Planning your blueberry field

Posted by Sapan Behar

October 27, 2007

Blueberry field planning in the Fraser Valley

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.

Blueberry varieties for the Fraser Valley

It is imperative to have a basic marketing plan prior to planting. Ask yourself if you wish to farm for fresh or the process market. Will the berries be sold wholesale or retail? Will the berries be hand harvested or machine harvested? Do you wish to grow for the early, mid or late season market.

Also read: Common blueberry varieties for the Fraser Valley

Climate is also an important factor to consider during variety selection. There are specific varieties that can tolerate difficult conditions such as heavy snow loads, high summer heat, spring frosts etc.

Field Design

Field design is essential to successful blueberry farming. The minimum distance required between the rows of blueberry plants will depend on the varieties being planted, method of harvest, physical layout of the farm. Where possible, the rows should run north-south. If mechanical harvesting, the minimum distance should be 10 feet between the rows.

I will be following up in another post on the irrigation and fertilization needs of newly planted blueberry plants in the Fraser Valley.

~SB

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