Meet Michael Simon

Welcome to Applecart Fruits

Michael Simon has been working in orchards in the Tonasket area since 1972. He determined to take on ownership of an orchard in 1978, buying a beautiful spot along the Okanogan River. The closeness to the river created an awareness that he needed to protect the environment. He moved five acres of his trees into organic production in 1999, and is on schedule to have his entire orchard organic certified in 2007.

Products Available

Apples, apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, and dehydrated apple chips.

Growing Philosophy

“Being on the river, I’ve always been aware and concerned about my orchard’s impact on the environment. I started out by reducing and then eliminating organophosphates, and using integrated pest management strategies to reduce impacts. Now I’m convinced that organic is the way to go.”

-- Michael Simon

General Management and Conservation

Michael draws upon the expertise of a number of resources to improve his knowledge and implementation of progressive stewardship practices. These resources include the WSDA Organic Certification Program, Integrated Fertility Management of Wenatchee, WA, and professional horticulturalists from his packing house Blue Bird. He keeps his orchard in permanent cover crop to retain moisture and has transitioned the majority of his orchard to a water efficient micro-sprinkler system.

Pest Management

Only certified organic approved materials are used to manage orchard pests including mating disruption and insect trapping. He uses approved sprays such as lime and sulfur and summer oil to control apple scab, but still keeps a 30’-50’ buffer of natural vegetation between his orchard and the river, as even certified organic materials may not be the best thing for the aquatic life along the river bank.

The River of Life

The river bank and corridor provide a wonderful backdrop to the orchard. Waterfowl are abundant, and the local mule deer come down out of the hills and through the orchard to drink. From time to time beaver do become a threat to Michael’s trees. When this happens he installs an electric fence which seems to work fairly well.