Planning a U-pick berry operation for the farm! After researching varieties, infrastructure needs, and growing techniques, here’s our comprehensive plan for establishing blackberry and raspberry production.

The U-Pick Vision

The goal is to create a sustainable berry operation where visitors can come pick their own fresh berries throughout the season. This model reduces labor costs while providing a fun family activity and connecting people directly with their food source.

Raspberry Varieties and Growth Patterns

Understanding raspberry canes is crucial for proper management:

Primocane vs. Floricane

• Primocane: First-year canes that grow from the ground. Some varieties (everbearing) can fruit on these in fall
• Floricane: Second-year canes that fruit in summer, then die back after harvest

Recommended Varieties

• Heritage: Classic everbearing variety, reliable producer
• Caroline: Larger berries with excellent disease resistance
• Nantahala: Late-season variety with superior fruit quality

For more details on raspberry planting and varieties, this comprehensive video covers the fundamentals.

Infrastructure Requirements

Support System

• Wood posts: Set with auger for end posts and corners
• T-posts: For intermediate support along rows
• 12.5 gauge high tensile wire: Main support wire (may need additional wires depending on system)
• Gripples: Wire tensioning hardware
• Gripple tools: For proper installation and tensioning

Irrigation

• Drip lines: Essential for consistent water delivery and fruit quality

Initial Site Preparation

Soil Preparation

1. Till extensively: Work soil to 12+ inches deep for optimal root development
2. Fluff soil: Create loose, well-draining growing medium
3. Apply 10-10-10 fertilizer: Balanced nutrition for establishment

Planting Process

1. Plant berries: Follow spacing recommendations for each variety
2. Apply wood chip mulch: Suppress weeds, retain moisture, moderate soil temperature
3. Install drip irrigation: Set up before plants become established

Pruning and Maintenance

When and How to Trim

Pruning Guidelines

• Cut 1-3 inches above ground level
• 3+ year canes: Remove completely - these are spent
• 2nd year canes: Trim dead/damaged portions only

Blackberry Varieties and Harvest Schedule

Ripening Timeline (Adjusted for Middle Tennessee from Arkansas data)

• Natchez: Early June (June 8-10)
• Osage: Mid-June (June 13-15)
• Ouachita: Mid-June (June 15-17)
• Navaho: Late June (June 23-25)
• Apache: Late June/Early July (June 28-30)
• Triple Crown: Early July (July 3-5)
• Chester: Mid-July (July 13-15)

Timeline adjusted approximately 3-5 days later than Clarksville, Arkansas to account for Middle Tennessee climate

Additional Berry Crops

Blueberries

For extended season and crop diversity:

• Premier: Early season variety
• Brightwell: Mid-season producer
• Tifblue/Powderblue: Late season options

This diversified approach will provide berries from early summer through fall, maximizing the U-pick season and providing steady income throughout the growing period.

Next Steps

1. Site selection and soil testing
2. Infrastructure installation (posts, wire, irrigation)
3. Berry plant ordering and planting schedule
4. Marketing and customer education planning

The combination of proper varieties, solid infrastructure, and good growing practices should create a successful U-pick operation that benefits both the farm and the community.