Surviving the Drought: Local Farm's Got Plenty of Apples, Pumpkins

NORTHBOROUGH, MA—Not all farmers have been reporting such things. It was nearly impossible to find a local peach this summer because of the drought that has plagued everything from small home gardens to commercial plantings.

But fall fruit is upon us, and we're all thinking of apple picking and choosing a pumpkin from the patch. Tougas Farm in Northborough has plenty of both, and they're open. The trees have gala, mcintosh, cortland, fuji and honeycrisp apples ready for the picking, as well as pumpkins in the patch.

"We have worked hard this summer to keep our trees watered and with all the sunshine we have had the fruit is terrific," said Andre Tougas, one of the owners. "Luckily, we have invested in water efficient drip (trickle) irrigation systems for our fruit plantings over the years so we had enough water to make it through the summer."

Tougas Farm, located at 234 Ball St. is open Tuesdays to Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in September and October. Wagon rides run weekdays from 1-5 p.m. The Farm Store is open the same hours, and pre-picked apples: McIntosh, Gala, Cortland, Akane, Honeycrisp, Crimson Crisp as well as homemade fudge, real fruit slushes, apple crisp, apple cider donuts, coffee cake and pies, ice cream and more.