PLANNING YOUR COMMERCIAL FIELD
A properly planted blueberry field can last 30 years or more and be a great asset to the property. By having a good marketing plan, selecting the right varieties, planting disease-free stock and proper preparation of the field, a grower can realize the full potential of the crop. Call us if we can be of help in planning your project.
Site Selection
One of the first steps in successfully growing blueberries is to select an appropriate site. The field should offer easy access for equipment and workers. There should be good air drainage with freedom from late spring frosts. Complete soil and water analyses should be done to determine the suitability for blueberries prior to planting. The best blueberry soil is acidic, well drained, loose and friable. If these conditions are not present, soil modification will be necessary. Ample, clean water is essential for growing blueberries. In some areas, irrigation water must be treated to ensure optimum plant performance.
Variety Selection
It is important to have a basic marketing plan prior to selecting varieties. Some types are better for fresh berry sales, while others are planted specifically for the process market (frozen, juice or dried). What will be their end use? Will the berries be sold wholesale or retail? Will the berries be hand harvested or machine harvested? Is your best target market early, mid, late or all season?Climate is also important to variety selection. Blueberries have been developed for almost all climates, from warm semi-tropical areas to the coldest zones of the U.S. Your local extension service can be a good source to determine what varieties do best in your area.
There are specific varieties that tolerate difficult conditions such as heavy snow loads, high summer heat, spring frosts, etc. Take time to identify the limiting conditions in your area and choose varieties that best address them.
Once you have identified the key requirements for the varieties you want to grow, use our catalog to find those that best match your needs and marketing plans. We are happy to assist in this essential step. It is important to choose varieties as soon as possible, as plants sell out quickly each year. Many growers place their orders a year or more in advance to ensure obtaining desired varieties.
Field Design and Pre-plant Preparation
We offer numerous information sheets to help you with the basics of preparing your field. Below are some helpful charts to assist you in laying out your field.
Planting and Cultural Care
Fall Creek™ provides a detailed Grower's Guide with all commercial orders at no charge. This guide covers important details from receiving your plants through first year cultural care. We recommend that you read the guide carefully before unpacking your plants.
Commercial Spacing Chart
| Plant spacing–plants per acre> | Organic matter volume requirements | Common irrigation statistics |
2.5 ft. by 10 ft. = 1,742 |
• 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic ft. A semi-trailer typically holds from 10 to 14 units of sawdust depending on moisture levels. |
Overhead irrigation: A 40 x 40 ft. riser spacing totals 27 sprinklers in one acre. Typical sprinkler orifice size for blueberries is 1⁄8”, which delivers approximately 3 gpm per sprinkler or 80 gpm per acre. Drip irrigation: A typical drip system uses a line on either side of the plant row with a minimum of .5 gph emitters spaced 12” to 24” apart. Respectively, the gpm per acre would be approximately 37 to 48 on ten foot rows. |
