Apple picking season is officially underway in the Granite State. Orchards are looking forward to a busy year, much like they saw in 2020.This weekend is the kickoff for many orchards in New Hampshire. “Yesterday was nice and cool. People were thinking apple picking,” Farm manager at Hazelton Orchards Kitt Plummer said.Hazelton Orchards in Chester had a busy 2020. Plummer expects more of the same this year.“People like tradition. So, if they came out last year, they’re probably going to think about doing the same this year. We hope that’s the case,” Plummer said.Wayne Loosigian from Apple Annie in Brentwood thinks they will do well this season.“We’ve got a lot of apples and because of COVID, people are excited about being able to do a family activity outside,” he said.At Apple Annie, they said they are using more natural ingredients to spray their orchard this year. Owners added that the apples are in great shape because of all the rain over the summer.“And they’re big this year. I think the rain has helped them size up as well,” Laurie Loosigian said. “We have so many apples and we were going to open next weekend. But, they decided they wanted to be picked now. So, we decided to open this weekend.”Plummer said one downside to the rain was the amount of mowing that needed to be done.“I think our fuel costs from mowing have been way up,” he said. “But, on the other hand, the fuel costs for irrigation are way down again. So, as farmers, we have to adapt to the weather.”Typically, orchards will offer apple picking into November. Owners hope for some cold nights to help brighten the color of the fruit.