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The A.D. Makepeace Company, based in Wareham, Massachusetts, is North America’s largest cranberry grower, and a recognized leader in environmentally responsible real estate development and stewardship. Cranberries are our heritage and our livelihood. Our 170-year history in the cranberry industry affects the way we do business, and it strengthens the communities we build.

LIFE on the BOG

Spring on the Bogs

As warmer weather arrives, we drain the bogs of their winter flood. Once the water is removed, the vines begin to come out of dormancy and turn from their deep burgundy color to green.

As the vine grows and the cranberry buds develop, they must be protected from dangerous spring frost. Water is applied through the irrigation system to create a protective coating of ice around each cranberry bud, insulating the bud from colder temperatures. We do this any time the temperature on the bog drops below the tolerance level of the plant. This typically occurs during the late evening and early morning hours, generally from March through mid-June, long after the rest of southeastern Massachusetts has stopped worrying about cold temperatures outside of these “frost pockets.”

Beginning mid-June, the cranberry bud develops to the point of blossom. During the ensuing month, bees are brought to the bog areas to pollinate the blossoms. Two types of bees are commonly used: honey bees and bumble bees. Up to two honey bee hives per acre will be used around the cranberry bogs. Bumble bees are housed in large cardboard boxes set near the bog’s edge.

Other practices that take place on the bog during the spring include general maintenance, ditch cleaning, and weed management. You may see an occasional helicopter working in the bog area. These are used to remove ditch mud and for some fertilizer applications. The company has also initiated a drone program to help monitor the bogs.

This cool photo of irrigation was taken last spring by Keith Layton, one of our bog technicians.

Southeastern Massachusetts
Spring, 2025