The advise that was given wasn’t entirely correct. Raised beds do not mean an automatic increase in production. In some cases they may lead to lower production. To answer this question, we need to first understand what the purpose of raised beds is.

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The above is also compounded by a wet and cold spring. With bloom delayed by weeks due to weather, there is not enough time for pollination. The honeybee is the most important pollinator when it comes to blueberries =, raspberries and strawberries.

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It is really not possible for me to answer such a question without visiting your field and looking at the plants. At the very least, some pictures of the plants and the symptoms they are showing plus a history of the field is required for me to answer your questions.

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A very rare opportunity indeed. 60+ acres for sale in Langley, approximately 24 acres in blueberries and 25 acres in Raspberries. This property is listed for $4.5 Million and average cost per acre is less than $75000. This is unheard of in this area where bare land averages more than $75000.

This is prime berry land, blueberries were planted in 2003 and are already producing. The blueberry field has drip irrigation installed.

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This is a very important question being asked by a lot of investors, speculators, farmers and buyers looking for blueberry farmland in the Fraser Valley. The main thing fueling this question is the huge increase in land values, followed closely by the number of new farmers getting into the business and an increase in the acreage.

The crop is a hot commodity right now. Once the public became aware of the antioxidant benefits of blueberries, the demand increased at a rapid pace. Since it takes many years for a blueberry field to reach full production, supply has not been able to meet this demand. As the number one fruit crop in B.C., there are huge profits in the blueberry business in the Fraser Valley.

However, the high cost of land in the Fraser Valley is starting to drive blueberry producers to move south of the U.S. border. It is also getting more and more expensive to operate a blueberry farm in the Fraser Valley. There is a shortage of farm labour, resulting in increased labour costs and decreased productivity.

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Having a good marketing plan, ensuring that the right varieties are planted, planting disease-free stock and proper preparation of the field can help a grower realize the full potential of the blueberry crop. A successful Fraser Valley blueberry farm, whatever the size, starts with careful planning.

Site Selection

A good site for growing blueberries in British Columbia should offer easy access for equipment and workers. It should provide good air drainage and freedom from late spring frosts.

Also read: Blueberry planting in the Fraser Valley

Complete soil and water analyses should be done to determine the suitability of the land for blueberries. The best blueberry soil has low pH, is well drained, loose and friable.

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Also see: Bare land vs. pre-planted blueberry farm

Proper land preparation is absolutely essential for a strong and vigorous blueberry field. In the Fraser Valley, blueberries are mostly planted from the second week of October to end of October. A slight raid is beneficial, however heavier rains are not.

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Here are some of the common blueberry varieties that are suitable for planting in the Fraser Valley. In a follow up post I will discuss some of the recommended and thriving varieties for the Fraser Valley.

Early Season Blueberry Varieties

Earliblue

One of the first blueberry varieties to ripen in the Fraser Valley. Early to bloom, this upright bush produces stout canes with bright red wood. Bushes are about 4 -6 feet in height when fully mature. Berries are light blue, large in size and sweet in colour, resistant to cracking and are primarily for the fresh market. Plant where blueberries are well suited and avoid frost pockets and poorly drained soils. It has potential for mechanical harvesting.

Bluetta

The blueberry variety is a great candidate for colder climates as it blooms a little later and thus is protected from late spring frosts. It ripens early and is a very productive variety in the Fraser Valley, yielding berries that are slightly dark and medium sized, with a unique wild flavour. Bluetta is compact in growth and thus is not well suited for mechanical harvesting.

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Production was already down this year due to a severe winter and a very wet spring. There was also a shortage of bees, so important for pollination. As such, berries were small in size as well as fewer in number.

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