Kelley Orchards is an understated gem thirty minutes outside of Caldwell and one hour from the heart of Boise. Like many of the orchards throughout Emmet, Fruitland and Weiser, the first trees at what's now known as Kelley Orchards were planted in the early 1900s.

The orchard changed hands only twice since it was planted in the early 20s by the Jimerson family. First to the Stewarts in the 70s, then, in 1986, to the Kelleys, a family of 3rd generation fruit growers with big vision for the orchard. Ron, Kimi and their kids lovingly care for the fruit orchard, running a barn store on site and a u-pick operation, while working alongside FarmDeliver to offer their fruit to residents throughout the Boise-metropolitan area.

Today, Kelley Orchards includes about 35 acres of grapes, berries and fruit trees, including plums, pluots, pears, peaches, nectarines, cherries, and apples.

A New Week a New Variety 

Different varieties of fruits develop and ripen at different times. Kelley Orchards maintains over 30 varieties of fruit so there's always a new fruit ripe and ready just as last month's fruit is waning in production.

The variety keeps things interesting. When asked about her favorite part of running an orchard, Kimi said, "We love all the varieties of fruit. There's always something to munch on!" And she's right! During our u-pick visit, we chatted with Ron while he munched on a Crimson Crisp apple. He told us the oldest tree on the farm is a Johnathon apple tree, 75 years old, visible from the road coming in.

Of all the reasons to be passionate about orchard farming, it seems like a love of fruit is at the top for the Kelleys.

Ron and his son Josh chat with us in the apple orchard.

For us, the day felt like a privilege -- the air alternated brisk and warm as we strolled amongst the grape vines and gnarled trees. The rows were sweet. (Even the sugar-loving hornets seemed cuter and nicer here than elsewhere, maybe because they were preoccupied with buzzing around some bunches of grapes that were past their time.) Families picked together, bringing back memories of my first u-pick experience as a little girl with my family.

The family dog befriended us while we picnicked on fresh apple cider and plums on the grassy lawn.

Visit the orchard in the summer or fall from Wednesday to Saturday, 9am-6pm to pick your own fruit and stock up on jams, cider and dried fruit mixes. For your weekly fruit needs and convenient access to the orchard's finest fruits, order anytime through FarmDeliver.

>> Browse Fruit from Kelley Orchards

Farming Practices & Soil Health

The Kelley Orchards family cares about long-term stewardship of their land. Some of the things they do to maintain healthy soil and environment are:

• Using 100% clean, renewable electricity on the farm (and home). Most energy is produced at the farm with solar panels. The rest is provided through Idaho Power’s “Green Power Program”.
• Finding and implementing pest management techniques that are the least disruptive to the natural environment.
• Using drip and sprinkler irrigation to eliminate soil erosion and increase water efficiency.
• Maintaining permanent cover crops on most of the soil to prevent erosion and dust, encourage biological activity in the soil and provide habitat for native pollinators.