the majority of which came from Stark Brothers in Missouri. The rest are heirloom varieties from various parts of New England.
In September of each year, workers are needed to pick apples and press cider. Our workers usually hear about us by word of mouth, and come and camp out on the land for the fall months. Requirements are an ability to work hard, flexibility, and a love of the outdoors. Besides picking apples and pressing and bottling cider, our workers interact with customers, lead tours of the orchard, take orders and sell at the farm, and sometimes deliver cider and apples to the stores that carry our products.
Sewall Orchard reviews
Login to comment