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 * About Us
   * The Association
   * Our Growers
   * Board and Staff
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   * Donations
   * Nondiscrimination Statement
 * The Cranberry
   * History
   * Health Benefits
   * How Cranberries Grow
     * Nutrition
     * Water Use
     * Pesticide Use
     * Sand Use
     * Spring
     * Spring Frost
     * Summer
     * Pollination
     * Fall
     * Fall Frost
     * Dry Harvest
     * Winter
     * Ice Sanding
   * Sustainability
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HOW CRANBERRIES GROW


CRANBERRY GROWING IS A YEAR ROUND PROCESS.

Nestled among the towns and villages of Southeastern Massachusetts are 13,000+
acres of cranberry bogs. These bogs are the workplaces of 300+ cranberry
farmers. For generations, cranberry growers have nurtured and cultivated these
wetlands, contributed to their communities, provided shelter and habitat for
hundreds of plants and animal species, and helped to preserve the beautiful New
England countryside.



We invite you to explore the sections below to learn more about Massachusetts
cranberry production, why it's unique, and what is happening on the farm during
each season.



BACKGROUND

Cranberries can grow and survive only under a very special combination of
factors including: acid peat soil, an adequate fresh water supply, and a growing
season that extends from April to November. Cranberries grow on low-lying vines
in beds layered with sand, peat, gravel and clay. These beds, commonly known as
bogs or marshes, were originally created by glacial deposits. Commercial bogs
use a system of wetlands, uplands, ditches, flumes, ponds and other water bodies
that provide a natural habitat for a variety of plant and animal life.

Grow your own bog in a cup!






CLASSIFICATION

The North American cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon, is the fruit recognized by
the USDA as the standard for fresh cranberries and the cranberry juice cocktail.
The European variety, which is grown in parts of central Europe, Finland and
Germany, is known as Vaccinium oxycoccus. This variety is a smaller fruit with
anthocyanin pigment profiles similar to that of the North American variety. The
European variety, however, has a different acid profile in terms of the
percentages of quinic, malic and citric acid levels present. In Europe, this
fruit is commonly known as English mossberry.



CULTIVATION

The cranberry is a Native American wetland fruit which grows on trailing vines
like a strawberry. The vines thrive on the special combination of soils and
water properties found in wetlands. Wetlands are nature's sponges; they store
and purify water and help to maintain the water table. Cranberries grow in beds
layered with sand, peat and gravel. These beds are commonly known as bogs or
marshes and were originally formed as a result of glacial deposits.



In Massachusetts we call the place where cranberries grow a BOG. Natural bogs
evolved from deposits left by the glaciers more than 10,000 years ago. These
deposits were left in impermeable kettle holes lined with clay. The clay
prevents materials from leaching into the groundwater. Rocks and other organic
materials were collected by the glaciers. When the ice finally melted deposits
of heavy materials were layered on top of the clay.



These kettle holes were filled with water and organic matter which created the
ideal environment for cranberries. In the early 1800s Henry Hall, a veteran of
the Revolutionary War who lived in Dennis Massachusetts noticed that sand blown
in from nearby dunes helped vines grow faster. Today, growers spread a inch or
two of sand on their bogs every three years. The sand not only helps the vines
grow but also slows the growth of weeds and insects. Normally, growers do not
replant each year since an undamaged cranberry vine will survive indefinitely.
Some vines on Cape Cod are more than 150 years old and are still bearing fruit.



LOCATION

Cranberries are grown through the northern part of the United States. The major
production areas are New Jersey, Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin
and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Quebec. Other regions grow
cranberries as well, to varying extent, and these include Delaware, Maine,
Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, as well as the provinces of New Brunswick,
Nova Scotia and Ontario. Cranberries are also commercially grown in Chile. These
regions offer the special conditions that cranberries require, including sandy
soil; abundant fresh water and a dormancy period that provides enough chill
hours to produce a crop the following growing season.



View a map of where Massachusetts cranberry bogs are located.




THE CRANBERRY

 * How Cranberries Grow
   * Sand Use
   * Winter
   * Spring
   * Summer
   * Fall
   * Dry Harvest
   * Spring Frost
   * Fall Frost
   * Ice Sanding
   * Nutrition
   * Pesticide Use
   * Pollination
   * Water Use

CRANBERRY IMPACT 

Massachusetts is home to 300+ cranberry farmers, 14,000+ acres of cranberry
bogs, and 65,000+ acres of associated open space.  Learn what's happening on
cranberry farms this time of year.  





The majority of cranberry varieties are harvested in October. By the end of the
month 95% of berries will have been harvested. 





Harvest season comes to an end. The bogs begin to go dormant and growers start
their off-season maintenance program. 

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FOLLOW ALONG ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE GROWING UPDATES. 




CONTACT

Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association 265D South Meadow Road
Plymouth, MA 02360

508.866.7878



WHO WE ARE

One of the oldest farmer organizations in the country, we represent 300+
cranberry growers who farm 13,000+ acres of cranberry bogs in southeastern
Massachusetts. 

WHY CRANBERRIES?

In addition to being historically and culturally important, the cranberry
industry's economic contribution is vital to the overall strength of
Massachusetts' economy.




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