New Brunswick's Bountiful Harvest

New Brunswick's agricultural produce is largely consumed within the province, with the exception of potatoes and some fruits, such as blueberries and strawberries, which are exported to other Canadian provinces and the United States. The leading crops in New Brunswick are potatoes, oats and barley, with the upper Saint John Valley being a major potato-producing area. Down river, near Fredericton and towards St. John, apples are commonly grown. The Moncton region is a leading dairy area in the Maritimes, with field crops of oats and hay grown to support dairy herds.

In terms of vegetables, lettuce, kale, cabbage, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peppers, asparagus, radishes and eggplants are among the best options to grow in New Brunswick. These crops vary in their temperature preferences, with some thriving in the cold spring and fall, such as lettuce and kale, while others prefer warmer summers, like tomatoes and peppers.

Best vegetables to grow in New Brunswick

New Brunswick is mostly considered Hardiness Zone 5, while some upper-level regions are Hardiness Zone 3 and 4. This means that the province experiences cold springs and falls, with snow and frost, and mild summers. The best vegetables to grow in New Brunswick are those that can withstand these conditions.

Lettuce

Lettuce is one of the easiest vegetables to grow in New Brunswick. It thrives in the cold spring and cooler fall months and can even grow in the snow. Lettuce does not need fertiliser and only needs to be watered once a week. It can be planted in any type of soil and is perfect for small spaces, including containers, raised beds, and indoors. Lettuce can be harvested all year, and the more it is harvested, the more it will grow. However, it is susceptible to pests such as deer, rabbits, squirrels, and slugs.

Kale

Kale is the hardiest vegetable when it comes to cold temperatures in New Brunswick and can be grown all year round. It is also one of the most adaptive vegetables, making it perfect for beginner gardeners. Kale can be grown in pots and is considered an ornamental plant, adding colour and beauty to any type of garden. However, aphids, which are prevalent in New Brunswick, can stunt or kill kale plants. Like lettuce, kale does not tolerate extreme heat.

Cabbage

Cabbage thrives in New Brunswick's cold weather, particularly when grown immediately after the last frost. It grows well in raised garden beds and does not need much room. However, it is prone to pests such as deer, rabbits, and squirrels, and insects such as aphids, mites, and other bugs.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes thrive in mild summers and are low-maintenance. They are considered a vine vegetable and can be trained to grow vertically, making them perfect for small spaces. They can be grown in containers, window boxes, raised beds, and even in poor soil. However, they are susceptible to insects such as aphids, fruit worms, and stink bugs, and diseases such as blight, fungus, and buckeye rot. Tomatoes should not be planted outdoors until about a month after the last frost.

Squash

Squash is a versatile vegetable, with some varieties that can be grown in cold or warm weather, or both. It provides an all-summer harvest, from as early as May to as late as November. Squash is a perfect cross-pollinator and should be planted next to tomatoes, beans, carrots, and cucumbers. While the vegetables themselves are not usually harmed, the flowers are prone to being eaten by birds, squirrels, rabbits, and chipmunks. Squash requires lots of room to grow and may take over other vegetables if not given enough space.

Cucumbers

Like squash, cucumbers are hardy and can be grown in both cold and warm weather. They can be harvested from late spring to late fall and are another great cross-pollinator. However, like squash, the flowers are prone to being eaten by pests, and they require lots of room to grow.

Leading crops in New Brunswick

New Brunswick's leading crop is potatoes, followed by oats and barley. The upper Saint John Valley is a major potato-producing area, while apples are commonly grown down the river, near Fredericton and St. John. The province's second-largest city, Moncton, is a leading dairy area in the Maritimes, with field crops, primarily oats and hay, grown to support dairy herds.

Blueberries are also a bright spot for New Brunswick agriculture. The province has the second-largest area devoted to fruits, berries, and nuts in the Atlantic provinces, with blueberries being the leading commodity in this category.

Other crops that can be grown in New Brunswick include lettuce, kale, cabbage, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peppers, asparagus, radishes, and eggplants.

Maple syrup production

Maple syrup is a significant agricultural product in New Brunswick, Canada. The province is the third-largest maple syrup producer globally, with an annual production of over 3 million kilograms of this sweet treat. The climate, soil, and forest conditions in New Brunswick combine to create a distinctly sweet maple sap that is unique to the region.

The maple syrup production process in New Brunswick typically begins in late winter, usually from mid-March to mid-April. During this time, temperatures are ideal, falling below freezing at night and rising above freezing during the day. This is when maple syrup producers start the process of tapping the trees to collect the sap.

New Brunswick is home to over 250 maple syrup producers, who maintain more than 3 million taps across the province. These producers range from small-scale family businesses to larger operations, all contributing to the province's thriving maple syrup industry. The producers collect and transform the sweet sap into Grade A pure maple syrup, which is then sold locally and exported worldwide.

March is a special month for maple syrup in New Brunswick, with producers opening their sugar camps to the public and inviting them to experience the authentic maple culture. People can indulge in taffy on snow, fresh syrup on pancakes, and maple sugar in drinks. Various festivals and events are also held throughout the province, such as the Riverview Maplefest and the Kings Landing "Maple, the First Taste of Spring", celebrating the delicious and celebrated maple products.

The maple syrup industry in New Brunswick is a source of pride for the province, with its products reaching consumers across the globe. The unique flavour of New Brunswick maple syrup has become an integral part of Canadian culture, and the province continues to promote and export its sweet offerings worldwide.

Blueberry farming

The wild blueberry industry in New Brunswick is predominantly located along the coastal regions of the province. The industry comprises over 300 producers, and in 2012, the crop yield was nearly 20 million kg, with a 5-year average of 14.7 million kg. Wild blueberry development has been a model for sustainable economic growth in the province, with revenues tripling over the last decade.

Farming in New Brunswick faces challenges due to limited suitable land for agriculture. Only 20% of the province's landmass is appropriate for farming, and less than 6% is currently cultivated. The upper Saint John Valley is the largest region suitable for agriculture, serving as a major potato-producing area. The region around Moncton is also important, particularly for dairy farming and field crops like oats and hay.

Overall, blueberry farming in New Brunswick, Canada, has experienced notable growth, contributing significantly to the province's agriculture sector and driving increases in fruit cultivation and farm receipts.

Potato farming

New Brunswick is recognised internationally as a leader in potato production. The province's climate and topography are well-suited to growing potatoes, with over 250 varieties of seed, table, and processing potatoes cultivated. The industry is supported by more than 200 producers, packers, and shippers who are committed to meeting market demands and providing consistent, high-quality service.

Potatoes are the leading crop in New Brunswick, with over 20,000 hectares of potatoes produced annually. The crop is primarily destined for processing (56%), followed by the fresh market (25%), and seed (19%). The upper Saint John Valley is a major potato-producing area, with potatoes also being exported to other Canadian provinces and the United States.

Farming areas in New Brunswick are dispersed due to limited suitable land for agriculture. Only 20% of the province's landmass is appropriate for farming, and less than 6% is currently cultivated. The industry is predominantly made up of small family farms, with an average farm size of 126 hectares (311 acres).

To ensure the quality and health of the potato crops, farmers have to deal with various pests and diseases. These include the Colorado Potato Beetle, Late Blight, Potato Wart, and viruses like the Potato Virus Y (PVY). Additionally, proper harvest and storage techniques are crucial to minimising storage losses and maintaining the province's reputation for excellence in potato production.

The province also has organisations like Potatoes New Brunswick, which represents the voice of New Brunswick potato farmers. They provide resources, host conferences, and foster connections within the industry.

Frequently asked questions