Berry Season Peaking in Northwest Arkansas
by July 14, 1997 12:00 am 73 views
A cool fall last year has made for a good blueberry crop this summer, says Steve Drake, owner of Drake’s Farm in Rogers. Drake, a director on the Arkansas State Horticulture Society board, says he’s the only farmer in Northwest Arkansas who grows blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.
On three acres at his farm, Drake grows three varieties of blueberries: Blue Crop, Collins and Blueray. He also has three acres planted in blackberries and one acre in raspberries.
Drake encourages would-be berry farmers to begin with blackberries. “Blackberries are the easiest to grow,” he says.
Blueberries take three to four years to develop and bear fruit, says Drake. Raspberries aren’t that finicky, but require constant irrigation and mulch.
Drake says berries aren’t as complicated to farm as tree fruits.
Drake will be selling blueberries at his farm on Airport Loop through about July 19. The price is $10 per gallon picked, $7 per gallon if you pick your own.
He’ll be selling blackberries through about July 26. They sell for $10 per gallon picked or $1 per pound if you pick your own.