BajaNomad

blue berries

bledito - 10-5-2013 at 06:58 PM

Are blueberries avalible in cabo or san jose. they are a favorite of my wife and I and would miss em if not to be found.

DENNIS - 10-5-2013 at 07:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bledito
Are blueberries avalible in cabo or san jose. they are a favorite of my wife and I and would miss em if not to be found.



I found them frozen like rocks just yesterday at Commercial Mexicano.
Is there one in your neighborhood?

monoloco - 10-5-2013 at 08:04 PM

They have been having fresh domestically grown blueberries at Costco, and they also have frozen ones.

BajaLuna - 10-5-2013 at 09:47 PM

I was wondering if blueberries can be grown in Baja coastal weather, IE: Bahia Asuncion? I am a hobby farmer of many different varieties of blueberries and raspberries here at my place in the Pacific Northwest, where of course they do VERYYY well, but I would love to know if anyone on BN has had good luck growing them in coastal regions? And are blueberry plants available anywhere around there? I'm sure if any do well, it would be a process of trial and error to find out which varieties grow best there, just like I have had to do here as well.

Monoloco, do you know if they are growing those inland or in a coastal region area?

thanks, it's good to know they are available at some stores in Baja, as I had planned to stock up in San Diego to put in the freezer in Baja.

BajaDixon - 10-5-2013 at 10:17 PM

The San Quintin area has a huge amount of blueberries being farmed. Because of the temperate climate they don't sleep in the winter. The large farmers get their plants from southern Oregon. I would guess that there are about 1000 acres being grown now with more to come. One of their varieties are as big as a large thumbnail.

Now this is not to say that you can buy these in Baja very easily. The great majority are shipped to the states where the profit margins are fatter. But they definitely can be grown along the Pacific coast.

EnsenadaDr - 10-5-2013 at 10:29 PM

where is this exactly in San Quintin? It might be a good destination for a road trip!!
Quote:
Originally posted by BajaDixon
The San Quintin area has a huge amount of blueberries being farmed. Because of the temperate climate they don't sleep in the winter. The large farmers get their plants from southern Oregon. I would guess that there are about 1000 acres being grown now with more to come. One of their varieties are as big as a large thumbnail.

Now this is not to say that you can buy these in Baja very easily. The great majority are shipped to the states where the profit margins are fatter. But they definitely can be grown along the Pacific coast.

churro - 10-5-2013 at 11:07 PM

They grow berries all over San Quentin.... I have been told that the huge berry companies are buying up all the land in the area... Google Berrymex.... I have been told that the Driscol berry company (sells allot of their product to Costco) has huge plans in the area, they are wanting to drill allot of water wells and expand their operation.

BajaLuna - 10-5-2013 at 11:20 PM

Thanks so much for this info! Wow that's great to hear that they are doing some serious blueberry farming in San Quintin. Good to know too that they are a perennial, as I did wonder that. They are an annual where I currently live.

I do know they grow very well in Central Coastal California, although perhaps that would be a little colder than Baja, but was glad to learn they grow well in the coastal climate there in California.

The great thing about blueberry farming is they have little to no pests, and thus don't have to be sprayed by those farmers who might spray, not to mention a high profit margin as well, so good luck to those farmers in Baja!

It would be good to find out if they sell plants there! I need to make a trip there and check it out!

thanks for the info!

mulegemichael - 10-5-2013 at 11:24 PM

i, personally, don't think blueberries would do well in baja sur as there is no, really, "down time", or winter...they really need a "sleep" period where they can rejuvenate their resources for the next season...here, in sequim, washington, where we actually have a winter, they do VERY well, as long as we pay attention to their acid soil needs and fertilize accordingly...we are STILL harvesting berries now late into the fall period...in fact have begged our neighbors to PLEASE come get this fruit before it's too late!!

BajaLuna - 10-5-2013 at 11:27 PM

thanks churro, I will Google it!

BajaLuna - 10-5-2013 at 11:31 PM

yes, they do need downtime/winter as an annual, but as a perennial? And hmmm they would have a longer growth cycle down there?

churro - 10-5-2013 at 11:43 PM

Bajaluna, If you are driving down to BA, you will drive right through San Quentin and the berry growing area.... Maybe you can get some plants?? Baja Gringo lives in the area and may have some tips for you

monoloco - 10-6-2013 at 07:01 AM

I haven't seen any blueberries growing in BCS, but we have blackberries, and they do very well here.

BajaLuna - 10-6-2013 at 10:30 AM

We are thinking we just might make a stop there, Churro and see what the situation is on buying plants! Blueberry plants also make a good landscaping plant as well, or grow very well in pots too!

Good to know too, Monoloco, that blackberries do well in Baja! On my land here, now that we just re-homed our goats, we spend a lot of time keeping the wild blackberries back, which are pretty much around the entire perimeter of our property and a pain in the arse, whew do they ever take over very quickly. I sure miss my blackberry eatin' goats, they could clear them in a hurry!

Even if I could just get cuttings from somewhere, I'd be a happy camper!

I'm on the hunt for berry plants/cuttings! I see blackberries and blueberries in my Baja future!

thanks for the info, everyone!

shari - 10-6-2013 at 01:10 PM

I am lovin that idea Baja Luna....I can see them on the inside of your wall...maybe Ron Baja Gringo could get his hands on some cuttings in the SQ area so they would already be acclimatized to here...ummm blueberry pancakes with maple syrup...si por favor!

bledito - 10-6-2013 at 01:29 PM

alrighty then now i can plan on having my pancakes as well. Wonder how long from starter cuttings till blueberries can start to be picked.

BajaLuna - 10-6-2013 at 02:07 PM

Absolutely, Shari!

Awwww yes...muffins, pancakes, berry pie and cobbler, yum smoothies, berry salsa for fish (love it on salmon, so we need to experiment with other fish)..oh and chicken and pork too is very good, and of course berry jam...and let's not forget sangria and c-cktails! And Blackberry wine is superb!

We can be in berry heaven, my northern berry friend! We sure love our berries, don't we! Keep on the look-out for plants or cuttings, Shari!


I'll email Baja Gringo!

BajaLuna - 10-6-2013 at 02:21 PM

Bledito, several years. They take several months just to root from cuttings. I usually plant 2 year old plants here at home, and the next year I don't get very much fruit, but the following year I get lots!

BajaLuna - 10-6-2013 at 02:48 PM

But, Baja is probably a whole other story, being that they are grown as a perennial, and I personally don't get a good fruit harvest off of mine up here in the PNW until the plant is mature enough. I'm not sure how growing them as perennials effects the time between planting the starts to producing fruit, you would think it would be a shorter time span...I really don't know...it's all a new learning experience growing them in Baja!

durrelllrobert - 10-6-2013 at 03:50 PM

When I was a little kid I used to pick the wild ones at my grandma's place in MN. I'll never forget the time she smacked me in the back of my head because "I didn't know how to pick them". I was eating every other one :biggrin:

monoloco - 10-6-2013 at 05:16 PM

Growing Conditions for Blueberries
by: Countryfarm Lifestyles

Blueberries can be grown in any area that azaleas do well in as they have the same growing conditions. So that is your yardstick if you are wondering about whether they will grow in your area. They prefer areas that have a cooler climate and do not do well in tropical areas as it is just too hot for them. Blueberries are native to both South and North America, Europe and Asia.

Blueberries like to have an acidic soil to grow in, which should have lots of compost and humus. A pH of 4.5 is ideal, but a pH of 4.0-5.5 is an acceptable range. They also like moist soil but not soggy soil, so it should be well-drained.

Check the pH of your soil every year. If it gets above 5.5 apply ground sulphur at a rate of 25g (1 oz) per plant, either raked or watered in. As blueberries are shallow rooted plants, take care with the raking so that you don't damage the root system.

Plant them in a sheltered position. Ideally, they will be screened from trees on one side so that they get the morning sun but the afternoon shade. However, if you try and grow this fruit in deep-shade the plants will not flower very well, therefore your crop will be poor.

Southern Highbush and Rabbiteye varieties are best grown in areas that have a warmer climate as these are varieties that come from the Southern States of America.

http://www.countryfarm-lifestyles.com/what-are-the-growing-c...

DavidE - 10-7-2013 at 11:14 AM

Some plants do not do well in windy conditions. I've planted a few varieties here that -should have- done well but didn't. Ph was correct, drainage, soil conditions, composition, fertility but no success. Lettuce was a notable failure. It hates wind. Corn did very well because pollen traveled miles and miles. There are honeybees. You might want to think about YELLOWJACKETS when dealing with any sweet fruit, especially if you plan on planting a lot. The inference would be to plant blueberries as far from patio, windows or doors as feasible. A note about potatoes. I learned the hard way to plant in the fall. Potato plants must see cool(er) nights so leaves can send nutrients to the tubers at night. Or a person ends up with mostly new potatoes. Small ones.

The "official name" of blueberries in México is
MORA AZUL

I've a hunch blueberries might grow well way up in the Sierra de La Laguna.

[Edited on 10-7-2013 by DavidE]

BajaLuna - 10-7-2013 at 11:46 AM

I agree, need to plant stuff out of the wind, but I do think certain varieties of blueberries when planted in the right location could do just fine there. All gardening is a big experiment anyways.. trial and error. Yeah I hear ya about the yellow jackets that could be a big problem. I sure don't want many of those around. I keep mason bees (non-agressive) here at my house in WA, and since I started, my garden has never been better....and so I garden amongst bees all the time, however yellowjackets would not be fun! My bees are so busy doing their job pollinating and then feeding their babies in their wee little mud tubes inside their wee little house they could care less who is around, LOL!

BajaLuna - 10-7-2013 at 11:57 AM

cute story, Durrelllrobert! My grandchildren aren't good pickers, they come back with hardly any in their buckets, and nothing but blue or red faces...and then when the supply in the freezer is gone come about April for their smoothies, they wonder why LOL, well because nana was the only one saving the ones she picked and there isn't enough to supply us through till the next harvest! One of these days, I'll have enough plants to last us from harvest to harvest! But hey, it's all good, they love their berries.

BajaLuna - 10-7-2013 at 12:02 PM

good info, Azaleas and blueberries do well in the same locations! Never knew that!

thanks monoloco!

dtbushpilot - 10-7-2013 at 12:20 PM

To answer the original question: Yes, they are available at Costco in Cabo. I bought some a few days ago, Naturipe brand Salinas Ca. however the label says "product of Mexico". 18oz was 152pesos or about $10 a pound......not cheap but very good quality.

BajaLuna - 10-7-2013 at 12:51 PM

That's interesting, DavidK about the potatoes being planted in the Fall, instead of in March on St. Patty's day like we do here. Although we do plant garlic in the Fall here. Thanks for the tater info!

mtgoat666 - 10-7-2013 at 01:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mulegemichael
i, personally, don't think blueberries would do well in baja sur as there is no, really, "down time", or winter...they really need a "sleep" period where they can rejuvenate their resources for the next season...here, in sequim, washington, where we actually have a winter, they do VERY well, as long as we pay attention to their acid soil needs and fertilize accordingly...we are STILL harvesting berries now late into the fall period...in fact have begged our neighbors to PLEASE come get this fruit before it's too late!!


some people buy berries based on color. some people buy the berries that taste good. there are a lot of bland blue berries for sale out there, costco and every large vendor specialize in selling the bland ones, as their customers only care that they are blue and cheap.

monoloco - 10-7-2013 at 03:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by mulegemichael
i, personally, don't think blueberries would do well in baja sur as there is no, really, "down time", or winter...they really need a "sleep" period where they can rejuvenate their resources for the next season...here, in sequim, washington, where we actually have a winter, they do VERY well, as long as we pay attention to their acid soil needs and fertilize accordingly...we are STILL harvesting berries now late into the fall period...in fact have begged our neighbors to PLEASE come get this fruit before it's too late!!


some people buy berries based on color. some people buy the berries that taste good. there are a lot of bland blue berries for sale out there, costco and every large vendor specialize in selling the bland ones, as their customers only care that they are blue and cheap.
Actually, for a while they had really good NW organic blueberries at Costco, and the Mexican ones are pretty darn good too, I should know, I eat them almost every day.

DavidE - 10-7-2013 at 04:31 PM

I learned the yellowjacket thing thing the hard way. Many years ago. Short sleeves and shorts. Heavy gloves, plunged right in after tunas, cactus fruits. The little yellow and black bostids had a field day with me. Pitahayaeros told me that is part of the reason the fruit is so expensive - the pickers get pronged on the spines, and stung by the yellowjackets. A tough way to make a living.

None of the so-called experts on potatoes have constructed sites or information that boils down potato raising to an understandable level. Roots down deep, tubers near the surface, small potatoes exposed to sunlight turn green and are indigestible but can be covered with soil and they'll turn nice and brown or white shortly while still growing - they aren't ruined. Some sites say spuds grow well in poor soil. That is a load of hooie, especially the guy who said they grow -best- in poor soil. The plants MUST have their leaves kept free of layers of dust or dirt. Properly fed spuds taste like they already have butter on them - it's amazing.

Blanca, I have those Night Blooming Jasmine seeds to give you. Apparently they only sprout after 90 days and need 70F to germinate. My babies are three inches tall. I gave them a shot of fertilizer and stumbled as I was applying it. Hope they like a high-calorie diet...

The Dill is growing s-l-o-w-l-y. An inch and a half tall now.

Been eyeballing a hummingbird feeder here in the Miramar. Some folks do not know how to prepare hummingbird food. Two cups sugar, one liter of water and BOIL the sugar water for five minutes to dissolve the sugar entirely then cool. Hummingbirds know and love the color red, for food. It's a hoot to sit inside and watch the hummingbird wars while I'm sipping coffee. Honey is not good for a hummingbird.

Just some clarification on terminology....

motoged - 10-7-2013 at 04:49 PM

"A perennial plant or simply perennial (Latin per, "through", annus, "year") is a plant that lives for more than two years.[1] The term is often used to differentiate a plant from shorter-lived annuals and biennials. The term is also widely used to distinguish plants with little or no woody growth from trees and shrubs, which are also technically perennials."

Blueberries come from a bush....that are perennials....

"Perennials, especially small flowering plants, that grow and bloom over the spring and summer, die back every autumn and winter, and then return in the spring from their root-stock."

Yum !!!



Some reading on types, growing conditions, etc:

http://www.sunnyridge.com/grow/mexico/

http://www.joebarsi.com/2009/09/blueberry-growth-in-mexico.html

http://www.freshfruitportal.com/2013/02/04/mexico-blueberries-offer-alternative-to-sinaloa-growers/?country=canada

BajaDixon - 10-7-2013 at 06:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
where is this exactly in San Quintin? It might be a good destination for a road trip!!
Quote:


Sorry Doc- probably not a good idea to go in search of the blueberry farms for several reasons. The fields are spread out in different areas and for hygiene reasons they keep them behind locked gates and fences covered with black sheets of plastic. This gives them protection from dogs and wildlife that would otherwise contaminate the fruit. The fences and guards also prevent hungry people from showing up for dessert!

[Edited on 10-8-2013 by BajaDixon]

BajaLuna - 10-8-2013 at 01:59 PM

I have found that it's all about which variety you get that does good in your area and of course picking them at peak time...and of course too the conditions they grew in that year IE: weather, sun etc...because I have some varieties that produce HUGE blueberries and taste delicious and another one of a different variety that is huge also but sooo bland. The Grandkids and I went to a berry farm and picked some this Summer as I had a few plants that didn't do good this year and they wanted to take a bunch home to their mom's house, not sure why a few plants didn't do good because all my other plants did great this year (sunny summer)...but anyways, we picked some HUGE organic ones, and I mean HUGEEEE ones, like blueberries on steroids, and they were the best I have ever tasted, except when I have picked wild ones in Maine of course...so in my experience you can't judge a berry by it's size. I was always told the smaller and darker the berry, the better the flavor, but I'm not so sure now.

We had a record year this year with our currant, and raspberry crop, and my freezer is stuffed with raspberries, yayyy! Some years we have been a little lazy at cutting back the raspberry canes after the harvest, but last year we were on it..and wow what a difference it made cutting those canes back so the new canes could come through.

Every year we add new plants to our berry patch, this year we are adding lingonberries (us Swedes love our lingon berries!), marionberry, and boysenberry. And next week adding a kiwi tree to the greenhouse, and planting a fig tree and another cherry tree to the orchard. 3 years ago I added another variety of apple tree to the orchard, but there is nothing more upsetting than finally getting a few apples on it this Fall and going out there one morning to find the deer ate every one of them on the new tree! Didn't even get to taste one, UGH! My grandchildren almost cried, they had had their eyes on those apples all Summer. And the birds wiped out my sour cherries. Ya win some ya loose some, and they have to eat too! Except for the cougars and bobcats can't they just dine somewhere else and leave my chickens and the neighbors goats alone, LOL! Life would be grand if I didn't have to raise chicks every year!

Oh the trials and tribulations in trying to live self-sustainable! Keeps it all interesting, that's for sure!

can't wait to grow food in Baja, a whole new learning experience for me! And I look forward to learning from those of you seasoned/wise gardeners down there!

I forgot, is there a gardening section board on the BN forums? If not, it would be cool if there was! Or maybe a sustainable living board would be cool too!

BajaLuna - 10-8-2013 at 02:28 PM

OHHH you are so right, DavidE. Some varieties of potatoes taste like they have butter already on them and sooo creamy. I never knew there were sooo many different varieties of potatoes until I started becoming a serious food grower. Grocery stores only sell what is easily grown, fastest to grow, cheapest to grow and have the best results, hence why we only see a few varieties in the stores. My husband use to say to me, why take up all this garden space growing potatoes when they are one of the cheapest vegetables to buy. Then I started growing all different kinds that we had never even heard of, now he's a believer!

Yes, properly fed, but also it makes a HUGE difference in what kind you grow too.

I have tried just about every potato growing method known to man, and have had mixed results....since I grow everything (except blueberries) in raised beds...2 years in a row now I have just grown the potatoes in my raised beds, and I have been amazed at the results. AND I did not pile up the dirt as they grew, I just planted them deep in a trench and that was it. It was completely counter intuitive to me...but a friend of mine grew them this way and I tried it, although I was really skeptical, I mean I have ALWAYS grown them by piling up the dirt as they grew...but it worked brilliantly, and now this is the only way I will grow them from now on.

Are you growing those in containers, or in the ground, or in raised beds?

woody with a view - 10-8-2013 at 03:29 PM

Quote:

Been eyeballing a hummingbird feeder here in the Miramar. Some folks do not know how to prepare hummingbird food. Two cups sugar, one liter of water and BOIL the sugar water for five minutes to dissolve the sugar entirely then cool. Hummingbirds know and love the color red, for food. It's a hoot to sit inside and watch the hummingbird wars while I'm sipping coffee. Honey is not good for a hummingbird.


i just use 4 cups of water and one cup of suger. no coloring. they figure it out real quick and keep coming back. you only boil for 1 or 2 minutes so that you don't evaporate too much water. you are trying to boil off the chlorine and flouride in the city water. don't try to put them on a diet or give them extra sweet water. 4 to 1. and change the water every 5 days when its hot, every 8 days when its cold or fungus will grow in the yeast water!