From a vision sparked in October 2010, Grim’s Orchard & Family Farms has blossomed into a premier pick-your-own destination in the Lehigh Valley. It all began when Josh, with an entrepreneurial spirit, envisioned expanding their Fall Festival and Corn Maze by introducing a pick-your-own apple orchard featuring dwarf apple trees. Within weeks, the ambitious plan was set in motion with an order of 3,800 trees and essential supplies for a Spring 2011 planting.
The groundwork started in December 2010 with the clearing of five acres of land, pushing through until the first snows of winter. By March, the land was prepped, ready for the installation of 2,200 feet of 8-foot high deer fencing – a crucial step to protect the future apple crops from wildlife damage. April saw the planting of 60 Sugar Maple and Red Sunset Maple trees around the orchard’s perimeter, a thoughtful addition to enhance the autumn scenery for visitors. As April drew to a close, the apple trees themselves were planted, each sapling carefully shielded with white protective sleeves around their trunks.
May was dedicated to constructing a robust 4-wire trellis support system. The young trees were meticulously tied to the first wire, and to ensure optimal growth, all early apple blossoms were removed in this initial year. June marked the installation of the irrigation system, vital for nurturing the growing orchard, alongside pruning and training the trees by carefully tying down their limbs. For the rest of that first year, patience was the key, as they watched their orchard take root and grow. A testament to nature’s resilience, a single missed blossom yielded one solitary apple in that inaugural year.
The year 2012 witnessed significant expansion as Grim’s Orchard & Family Farms grew to encompass 15 acres, now encircled by nearly a mile of deer fencing. An additional 3,000 apple trees were planted, further solidifying their commitment to creating a bountiful apple picking experience. Expansion continued in 2013, bringing the orchard to 26 acres, protected by over a mile and a quarter of deer fencing, and welcoming another 4,300 trees. The growth didn’t stop there; 2014 and 2015 saw the addition of 4,300 and 3,000 trees respectively. Year after year, the orchard expanded, now boasting over 30,000 dwarf apple trees trained on a trellis system, creating what can only be described as a breathtaking wall of apples. Today, Grim’s Orchard & Family Farms offers over 20 varieties of apples for pick-your-own enthusiasts in and around the Lehigh Valley.
Expanding beyond apples, 2013 marked the introduction of 2,500 Sweet and Sour Cherry trees, providing a delightful cherry picking season in June and July. To further enhance the pick-your-own farm experience, 30,000 strawberry plants were also introduced, offering sweet and juicy strawberries from late May through June.
Embracing change and variety, 2020 brought even more exciting additions to Grim’s Orchard & Family Farms. The farm diversified its pick-your-own offerings by planting potatoes, sweet potatoes, and a wide array of other vegetables, ensuring a diverse and enriching farm experience throughout the seasons. Whether you’re seeking crisp apples in the fall, sweet cherries in the summer, juicy strawberries in the spring, or fresh vegetables, Grim’s Orchard & Family Farms invites you to experience the joy of harvesting your own fresh produce in the heart of Lehigh Valley.
