Welcome to Matt Family Orchard

October 31, 2010

The orchard is closed for picking fruit this year. Our next fruit for picking will be in the April/May period with blueberries. We are open for the purchase of local honey, preserves, etc., and taking reservations for tours and bow hunts. Please call 281 467-9758 for reservations and information.

We all realize the drought and several consecutive days with triple-digit temperatures between June and September have taken a toll on Texas and the orchard. Asian persimmons were hit the hardest with the lack of rain. Our irrigation was not enough this year, we needed rain. Fruit production was low and some trees were lost. New persimmon trees are on order and will be planted. We also, postponed planting more blueberries and Asian pears because of weather extremes.

The Matt Family Orchard stumbled this year but we are not down. Your support is appreciates and we will do what is necessary to bounce back.

June 18, 2011

Now picking blackberries, our hours are 8am to 1pm Tuesday through Saturday.

Early this year we planted 800 blueberries and plan to add an additional 1,600 in the fall off 2011. We started picking blackberries in late May and are continuing to pick. It’s surprising the number and size of the berries considering the lack of rain. We are fortunate to have irrigation. I’d appreciate if you could pray for rain. Please. Just to make your visit a little more pleasant, we added a hay ride to the berry area, a covering with picnic tables and cold water.

It won’t be long before the figs are ready for picking. If you are on the email newsletter list you will get notification in plenty of time.

September 28, 2010,

New hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9am to 5pm, Sunday 1pm to 5pm, closed on Mondays.

We start October 1^st with pumpkins and picking Asian persimmon . Persimmons are mostly ripe now and ready for picking. Price will be the same as last year, $1.35lb. The fruit was affected by the freeze in February and the drought during the summer. Satsuma froze so there will not be any this year. We replanted Satsuma for the coming years.

As in the past years I’m offering the picnic area free of charge for folks to enjoy a picnic in the orchard but, I MUST have the area cleared by 2pm for private functions. Also for an enjoyable experience for both of us please review ‘Good Picking Practices’ listed on my web site.

Orchard grown pumpkins will not be ready for picking off the vine. I planted two acres of pumpkins, too late for October. Might have some for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Still it’s not a futile exercise. I purchased some humidity resistant pumpkin seed from a wholesale seed company to see if we can grow pumpkins in Houston’s humid weather. Being the 1^st time I planted a pumpkin, I’m learning how to grow pumpkins. It’s not as easy as you might think. If successful I’ll plant more for next year and earlier. We do have purchased pumpkins from west Texas. At the orchard there are mini, pie, jack-lanterns and hay. Coming will be the very large pumpkins, gourds and cornstalks. Like in the past years we will supply bulk pumpkins for private events.

Harvest Festivals tours are being conducted in October. Please see my web site for activities. A minimum of 15 people, reservations and a deposit is required. These tours are very popular in October and we still have some open weekdays available.

September 12, 2010 Where does time go? I’ve been busy at the orchard with the following new improvements. First we now have a 2,000sq ft pavilion with lights, fans and outlets. It’s available for rent and tours. I anticipate it the pavilion can be used for receptions, company events, reunions, church gatherings, social groups, tours, etc. Second, we planted two acres of pumpkins however; we were late planting and not blessed with needed rain. Therefore, I doubt you will be able to go to the field and cut a pumpkin this year. It’s not all for nothing because I’m testing a new mildew resistant pumpkin seed and testing if pumpkins can grow in Houston. Third, we started preparing the ground to plant 800 blueberry plants for June blueberry picking. I don’t plan to have a large crop the first year but every year production will increase. Fourth, we replaced the citrus lost in the February freeze; again it will take a couple of years to get back to having enough citrus. WOW ---------I guess I just answered my first question. Now I know werethe time want.

Asian persimmon picking is still planned for October or sooner. It’s always good to remind folks that our hours are seasonable and vary with the fruit ripening. If you’re on our news letter list or call the fruit hot line you will know when picking has started and picking schedule.

July 10, 2010 Blackberries are finished for the year. A couple of weeks earlier than normal, mostly due to the lack of June rain and the heat. We are picking figs, an abundance of figs. Payment method is cash, credit card, and check. Please no credit card charges $10 or less.

Picking day and times are; 7:30 to noon, Tuesday through Saturday.

July 2, 2010 WOW what a wonderful rain we received this morning. Finally received some when everyone else had rain, it makes a difference in the orchard as you can imagine. The blackberries suffered but, the rest of the fruit coming on will benefit. Figs are a fruit that ripens over a few days therefore, if you want 10 to 15 pounds it may require two trips for picking, it all depends on the number of folks picking when you are here. Maybe coming early you will beat the heat and other pickers. Figs are $3.50 per pound.

I also want to mention a new policy starting in July. We ask that credit card sales $10 and under not be made. Merchants are charged by the transaction and amount, the fees could be 4% depending on what card is used. Credit card fees have increased along with the processing service I use. Keep in mind that all merchants pay for the points you receive from your credit card purchases.

Starting next Tuesday, July 6^th we will be picking blackberry and figs. Our new hours for picking are; Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30am to noon.

JUNE 10, 2010 We have lots of blackberries for picking. It seems all 6,000 plants came in at the same time this year, must have something to do with the cold February. Also, Channel 13 called and they want to come at noon on Wednesday and shoot a news clip on picking blackberries. I’d guess this will generate a crowd of pickers after it airs.

May 31, 2010

It’s May and we started picking Blackberries. The cold February helped push the berries to new heights, we have plenty for everyone. Last year it was suggested that we open early and we listened. Our hours are 7:30 to 3pm Tuesday through Saturday closed on Sunday and Monday. We are open on Memorial Day.

We have everything you need to pick with the exception of your fingers. I suggest cool weather cloths, a hat and you may need sun lotion and mosquito spray. Every effort is made to keep the grass cut and the area clean.

The only cost is for the berries which is $3.50lb. We take cash, checks and credit cards.

Our next fruits for picking are figs, Asian pear, Jujube, Asian persimmon and citrus. If you sign up, from our website, for the newsletter you will get picking days and times notification when fruits are ready.

Merry Christmas We closed the orchard for fruit picking. Our next fruit is in May, 2010 for blackberry.

On each Friday and Saturday from 9am to 1pm the Farmers Market will be open selling locally grown vegetables.

With a minimum of fifteen, tours are conducted with reservation and a deposit.

Orchard nursery will be open with reservations or every Friday and Saturday mornings.

Bow hunting is available with reservations.

For reservations call 281 467-9758.

Happy Thanksgiving Today is a day to give thanks and remember all our blessings. Hope you have a pleasant day with family and friends.

We are still picking Asian persimmon. We will be open Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving from 9am to 5pm.

Exit from Highway 290 and FM 2920 to Mueschke, Google and some GPS directions are wrong.

November 11, 2009 Yes, we still have persimmon. Folks are finding the lower and larger persimmons on either the east or west side of the orchard in the back few rows. There are plenty for everyone. Satsuma was very popular this year, and they are all picked. We do have lime and lemon left. We also have pumpkins if you want to decorate for Thanksgiving.

Tours are conducted at anytime of the year. This year we experienced the largest group ever….250 single young adults from a local church. In October there was nearly a tour everyday with folks celebrating birthdays, friends and family gatherings, school field trips, play groups, etc. Make reservation early to insure you get your desired date. We already took a reservations for May, 2010.

In the nursery for sale are persimmon at 35.00 and 45.00; pecan trees at 45.00; thornless blackberry at 4.50; Satsuma at 35.00; and sago palm at 15.00.

Fall is orchard cleanup time replacing trees, pruning, planting figs, blueberries and Satsuma and making improvements. There’s lots of work to get ready for next year. It’s important for us to upgrade and maintain the orchard for your fun and enjoyment. When is rest time?

November 3, 2009, Thanks to the cool weather we still have Asian persimmon to pick. I anticipate we will be picking through November. I’ll close for Thanksgiving Day but be open during our regular hours unless posted differently. Our hours are: Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm; Sunday, 1pm to 5pm; Monday, closed.

October 20, 2009 We are picking Asian persimmon and selecting pumpkins. Folks are getting large persimmon. Bigger than what I expected, very happy about that. The weather has improved; in fact it’s been wonderful. I anticipate we will have persimmon up to Thanksgiving Day.

PLEASE NOTE A PROBLEM WITH GOOGLE MAP:

We discovered a problem with Google Map, they have the address correct but the driving directions is incorrect. The problem has also affected your GPS. We have contacted Google and reported the problem but have no idea when they will make the correction. In the mean time, use Yahoo Map or use the map and driving instructions on the Contact page from my web site.

Google Map has you exit on Bauer off HWY 290 and FM 2920, you should exit on Mueschke and turn west on Bauer Hockley for one mile.

September 24, 2009 Asian Persimmon season is here starting in October 1st our picking hours are Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 1pm to 5pm. We will be closed on Mondays. This year you will find plenty of fruit at $1.30 per pound however, the fruit will be smaller than last year. The reason is ...No Rain. Keep in mind the taste of persimmon is the same for large fruit as it is for small fruit. Again this year we are offering you the use of the picnic area on Saturday and Sunday until 3pm. After 3pm the picnic area is reserved for scheduled tours. Please review 'The Good Picking Practices' to allow for a happy experience.

Harvest Festival

Harvest festival is available in October with a reservation and deposit. Cost of the harvest festival is $8.00 per person which includes a 5-8 pound pumpkin. We allow two supervisors per 15 children at no charge. All tour activities listed above are included plus dressing scarecrows.

Pumpkin Patch

The pumpkins patch at the orchard and is now open. Everyone is invited to come to the pumpkin patch with their family. Before 3pm on weekends families can use the picnic facilities, and playground, pick fruit, take pictures and select a pumpkin and have a fun family event. No minimum, no fees and no reservations are required. We are open to the public.

After 3pm the picnic facilities are reserved for group tours that made reservation and have exclusive use of the picnic area.

Look forward to your visit.

Bulk Pumpkins

For the past several years we have provided bulk pumpkins to schools, day cares, churches, private parties, fun raiser, pumpkins for our pumpkin patch, etc.

We can provide; mini, pie,. jack-O-lantern, max pumpkins plus fancy pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, corn stalks, scarecrows, etc.

We can deliver to your location or you can pick up.