Maryann Argyres owns Argyres Orchard a ranch in Apple Hill where you can pick your own apples.
"I grow Golden Delicious and Red Romes," says Argyres.
Citrus growers in parts of California's Central Valley are still assessing the full damage of last week's cold temperatures on their mandarin and navel orange crops. But Argyres says apple growers like her want lots of chilly weather after the fruit is harvested and the trees are bare.
"A minimum of 900 to 1,200 hours of very cold weather," says Argyes. "There are different varieties of apples that can withstand even colder temperatures, but of course in the Apple Hill area they've chosen apple trees that love the weather that we have at this elevation."
Argyres says apple trees don't love cold weather in the springtime after they've bloomed. And she says while next year's crop has gotten off to a good start with the cold temperatures, it could go downhill if we don't start getting any rain soon.
More Cold Weather Coverage
Cold Spell Continues in Northern California; Warm-up expected mid-week
December 9, 2013It was about ten degrees colder than normal this morning in the Sacramento area, and that contributed to icy roads and school delays.
Deep Freeze Putting Valley Citrus Orchards At Risk
December 5, 2013This week's freezing weather could damage citrus orchards in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys and in the foothills. But the current cold snap is welcome in other orchards with other crops.
Folsom, Auburn May Get Snow
December 5, 2013Forecasters are warning that a storm moving through Northern California tomorrow is likely to dump one to two feet of snow in the Sierra and may make for treacherous driving conditions.
Update: Hundreds Without Shelter As Cold Weather Approaches, City Opens Warming Center
December 4, 2013UPDATE: Warming shelters will open in Sacramento and Elk Grove this week. About 800 homeless people in Sacramento County are expected to be without permanent shelter when temperatures drop below freezing.
Stockton Shelter Preparing For Freezing Temps
December 4, 2013With lows in the San Joaquin Valley are predicted to dip into the 30's and 20's this week, area homeless shelters are preparing to make room.
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