Do you raise any other farm products?
No. Our name says it all Bryant's Blueberries.
Why can't I reach you by phone?
Both Louisville and Harrison County have 366-xxxx phone numbers. You must dial 1 812 366-3592.
What happened in 2003 and 2005? I came up and you were closed!
Unfortunately the drought in 2002 adversely affected the number of fruit buds set in the fall. The demand exceeded supply and picking became very hard. We closed on all days except Wednesday and Saturday. This allowed for easier picking since there was more ripe fruit available. In 2005 the plants were recuperating from a very large crop in 2004. Furthermore we lost a lot of fruit to phomopsis twig blight.
Will you be open everyday in 2007?
We don't know yet. If the demand stays as strong as it has, we will be open only a few days per week to allow more fruit to ripen for picking on the designated days.
Do you have pre-picked fruit?
Not very often. Lately the demand for pick your own blueberries has exceeded our supply. We don't want to pick the fruit for over the counter sales and have none left for those who want to pick their own.
Should I wash the berries before I freeze them?
If you get the berries wet, they will freeze in a clump unless you get them dry, which is extra work. Our berries are rarely, if ever, sprayed, so wash, if you must, prior to eating not prior to freezing.
Have your berries been sprayed?
We rarely have to spray the berries themselves. I have not had to apply insecticides in over 5 years. But during dormancy we apply lime sulpur to reduce phompsis twig blight. If that doesn't solve the problem, we apply other fungicides to control the problem. These are normally applied during bloom prior to the berries even being formed. Control of phompsis twig blight is essential. In years with no fungicides I have lost as much as 40% to 50% of the crop.
Are your blueberries organic?
I have not certified the ground and the crop as organic for a several reasons. First, 'organic' doesn't mean no pesticides; it means approved pesticides, some of which are very toxic. Second, blueberries require an acid forming fertilizer, Amonium Sulphate, which is not 'organic.' Third, I do use herbicides to kill some of the weeds. Forth, Lime Sulphur (which is considered organic) doesn't always give adequate control of phomsis twig blight (which has caused crop losses of over 40% in the past).
What varieties do you have and in what order do they ripen?
We start with Duke, then quickly move on to BlueJay, BlueRay, Patriot, BlueCrop, Darrow, and finally LateBlue.
When is the picking the best?
When no one else has already picked. So that would be the first day of the season and the first day of picking of each later variety (days we cannot predict).
How long will the season last?
It is difficult to predict with any certainty. In some years most of the fruit was picked in the first 3 weeks. In some years it has extended for 6 weeks. In the last couple of weeks we are often limited to only two varieties. Consequently in the last 2 weeks we are only open 1 or at most 2 days per week.
Do you sell blueberry plants? Where do you purchase your plants?
Generally not. I purchase from wholesale nurseries in Michigan and Oregon. Many local nurseries do not carry blueberry plants because of their mortality in early life. I suggest that you order from the catelogues like Starks Brothers or Kelly's.
Which plants grow the best?
Duke, BlueRay and BlueJay seem to do better in our heavy soils. Avoid Collins, Bluetta and Spartan.
Which varieties are the sweetest?
This is a matter of taste. If you measured the acidity level, it would be highest in the late plants like Darrow and Late Blue. It would be lowest in Duke and BlueJay. Most all varieties will get sweet if left on the bush long enough; but some are more forgiving if picked early. Late Blues never get sweet and Duke and BlueJay are very forgiving.
Which berry freezes the best?
All freeze very well as long as they are dry. Some varieties do hold up better while being cooked. BlueJay is very firm when fresh and holds up well when cooked.
May I bring my dog(s)?
While we don't prohibit dogs on our property, we don't encourage them either. People often walk down the aisles between the bushes where your dog may deposit .... We have a popper scooper available for your use.
What do you do for the rest of the year?
Believe it or not there's more to raising blueberries than weighing your fruit. They must be watered, weeded mulched and pruned. Pruning is the longest, hardest and coldest task. Each plant needs a "hair cut," which can take up to 5 minutes per plant. With almost 8000 plants, well, you do the math. During tax season Dale does taxes and Diane has to complete the pruning before they start to bud out in April.
Updated 10/10/06
