Spring Happenings on the Bogs
Spring is waking up the bogs here in Mass! While it’s definitely not harvest season, Spring is quite a busy and important time for cranberry growers. As the snow finally melts away(after what felt like eons) and temperatures begin to rise, the cranberry vines slowly come out of dormancy.
Throughout the winter, the bogs are flooded to protect the plants from harsh cold and wind. In early Spring(late March, early April), that floodwater is gradually drained, revealing sandy beds of low-growing vines that are starting to green up again. This is when we get our first real look at how the vines handled winter.
April is all about prep for harvest season. If we weren’t able to in the Winter due to warm temps, we begin sanding. Fortunately(and also, unfortunately), with the amount of snow we got in Mass this winter, we were able to start sanding early. Covering the bogs with a fresh layer of sand helps stimulate new growth, manage pests naturally, and improve soil conditions. Did you know this common practice among cranberry growers was started entirely by accident?? April is also when we’re fixing and replacing sprinkler systems, checking water pumps, and cleaning out the ditches around the bogs.
Another cool spring project we’re working on this month? Bog renovations! Right after harvest, we evaluate each bog in regards to efficiency of harvest, crop yield, and overall health of the bog and waterways. If a bog didn’t do so well during harvest, it gets a makeover during the Spring. Like this one below on our Queen property!
The weather this time of year can be unpredictable. One day might feel like spring, and the next dips back into frost territory(like last week, when it was 65 and then it snowed.) Because of this, we have to keep a close eye on overnight temperatures. If a frost is expected, we use our irrigation system to coat the vines in a protective layer of ice. An extremely cool process that insulates the plant tissue from damage. Check out this photo from MA Cranberry Association!
Beyond the bogs themselves, April is the time when migratory birds return, frogs become more active, and the surrounding wetlands start to come alive again. The bog ecosystem supports a wide variety of wildlife, and this seasonal transition is one of the most vibrant (and underrated) times to experience it. While cranberries won’t be ready for harvest until the fall, everything that happens now sets the stage for a healthy crop. So if you pass by a bog this month, know that there’s a lot more going on than meets the eye-- spring is getting to work!
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