Summer on the Bogs
The summer months see a wide variety of activity on the cranberry bogs. In the middle of July, the cranberry blossoms have been pollinated, fruit has set, and we see the bees disappear as quickly as they arrived in mid-June. The tiny cranberry flowers have dropped their petals and green cranberries have begun to grow.
At this stage, our top priority is to keep the crop healthy and growing. It is essential to feed, weed, water, protect, and support the growing fruit.
As the berries begin to grow, they need nourishment. We fertilize with precision to encourage fruit growth over vine growth.
Weeds that are deemed detrimental to a crop’s progress are typically hand weeded. Weeds that are not disturbing the crop’s progress are often left alone.
The traditional rule of thumb is that cranberries need an average of one inch of water per week during the growing season. Our pumps are equipped with auto-start technology that make it easy to set a watering schedule that ensures sufficient irrigation without waste.
Consistent with industry best management practices, we use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques as an ecological approach to pest control. IPM includes a combination of biological, cultural, or chemical control methods. Pesticides are only used when necessary and are applied by state-certified applicators.
With our constant support and Mother Nature’s help, our summertime efforts will result in a bountiful fall harvest!
Southeastern Massachusetts
Summer, 2022