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Apple Growing In Ontario
Climate, Geography and Soils
The major apple-producing areas in Ontario are spread along the shores of Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. These large, deep bodies of water are the main reason that apples are one of Ontario's biggest and most diverse fruit crops. The water temperature of the lakes changes slowly and causes the air temperatures of the adjacent shore to change slowly as well. As a result, late spring frosts and early fall frosts are buffered and the growing season is extended.
The Niagara Escarpment plays a role in creating good apple-growing conditions in many areas. The towering escarpment provides a protective boundary, confining the moderate air temperatures influenced by the lakes in a small, productive area.
In addition, there are a wide variety of fertile soils in these areas, ranging from sandy loams to clays, making them well suited to growing apples.
