FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you have a question that is not answered here, please e-mail us and we will get back to you with an answer, and possibly post it here in the future.

QUESTIONS ABOUT TREMAINE FARMS

What varieties of raspberries do you grow?

• Willamette and Meeker

What is the difference between the two varieties?

• For years after its introduction in 1943 the Willamette was the raspberry of choice. Although it is still prized for it's deep red color and excellent raspberry flavor, the Willamette has been replaced as the Pacific Northwest acreage leader by the more productive Meeker. The Meeker has larger fruit with a lighter red color.

When is your harvest season?

• Harvest usually begins around the 4th of July, but depending on the weather, can start as early as mid-June. It lasts 5-6 weeks, finishing up by mid-August.

How do you pick raspberries?

• All of our raspberries are picked by machine. Check out the Berry Harvest Machines page for more information.

How often do you pick the raspberries?

• Each row is picked every 1 to 3 days, depending on the variety, the weather conditions, and the type of pack the fruit is being picked for.

Where do you store all your berries?

• In Versacold cold storage in Lynden, about 5 miles away.

How many plants do you have on your farm?

• About 180,000

How many people do you employ?

• During the harvest season, we employ 30 to 40 people. During the rest of the year we employ 5-10 people.

QUESTIONS ABOUT RASPBERRIES AND HEALTH

Along with their cancer-fighting ability, do raspberries have any other health benefits?

• Of course!! Raspberries also contain high levels of Vitamin C, riboflavin, and potassium. And as in the case of ellagic acid, the health benefit is the same whether you eat them fresh or frozen.
• Raspberries are the most calorie efficient source of fiber of any common food item. In other words, you can get a lot of fiber for very few calories (great tasting calories, at that!)
  

Do you have any ideas for ways to add raspberries to my diet? The Washington State Red Raspberry Commission has compiled a cookbook of over 90 recipes from the kitchens of Washington state's raspberry growers. The Remarkable Red Raspberry Cookbook is avialable for $9.95 (postage included) Send orders to: Washington State Red Raspberry Commission 1626 N. Atlantic Spokane, WA 99205

Backyard Berry Growing Questions

When do I plant red raspberries?

• Raspberries can be planted anytime in the spring, but earlier is better. Since the canes that grow this year will produce fruit next year, the longer they have to grow before winter, the better.

Where do I plant red raspberries?

• Raspberries prefer soil that is rich in humus, with a soil ph of 6.5. Since the raspberry plant is very susceptible to root rots, they should be planted in soil that is well-drained and well-aerated. Clay soils and wet areas should be avoided. If you must plant on marginal soil, you may want to build a sloped raised bed for optimum drainage.

How far apart do I plant them?

• About two and one half feet.

Where do I get raspberry plants?

• Sakuma Brothers Farms
  P.O. Box 427
  Burlington, WA 98233

Phone (360) 757-6611

What type of fertilizer should I use?

• A multi-blend fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 works well. When fertilizing, do not dump it at the base of the plant, as this could injure it. Instead, spread it out evenly for a few feet around the plant to feed the entire root zone. Do not use a weed and feed lawn fertilizer.

Do the plants need any further care?

• Yes. Each year following harvest, in the fall or winter, the canes that have fruited should be cut out. The remaining canes (which will bear fruit next season) should be tied up to some type of support.

How soon can I expect my first berries?

• The raspberries will not fruit the same year that they are planted. Your first crop will be the following summer, and it will be 2-3 years before they reach full production.