**Save the Date for Our Fall SweeTango Apple Flash Sale on Friday, Oct. 4!**
Whistling Well Farm, named for the well that whistles when the wind blows just right, is nestled in the scenic St. Croix River Valley in Hastings, Minnesota. Since its founding in 1972, the farm has been dedicated to sustainable practices and community involvement.
Farmer Charlie Johnson grows apples exclusively for co-ops, farmers markets, and school lunch programs. When he’s not tending to the farm, he writes children’s books and can usually be found at the orchard’s gift shop, where he chats with family, friends, neighbors, and guests.
The gift shop features bags for pick-your-own apples, locally made sweet honeys, jams, peanut butter, and fluffy apple fritters.
Apples to Love!
One of our favorite apples from Whistling Well Farm is the SweeTango Apple. It’s a crisp apple with a juicy, honeyed sweetness and a hint of citrus. The SweeTango’s firm texture and bright flavor make it an excellent choice for a refreshing snack, perfect for packed lunches!
First Kiss, another early-season favorite, offers a sweet-tart flavor and satisfying crunch. Best enjoyed fresh, it’s available for a limited time, so don’t miss out!
Sustainable Farming and Innovative Practices
Whistling Well Farm is committed to sustainable farming practices. They use an integrated pest management system to maintain crop health while minimizing environmental impact. The farm also features an on-site weather station in partnership with Cornell University. This advanced system provides critical data on atmospheric conditions such as temperature, humidity, and precipitation. With this information, the farm can closely monitor their crops and prepare for pests and diseases only when necessary, significantly reducing the need for fungicides and pesticides.
No trip to the apple orchard is complete without a visit to the Whistling Well chickens. Pick up your feed at the front desk and hang out with dozens of happy hens and one very vocal rooster!
