Apple picking season is one of the first signs that the fall season is nearing in Iowa, and a number of orchards have opened up for business after Labor Day weekend.

Jonathan, Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples are usually ready by mid-September, late September and early October, respectively, according to Iowa State University .

Here are six apple orchards near the Des Moines metro.

Berry Patch Farm, Nevada

After 50 years of ownership, Berry Patch has transitioned to new farmers. Dean and Judy Henry passed on the business to Joe and Kristin Wakeman, according to the Berry Patch's website. With Dean Henry being 90 years old and Judy Henry in her late 80s the couple started to think of selling their farm, and to them, the Wakemans were the right people.

“Others had expresse

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