At Bert’s Berry Farm, we believe New Zealand strawberry growers deserve solutions designed for our unique climate. Our journey began with a vision to grow plants specifically suited for New Zealand’s indoor growers. After years of collaboration with experts worldwide—from the Netherlands to Canada and here in New Zealand—we’ve developed a strategy that can redefine strawberry production: summer planting.

This approach isn’t just about shifting planting times; it’s about improving yields, simplifying production, and reducing challenges. We’re also thrilled to share that our tray plants are now priced competitively, with only a minimal difference from plug plants. This means growers can access top- quality plants at an affordable cost, making Bert’s Berry Farm a smart and economical choice.

The Drawbacks of Early-Season Production Many commercial strawberry growers in New Zealand start planting early, aiming to capture high prices. However, early-season production in tunnel houses often brings challenges that impact both yield and quality. Common varieties like Monterey can suffer from issues like poor fruit colouring and limited leaf growth, reducing both productivity and berry quality.

Temperature fluctuations are a primary cause of these issues. In early- season production, warm tunnel house days stimulate fruiting, but cold nights slow nutrient uptake—especially potassium, which is essential for fruit colour and flavour. This imbalance can lead to slower production and fruit that doesn’t meet high standards, often resulting in costly delays through early spring.

A New Approach: Benefits of Summer Planting We’ve listened to growers’ concerns and developed a summer planting strategy to address them. By adjusting planting schedules, we enable tunnel house growers to bypass early-season issues and focus on optimised production. With our healthy, mature tray plants available year-round, growers have the flexibility to plant when it best suits their needs.

Consider planting in late December or early January. Within five to six weeks, by early February, your plants will be producing vibrant, market- ready fruit—just as demand peaks with students’ return to school. This approach offers consistent, high-quality production well into autumn. Warmer temperatures in autumn support potassium uptake, ensuring berries are richly coloured, full-sized, and flavourful without complicated nutrient interventions.

This timing also offers a competitive advantage by allowing tunnel house growers to produce when field crops are out of season, maximising profit potential during peak pricing.

Real Benefits of Summer Planting with Bert’s Tray Plants Our tray plants are cultivated specifically for indoor environments like tunnel houses and greenhouses. With a summer planting schedule, they’re designed to help you maximise yield with ease. Here’s what you can expect:

• Reduced Labor: Early-season planting often requires thinning, cleaning, or flower removal, adding labor costs. Summer planting simplifies things: plant, irrigate, and let them grow with minimal intervention.
• Higher Yields and Quality: Fresh, young plants yield high-quality strawberries consistently throughout the season, providing full-sized, robust berries without early exhaustion.
• Better Nutrient Uptake: Autumn’s warmer temperatures encourage easier potassium absorption, leading to naturally vibrant, flavourful strawberries.
• Extended Harvest Season: Younger plants maintain growth vigor, allowing you to continue harvesting into autumn without compromising crop health.

Flexible Production Timing: Traditional planting schedules can be restrictive, but summer planting gives you control to time production with market demands, avoiding overlap with field production.

Your Success, Our Commitment At Bert’s Berry Farm, we’re here to support your long-term success. We’re dedicated to helping New Zealand growers reach their full potential, using strategies and plants that fit their unique needs. With our recent pricing adjustments, our tray plants offer exceptional quality at an affordable price. Now more accessible than ever, our plants make it easier for you to invest confidently in your growing operation. Check out if we have some plants available for both summer and winter planting.

If you’re ready to step into a new era of production, reach out to Bert or Brigitte today to explore how our tray plants and expertise can support your goals. At Bert’s Berry Farm, we’re not just suppliers; we’re partners in your success, working together to make this season your best yet.

Web: www.bertsberryfarm.com 

E: brigitte@bertsberryfarm.com