Summer Planting at Bert’s Berry Farm: Unlocking New Potential for Strawberry Growers

At Bert’s Berry Farm, we believe in empowering growers to achieve greater success by adapting to the unique needs and conditions of New Zealand. Our passion for strawberries runs deep—we started with a vision: to grow a strawberry plant suited specifically for New Zealand’s unique climate and for the dedicated indoor growers who form an important part our industry. Over the years, our extensive research and collaborations across the globe—from greenhouses in the Netherlands and Canada to right here in New Zealand—have culminated in a game-changing strategy for strawberry production: SUMMER PLANTING. This approach isn’t just about planting at a new time of year; it’s about aligning with the natural conditions to maximise growth, simplify operations, and yield vibrant, flavourful strawberries.

Why Early-Season Production Isn’t Working as Expected

In New Zealand, many commercial strawberry growers focus on early-season production. It’s a logical choice when high prices and early market availability are the goals. However, early production in tunnel houses has introduced unexpected challenges. Many of you have probably encountered issues with colouring and leaf development during this time. In day-neutral varieties like Monterey, which are commonly grown here, there’s often an imbalance: an abundance of fruit with not enough leaves to support healthy growth. This imbalance can compromise both yield and quality.

The root of the problem lies in how plants respond to temperature. While the daytime warmth in greenhouses and tunnel houses encourages fruiting, chilly nighttime temperatures slow down nutrient uptake, especially for essential elements like potassium that aid in fruit colouring. This cool temperature effect means that, while your plants might look productive, they’re actually struggling to deliver the results you’re aiming for. The cycle continues until spring, leaving you with slower-than-expected production and fruit that doesn’t meet your color standards.

A New Approach: The Benefits of Summer Planting

At Bert’s Berry Farm, we’ve taken these challenges to heart and developed a new approach. We’ve reimagined the planting calendar. We believe tunnel house growers can benefit from a new planting schedule by focusing on summer planting rather than competing with field production. With our mature, healthy tray plants available year-round, growers now have the flexibility to plant when it suits them best.

Consider planting your strawberries in late December or early January. Within roughly five weeks, by early February, your plants will begin producing vibrant, market-ready fruit—just as students return to school and strawberry demand rises. With a fresh, young plant, you’ll achieve higher, consistent production through late autumn, avoiding the bottleneck of early-season issues. The warmer autumn temperatures facilitate easier potassium uptake, ensuring rich fruit color and size without the need for complex nutrient interventions.

This timing also provides a unique competitive advantage, allowing growers to produce berries when field crops are out of season, and maximising profit potential during peak pricing.

This shift in timing also provides a new competitive edge. By focusing on mid-to-late summer production, tunnel house growers can produce when field crops are tapering off. This strategic timing takes advantage of favourable autumn temperatures, allowing plants to absorb potassium with ease. The result? Plump, vibrant strawberries that stand out in the market without the need for heavy intervention, and maximising profit potential during peak pricing.

Benefits of Summer Planting with Bert’s Tray Plants

Our strawberry tray plants are specifically cultivated for covered, controlled environments, such as tunnel houses, greenhouses and glasshouses. They’re ready to go to work for you the moment they’re planted, allowing you to maximise your yields with a minimum of fuss. When you adopt a summer planting schedule with these optimised tray plants, you’ll notice:

Reduced Labor

No need for early thinning, cleaning, or removing flowers. Simply plant, irrigate, and let them grow. This low-maintenance approach means less labor spent on early-season complexities.

Greater Yields and Quality

Fresh, young, vibrant plants produce consistently well and maintain their energy, delivering high-quality, full-sized berries throughout the season. And ensuring robust fruit production.

Optimal Nutrient Uptake

With favourable autumn temperatures, plants efficiently absorb potassium, ensuring brilliant berry color and peak flavour.:

Extended Harvest Season

With consistent, young growth, you can pick well into autumn without compromising plant health.

Flexible Planning

Instead of planting to fit traditional schedules, you control when your tunnel houses are cleaned and planted, avoiding overlap with field production. Empowering you to plant at the ideal time.

Your Success Is Our Goal

At Bert’s Berry Farm, one of our mission has always been to see you succeed. Our Vision: A Game-Changer for New Zealand Strawberry Production. We want to empower you to spend less time on plant management and more time reaping the benefits of a productive, vibrant crop. With our summer planting system, we’re pioneering a new chapter in New Zealand strawberry production, allowing you to focus on quality, maximise profits, and experience the freedom of producing strawberries beyond conventional seasons.

Summer planting isn’t just a new strategy—it’s a game-changer that allows you to become more flexible, efficient, and competitive in the market. The advantages are clear: more productive plants, reduced labor, and the freedom to choose the timing that best supports your business. By focusing on your strengths as a covered grower, you can make this season your most successful yet.

Are you ready to take the next step? Contact Bert or Brigitte today to explore how our tray plants can elevate your growing potential. At Bert’s Berry Farm, we’re more than suppliers; we’re partners in your success, dedicated to helping you achieve the best results possible.