Blueberries

Learn about where our tea gets its blueberries!

Interview with Rosemary Rokita of Blueberry Hill

What's the story behind your farm? How long has it been running? Is it a family business? 

Harrietta's Blueberry Hill began in 1982/83, when Amelia and Grant Waldo along with their son, Larry, planted 12 test plants near the house and none of them died! In 1986, they planted 2500 blueberry bushes in their current location, about half of what there are now. The first fruit was sold in 1989. The fruit was originally picked for farm markets (Traverse City and Cadillac), retail markets, and a few restaurants as well as U-pick. It eventually evolved into U-pick only in 1996. 

Could you tell us about the unique quality of your blueberries?

We grow 11-12 varieties that ripen in succession over approximately 6 weeks.

How do you ensure freshness of blueberries throughout the season.

Through the succession plan.

Do you have any unique cultivation techniques you would like to share.

Larry has learned to propagate his own plants in order to replace plants as well as to sell individual plants. 

Does your farm take visitors or have any interesting tours.

We are u-pick and encourage visitors, tours, and questions!

What is the biggest challenge you face during blueberry season.

The spotted wing drosophila (a fruit fly from China). This insect is also a bane to cherry and other fruit growers. 

What are your personal favorite ways to enjoy blueberries.

Fresh off the bush is the favorite.

Do you have any varieties of blueberries unique to your farm.

Larry has come across plants on the farm and took them to Degrandchamps Blueberries in South Haven where they identified them as a unique variety. Larry had them officially named Amy, after his mom, and has propagated more of them. 

Do you enjoy collaborating with local business owners.

We enjoy letting people know where they can have lunch or buy food/gas in the Harrietta area. We share information about other fruit farms in the area.

When is the perfect time to buy some blueberries.

For approximately six weeks, between mid-July and Labor Day, there is usually at least one variety that has ripe fruit. We try not to open until we know there is enough to pick.