Thursday, July 30, 2015

Better, but still a ways to go.

Pictures below are from a walk-thru this evening (7/30/15). Noticeable increase in ripening since last Sunday. We have gained over 150 Growing Degree Days in the past week, now totaling 850 GDDs (our goal is more than 70% ripe, which often is after 1000-1100 GDDs, before we open). It is time to remind the anxious that ripe berries last a long time on the branch, longer than in a bucket in the fridge. Peak sweetness is reported to be about 5 days AFTER turning fully ripe. Your patience will be rewarded with an awesome opening day, probably Aug. 15, but maybe Aug. 8. Keep checking. Reports will now be more frequent.

Sunday, July 26, 2015

761 Growing Degree Days and Counting

Pictures below show the current state of unripeness of the blueberries. I have listed our opening days from the last 10 years. Anticipating an August 15 opener this year.  






Tuesday, July 21, 2015

2015 Crop outlook is that it is going to be strong but late

This picture was taken July 7. The blueberry crop looks like it is going to be very abundant this year.

Despite the relatively early onset of spring, at least compared to 2014, the temperatures have been cool this year and from a growing degree day basis, we have lagged behind 2014 for most of the summer.  We are anticipating an opener similar to last year, which if holds, will be about smack dab in the middle of August.