As the summer comes to an end, many crops are ready to harvest in the northeastern United States. While many fruits ripen through the summer, a few wait until the fall begins. These include raspberries, grapes, and apples. Raspberries, which are native to New England, come in many varieties, including red and black. Grapes are native to many parts of the world and can be found growing wild in Massachusetts forests. Concord grapes, one of the most popular cultivars here in New England, were developed right here in Concord! Apples, another fruit often found in forests nearby, are a relic of Britain's colonization of North America, and its wild ancestors are native to Central Asia.
Unlike fruit, many vegetables are ready to harvest in the fall. These include classic fall favorites like pumpkins, winter squash, and sweet potatoes, as well as vegetables not typically associated with the season, such as Brussels sprouts, kale, and celery. Many grains are harvested in September as well, in time for them to be used as animal feed through the winter.
Finally, while flowers are typically emblematic of spring and summer, some flowers actually begin blooming in the fall. Strawflowers, which have very dry and shiny petals, are native to Australia and bloom in this colder season. Coneflowers and goldenrod, which also bloom around this time, are lovely flowers that add color to the landscape.
The fall is an exciting time in the agricultural world! Many local farms have fall events and pick-your-own crops that are worth exploring. Be sure to keep an eye out for Concord Academy weekend trips to these places!