Royal Gala Apple Orchard Expansion Blossoms in Northwestern Ontario
MELGUND TOWNSHIP, Ont. — A quiet revival is taking root in Melgund Township this spring, where youth and community members are breathing new life into an old agricultural tradition — one Royal Gala apple tree at a time.
Building on momentum from last year’s activities, funded and supported by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Manitoba Agriculture in Winnipeg, local volunteers are set to plant an additional 30 Royal Gala apple trees, expanding what was once a thriving orchard. The new seedlings, carefully nurtured through the winter months, trace their lineage back to trees that have been part of the community’s landscape for decades.
It’s not every day people think about apples growing this far north, but Royal Gala apples are remarkably resilient, and with the right care, they thrive here.
Originally developed in New Zealand, Royal Gala apples are prized for their crisp texture, vibrant red hue, and sweet flavour. The variety is well-suited to cold climates, making them an excellent choice for Northwestern Ontario’s short but intense growing season. While the region may be better known for boreal forests and lakes, agriculture — particularly small-scale, community-driven projects — has always had a place.
Seedlings for this year’s planting were started indoors in January and recently transplanted into pots as temperatures begin to rise. Once the ground fully thaws, they’ll be planted in a designated orchard area, where they’ll join older trees that have stood the test of time. This spring they will join a small batch that were planted last spring.
These apple trees are a connection to the past, when agriculture played a much bigger role in our township. It’s amazing to see young people getting involved, learning not only how to plant but also how to sustain and care for something that gives back to the community.
Patience, however, is key. While Royal Gala apple trees are hardy, they aren’t overnight producers. It typically takes between five to eight years for a newly planted tree to bear fruit. But for those involved in the project, the wait is part of the reward.
The project also highlights how, despite the challenging conditions of Northwestern Ontario, agriculture is not only possible but rewarding. Techniques like soil amendment, careful mulching, and the strategic use of raised beds help protect plants against late frosts and ensure healthier root systems. Windbreaks, composting, and integrated pest management are other key tools in the northern farmer’s toolkit.
In a region where food security and community resilience are frequent topics of discussion, projects like this offer more than just potential for fresh produce. They provide hands-on learning opportunities, foster environmental stewardship, and reconnect residents with the land’s agricultural potential.
For now, the newly transplanted seedlings will continue to soak up the spring sunlight from their pots until the last frost recedes. By summer, they’ll join the orchard, ready to grow alongside the older trees and the next generation of caretakers.
