How Weather Influences When to Harvest Black Raspberries

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Black raspberries are a treasured fruit among gardeners and farmers, prized for their distinctive flavor profile that combines the sweetness of red raspberries with the deep, earthy notes of blackberries. These nutrient-dense berries offer exceptional health benefits and culinary versatility, but achieving a successful harvest requires careful attention to environmental conditions. Weather plays a fundamental role in determining not only when to harvest black raspberries but also the quality, flavor, and overall yield of the crop. Understanding the intricate relationship between weather patterns and berry development is essential for anyone looking to maximize their black raspberry harvest.

Understanding Black Raspberry Growth and Development

Before delving into how weather influences harvest timing, it’s important to understand the basic growth cycle of black raspberries. Black raspberries typically ripen in late spring or early summer, with the picking season lasting about 2-3 weeks. The season generally begins in early July and lasts for 2 to 3 weeks, though this can vary significantly based on geographic location and local climate conditions.

Black raspberry plants produce fruit on second-year canes called floricanes, while first-year canes, known as primocanes, grow vegetatively. This biennial fruiting pattern means that proper cane management and understanding of weather impacts across multiple growing seasons is crucial for consistent production. The fruit itself is not technically a berry but rather an aggregate of drupelets—small, flesh-covered seeds clustered around a central receptacle that remains on the plant when the fruit is picked.

Regional Variations in Harvest Season

In temperate regions, raspberries are usually ready from June to August, while in cooler areas, the season can run from July to September. In zone 4 central Vermont, peak wild black raspberry season happens in mid to late July, while in more southern latitudes, it’s likely a few weeks earlier. These regional differences underscore the importance of monitoring local weather conditions rather than relying solely on calendar dates to determine optimal harvest timing.

The Critical Role of Temperature in Ripening

Temperature is perhaps the single most influential weather factor affecting black raspberry ripening and harvest timing. The relationship between temperature and fruit development is complex, affecting everything from the speed of ripening to the final quality and chemical composition of the berries.

How Temperature Affects Ripening Speed

Warmer temperatures generally accelerate the ripening process in black raspberries, while cooler temperatures slow it down. This temperature-dependent ripening means that growers must remain vigilant and adjust their harvest schedules based on current and forecasted weather conditions. Consistent warm weather typically results in a compressed harvest window, requiring more frequent picking to capture berries at peak ripeness. Conversely, fluctuating temperatures can cause uneven ripening across the patch, with some berries ready for harvest while others on the same plant remain immature.

Black raspberry prefers a native growth environment with temperatures between 41°F (5°C) to 90°F (32°C), and thrives in warm, sunny conditions, though it may suffer in prolonged periods of high heat or low moisture. During spring and summer, temperatures between 60°F (15°C) to 80°F (27°C) promote optimal growth, while fall and winter temperatures between 25°F (-4°C) to 60°F (15°C) support healthy dormancy.

Temperature Effects on Berry Size and Quality

Research has revealed that temperature doesn’t just affect when berries ripen—it also significantly impacts their physical characteristics and nutritional content. Berry weight decreases significantly with increasing temperature (12, 18, and 24°C) and with progress of the harvest period. This means that during particularly warm growing seasons, growers may notice smaller berries even when other growing conditions are optimal.

Interestingly, the relationship between temperature and fruit quality is not straightforward. While higher temperatures may produce smaller berries, they can also affect the concentration of beneficial compounds. Despite the dilution effect of large berries, the concentration of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) increased with decreasing temperature, even on a fresh weight basis. This suggests that cooler growing conditions may actually enhance certain nutritional aspects of the fruit.

Temperature and Sugar Content

The sugar content of black raspberries, which directly affects their sweetness and flavor, is also temperature-dependent. High temperatures affect the ripening process, leading to increased pH mainly via malic acid degradation and more sugar content in some fruits. However, this relationship can be complex and may vary depending on other environmental factors and the specific stage of fruit development.

Growers should be aware that when there are unbelievable amounts of rain right as berries are ripening, it washes the flavor out as they don’t concentrate sugars like they normally would, and if they’re dark black, they’re not going to get sweeter. This highlights the importance of considering multiple weather factors simultaneously when planning harvest timing.

Optimal Temperature Ranges for Harvest Quality

For the best balance of yield, size, and nutritional quality, moderate temperatures during the fruiting period are ideal. Extreme heat can stress plants and reduce berry quality, while unseasonably cool temperatures may delay ripening and extend the harvest window. Growers should monitor temperature trends throughout the growing season and be prepared to adjust their harvest schedules accordingly.

Impact of Rainfall and Humidity on Harvest Timing

Moisture levels, whether from rainfall or ambient humidity, play a crucial role in determining the optimal harvest window for black raspberries. While adequate moisture is essential for healthy plant growth and fruit development, excessive moisture near harvest time can create significant challenges.

The Dangers of Excessive Moisture

Rain and high humidity levels during the ripening period can severely compromise fruit quality and force earlier harvest timing. Excessive moisture creates ideal conditions for fungal diseases and fruit rot, which can devastate a crop in a matter of days. Gray mold can be a problem on ripening fruit; it’s brought about by prolonged exposure to rainy weather and can result in heavy crop losses if this occurs just prior to the fruit harvest.

When rain is forecasted during the peak ripening period, growers often face a difficult decision: harvest berries slightly early to avoid rot, or risk waiting for optimal ripeness and potentially losing fruit to moisture-related diseases. This decision requires careful consideration of weather forecasts, current fruit condition, and the intended use of the berries. Slightly under-ripe berries may be acceptable for processing into jams or baked goods but will lack the optimal flavor for fresh consumption.

Benefits of Dry Weather

Dry weather conditions during the harvest period offer numerous advantages for black raspberry production. Berries harvested during dry conditions maintain better quality, have longer shelf life, and are less susceptible to post-harvest deterioration. Dry weather allows berries to mature evenly and develop their full flavor potential without the dilution effect that can occur with excessive rainfall.

The fruit harvest can extend to three weeks in gardens if it is not too rainy, demonstrating how dry conditions can actually prolong the harvest window by maintaining fruit quality over a longer period. This extended harvest period can be beneficial for small-scale growers who may not have the labor resources to harvest large quantities at once.

Humidity and Disease Pressure

High humidity, even without rainfall, can increase disease pressure on ripening black raspberries. Fungal spores thrive in humid conditions, and diseases can spread rapidly through a planting when humidity remains elevated for extended periods. Growers should monitor humidity levels along with rainfall and consider harvesting earlier than planned if prolonged humid conditions are forecasted.

Good air circulation within the planting can help mitigate some humidity-related issues. Proper pruning and plant spacing allow air to move freely through the canopy, helping foliage and fruit dry more quickly after rain or dew and reducing the likelihood of disease development.

Irrigation Management and Weather Patterns

Black raspberry is not very drought tolerant, and without access to moisture or rainfall, fruit may not develop, though it can grow just fine in full sun as long as it has access to moisture. This creates a delicate balance for growers: plants need consistent moisture for proper fruit development, but excessive moisture near harvest can be detrimental.

Monitoring weather patterns allows growers to adjust irrigation schedules appropriately. During periods of adequate rainfall, irrigation can be reduced or eliminated. Conversely, during dry spells, supplemental irrigation becomes essential to maintain fruit quality and prevent stress-related issues such as small berry size or premature fruit drop.

Recognizing Signs of Ripeness in Black Raspberries

Accurately identifying when black raspberries have reached optimal ripeness is essential for harvesting the highest quality fruit. While weather conditions influence when berries will be ready, growers must still rely on visual and tactile cues to determine the perfect harvest moment for individual berries.

Color as a Primary Indicator

The most obvious sign of ripeness in black raspberries is color transformation. Berries progress from green to red or pink, and finally to a deep, glossy black when fully ripe. You will know when they are ready when they have completely turned black in which the berries will just pull right off the plants without much effort. However, color alone isn’t always a reliable indicator, as environmental stress or disease can sometimes cause berries to darken prematurely.

The color should be uniform across the entire berry, with no green or red patches remaining. A slight sheen or gloss on the surface is typical of properly ripened black raspberries and indicates good moisture content and sugar development. Dull-colored berries may be overripe or affected by disease.

Texture and Firmness

Ripe black raspberries should be firm yet tender to the touch. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not feel mushy or overly soft. Berries that are too firm are likely under-ripe and will lack the full sweetness and flavor complexity of properly ripened fruit. Conversely, berries that feel soft or collapse easily under gentle pressure are overripe and should be harvested immediately if they are to be used at all.

The texture of black raspberries can be affected by weather conditions in the days leading up to harvest. Berries exposed to excessive heat may become soft more quickly, while those ripening during cooler weather tend to maintain firmness longer.

Ease of Detachment

One of the most reliable indicators of ripeness is how easily the berry separates from the plant. Raspberries are ready to pick when they easily separate from the receptacle or core. Ripe black raspberries should come away from the plant with minimal effort—a gentle tug should be sufficient. If significant force is required to remove a berry, it is not yet ripe and should be left on the plant.

Only the ripe berries will slip off the stems easily, making this an excellent field test for determining which berries are ready for harvest. This characteristic also makes black raspberries well-suited for hand harvesting, as pickers can quickly identify and select only the ripest fruit.

Taste Testing

While not practical for large-scale operations, taste testing is one of the most accurate ways to determine ripeness for home gardeners and small growers. Ripe black raspberries should have a balanced sweet-tart flavor with complex fruity notes. Under-ripe berries will taste predominantly tart or sour, while overripe berries may have a fermented or “off” flavor.

Weather conditions significantly influence flavor development. The fruit on black raspberry plants tends to ripen over an extended season, and if you want to harvest enough for recipes, you’ll likely have to pick a few that are slightly under-ripe, which will be firmer and maybe a bit tarter, but still plenty sweet and flavorful.

Weather Patterns and Strategic Harvest Planning

Successful black raspberry harvesting requires more than just recognizing ripe fruit—it demands strategic planning based on weather forecasts and seasonal patterns. By understanding how different weather conditions affect fruit quality and shelf life, growers can optimize their harvest timing for the best possible outcomes.

Monitoring Weather Forecasts

Regular consultation of detailed weather forecasts is essential during the black raspberry harvest season. Growers should pay attention to several key factors: temperature trends, precipitation forecasts, humidity levels, and wind conditions. Multi-day forecasts allow growers to plan harvest schedules in advance, ensuring adequate labor and equipment are available when conditions are optimal.

Ideal harvest conditions include dry, warm days with moderate temperatures. These conditions allow berries to reach full ripeness while minimizing disease pressure and maintaining fruit quality. Harvesting during periods of stable weather reduces the risk of damage and spoilage, both in the field and post-harvest.

Timing Harvests Around Rain Events

When rain is forecasted, growers must decide whether to harvest before the rain arrives or wait until after the weather system passes. This decision depends on several factors: the current ripeness of the fruit, the expected duration and intensity of the rain, and the intended use of the berries.

If berries are at or near peak ripeness and heavy rain is forecasted, harvesting before the rain is generally advisable. Even if some berries are slightly under-ripe, this approach prevents potential losses from fruit rot and splitting that can occur when ripe berries are exposed to heavy rainfall. However, if berries are still quite immature and only light rain is expected, waiting until after the rain may allow for better flavor development.

Heat Wave Considerations

Extreme heat events require special attention during the black raspberry harvest season. High temperatures can cause berries to ripen very rapidly, potentially compressing the harvest window and requiring more frequent picking. Heat can also cause berries to become soft and deteriorate more quickly, reducing their shelf life and marketability.

During heat waves, consider harvesting in the early morning when temperatures are cooler and berries are still firm. Morning harvesting also allows berries to be cooled quickly, which is essential for maintaining quality. Avoid harvesting during the hottest part of the day, as this can lead to rapid deterioration and increased handling damage.

Cold Snaps and Late Frosts

While less common during the typical black raspberry harvest season, unseasonable cold weather or late frosts can occur and may affect harvest decisions. Light frosts generally won’t damage ripe fruit significantly, but they can affect flavor and texture. If a frost is forecasted and berries are at or near ripeness, harvesting before the frost is the safest approach.

Cold temperatures during the ripening period can slow sugar development and delay harvest. While this may extend the harvest window, it can also result in berries that never achieve optimal sweetness if cold weather persists.

Wind and Storm Considerations

Strong winds and storms can cause physical damage to ripening berries and may knock ripe fruit from the plants. When severe weather is forecasted, harvesting ripe and near-ripe berries before the storm arrives can prevent losses. Even if some berries are harvested slightly early, this is preferable to losing them entirely to storm damage.

The Influence of Sunlight and Shade

While not strictly a weather factor, sunlight exposure is closely related to weather patterns and significantly affects black raspberry ripening and harvest timing. Understanding how light levels interact with other weather conditions helps growers optimize their harvest strategies.

Sunlight and Ripening Rates

Plants in sunnier locations will have berries ready for harvest earlier, while plants in shadier conditions will produce a bit later in the season. This variation within a single planting can actually be advantageous, as it naturally extends the harvest window and reduces the need to pick large quantities all at once.

Black raspberry is not very drought tolerant and can grow in quite shady conditions, though the amount of fruit will be much less than sunnier conditions, with the best sunlight conditions appearing to be morning sun and afternoon shade, providing ample sunlight for growth and fruit production while shading during the hottest afternoon temperatures.

Cloud Cover and Ripening

Extended periods of cloudy weather can slow the ripening process by reducing the amount of solar energy available to the plants. While this may delay harvest, it can also result in more even ripening and potentially better flavor development, as berries aren’t subjected to the stress of intense direct sunlight.

Conversely, prolonged sunny periods accelerate ripening and can lead to a compressed harvest window. Growers should adjust their harvest schedules based on recent and forecasted cloud cover patterns.

Post-Harvest Weather Considerations

Weather conditions don’t stop affecting black raspberries once they’re picked. Post-harvest handling and storage must also account for environmental conditions to maintain fruit quality.

Cooling Requirements

The refrigeration unit should maintain a temperature between 32 and 36 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity between 90% to 95%. Achieving these conditions quickly after harvest is essential, particularly when berries are harvested during warm weather. The faster berries can be cooled after picking, the longer their shelf life will be.

All bramble fruit is extremely perishable and should be harvested frequently, and to maintain fresh quality, place the fruit in shallow containers, no more than three berries deep, and cool the fruit to 33°F as quickly as possible, with fruit properly harvested and held at this temperature maintaining fresh quality for three to seven days.

Weather and Harvest Logistics

Hot, humid weather not only affects fruit quality in the field but also complicates post-harvest handling. During such conditions, the time between harvest and cooling becomes even more critical. Growers may need to adjust their harvest schedules to ensure berries can be processed or cooled quickly, potentially harvesting smaller quantities more frequently rather than attempting large harvests that may overwhelm cooling capacity.

Seasonal Weather Patterns and Long-Term Planning

Understanding typical seasonal weather patterns in your region allows for better long-term planning and variety selection for black raspberry production.

Choosing Varieties Based on Climate

Different black raspberry varieties have varying temperature tolerances and ripening times. Most black raspberries don’t survive South Dakota winters, as they are damaged at temperatures below -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Selecting varieties adapted to your local climate ensures better survival and more consistent production.

Early-ripening varieties may be preferable in regions where late summer heat is intense, as they allow harvest to be completed before the hottest weather arrives. Conversely, later-ripening varieties might be better suited to areas with mild summers and the risk of late spring frosts.

Climate Change Considerations

A key climate variable affecting fruit production and quality traits is temperature, which is increasing in the present climate change conditions. While increased temperatures may enhance certain growth parameters, they could adversely affect fruit quality, highlighting the need for adaptive strategies to cope with future climate conditions.

Growers should be aware that historical weather patterns may not be reliable predictors of future conditions. Monitoring long-term climate trends and being prepared to adjust management practices accordingly will become increasingly important for successful black raspberry production.

Practical Harvest Scheduling Strategies

Developing an effective harvest schedule requires integrating weather information with knowledge of plant development and fruit quality indicators.

Frequency of Harvest

Raspberries are typically harvested every two to four days until plants stop bearing fruit, with harvest usually occurring in mid-summer for summer-fruiting types. This frequent harvest schedule ensures that berries are picked at peak ripeness and prevents overripe fruit from deteriorating on the plant.

Weather conditions may necessitate adjustments to this schedule. During hot weather, more frequent harvesting (every 1-2 days) may be necessary to capture berries at optimal quality. During cooler weather, the interval between harvests can potentially be extended to 3-4 days without significant quality loss.

Time of Day for Harvesting

The time of day when harvesting occurs can significantly impact fruit quality, particularly in relation to temperature and moisture conditions. Early morning harvesting, after dew has dried but before temperatures rise, is often ideal. Berries are cool and firm at this time, making them easier to handle and less prone to damage.

Avoid harvesting when berries are wet from rain or dew, as moisture on the fruit surface can promote rapid deterioration and mold development during storage. If rain occurs during the harvest season, wait until berries have dried before picking if possible.

Record Keeping and Weather Tracking

Maintaining detailed records of harvest dates, weather conditions, and fruit quality can help growers identify patterns and optimize their practices over time. Note temperature ranges, rainfall amounts, and any unusual weather events during the growing season. Over multiple years, these records can reveal valuable insights about how specific weather patterns affect your particular planting.

Even with careful planning, weather-related challenges are inevitable in black raspberry production. Having strategies in place to address common issues can minimize losses and maintain fruit quality.

Dealing with Unexpected Rain

When unexpected rain occurs during the harvest period, assess the fruit as soon as conditions allow. Berries that were at peak ripeness before the rain should be harvested as soon as they dry, as they may deteriorate rapidly. Slightly under-ripe berries may benefit from the moisture and can be left to continue ripening if no disease symptoms are present.

Inspect plants carefully for signs of gray mold or other fungal diseases after rain events. Remove any affected fruit immediately to prevent spread to healthy berries.

Heat Stress Mitigation

During periods of extreme heat, consider providing temporary shade for ripening fruit if possible, particularly in smaller plantings. Shade cloth can reduce heat stress and slow ripening slightly, potentially improving fruit quality. Ensure plants have adequate moisture during heat waves, as water stress combined with high temperatures can severely impact fruit quality.

Extending the Harvest Window

Strategic variety selection and planting location can help extend the harvest window and reduce weather-related risks. By cultivating a mix of both early and late season raspberry varieties, growers can ensure a continuous and staggered harvest, an approach that not only maximizes yield but also caters to the varying preferences of raspberry enthusiasts.

Planting in locations with varying sun exposure can also naturally extend the harvest period, as berries in shadier locations will ripen later than those in full sun.

The Nutritional Impact of Weather Conditions

Weather conditions during fruit development don’t just affect harvest timing—they also influence the nutritional content and health benefits of black raspberries.

Antioxidant Content and Temperature

Low and high temperatures have long been considered to promote and reduce, respectively, anthocyanin synthesis in fruits and berries. Black raspberries accumulate considerably higher amounts of anthocyanins than red raspberries, blackberries, and some black currant and blueberry genotypes.

This means that weather conditions during fruit development can significantly impact the health-promoting properties of black raspberries. Cooler temperatures during ripening may actually enhance the antioxidant content of the fruit, providing an additional benefit to the slower ripening that occurs under such conditions.

Vitamin C and Environmental Conditions

As mentioned earlier, vitamin C content in raspberries increases with decreasing temperature. This suggests that berries harvested during cooler periods may offer enhanced nutritional benefits, even if they take longer to reach full ripeness.

Commercial vs. Home Garden Considerations

Weather-related harvest decisions may differ between commercial operations and home gardens due to differences in scale, resources, and objectives.

Commercial Production

Commercial growers must balance fruit quality with economic considerations. Weather forecasts play a critical role in scheduling labor and coordinating with buyers. The ability to harvest and cool large quantities quickly is essential, particularly when weather conditions are less than ideal.

Commercial operations may need to harvest berries slightly early to ensure they can be processed or shipped before quality deteriorates. This is particularly true when hot weather or rain is forecasted.

Home Garden Production

Home gardeners have more flexibility in harvest timing and can often wait for optimal ripeness even when weather conditions are variable. The smaller scale allows for more frequent harvesting and immediate use or processing of fruit.

Home gardeners can also more easily implement protective measures during adverse weather, such as covering plants during rain or providing temporary shade during heat waves.

Integrating Weather Data with Other Management Practices

Weather monitoring should be integrated with other aspects of black raspberry management for optimal results.

Irrigation and Weather

Coordinating irrigation with weather patterns ensures plants receive adequate moisture without over-watering. Reduce or eliminate irrigation when rain is forecasted, and increase watering during dry spells. Proper moisture management supports consistent fruit development and can help mitigate some weather-related stress.

Disease Management and Weather

Many black raspberry diseases are weather-dependent, with fungal diseases being particularly problematic during wet, humid conditions. The biggest virus problems that affect the canes are anthracnose, mosaic virus, and verticillium wilt. Monitoring weather conditions allows for timely application of preventive measures when disease pressure is likely to be high.

Pruning and Training

Proper pruning and training improve air circulation within the planting, helping plants dry more quickly after rain and reducing disease pressure. This cultural practice works synergistically with weather monitoring to maintain plant health and fruit quality.

Advanced Weather Monitoring Tools and Resources

Modern technology offers numerous tools to help growers monitor weather conditions and make informed harvest decisions.

Weather Stations and Apps

Personal weather stations can provide real-time data specific to your location, including temperature, humidity, rainfall, and wind speed. Many models connect to smartphone apps, allowing remote monitoring and historical data tracking.

Numerous weather apps and websites offer detailed forecasts, including hour-by-hour predictions that can help growers plan harvest activities with precision. Look for services that provide agricultural-specific forecasts, which may include information on disease risk and growing degree days.

Growing Degree Days

Growing degree days (GDD) are a weather-based tool that can help predict fruit development and harvest timing. By tracking accumulated heat units throughout the season, growers can better anticipate when berries will reach maturity. This information, combined with current weather conditions and fruit quality observations, allows for more precise harvest planning.

Online Resources and Extension Services

Many university extension services offer weather-based decision support tools for fruit growers. These resources may include disease prediction models, irrigation scheduling tools, and harvest timing recommendations based on local weather data. Taking advantage of these free or low-cost resources can significantly improve harvest outcomes.

For additional information on berry cultivation and harvest timing, resources such as the University of Minnesota Extension and the Old Farmer’s Almanac provide valuable guidance for both commercial and home growers.

As climate patterns continue to evolve and technology advances, weather-based harvest management for black raspberries is likely to become increasingly sophisticated.

Precision Agriculture Technologies

Emerging technologies such as remote sensing, drone imagery, and artificial intelligence may soon allow growers to assess fruit ripeness and weather impacts across large plantings with unprecedented precision. These tools could enable more targeted harvesting, with crews directed to specific areas where fruit is at optimal ripeness based on microclimate variations.

Climate Adaptation Strategies

As climate change continues to affect growing conditions, growers will need to adapt their practices to maintain productivity and fruit quality. This may include selecting new varieties better suited to changing conditions, adjusting planting locations to take advantage of microclimates, or implementing protective structures to moderate weather extremes.

Improved Forecasting

Weather forecasting continues to improve in accuracy and detail. Long-range forecasts may become reliable enough to inform major management decisions, while short-term forecasts will provide increasingly precise information for day-to-day harvest planning.

Conclusion

Weather conditions exert a profound influence on when to harvest black raspberries, affecting not only the timing of ripening but also fruit quality, nutritional content, and post-harvest shelf life. Temperature, rainfall, humidity, and sunlight all play critical roles in fruit development, and successful growers must monitor these factors carefully throughout the growing season.

By understanding how different weather conditions affect black raspberry ripening and quality, growers can make informed decisions about harvest timing that maximize both yield and fruit quality. Whether managing a commercial operation or a backyard patch, integrating weather monitoring with careful observation of fruit ripeness indicators ensures the best possible harvest outcomes.

The key to success lies in flexibility and responsiveness. Weather patterns can change quickly, and growers must be prepared to adjust their harvest schedules accordingly. Regular monitoring of weather forecasts, combined with frequent field assessments of fruit condition, allows for timely harvesting that captures berries at peak quality while minimizing losses to weather-related damage or disease.

As climate patterns continue to evolve, the importance of weather-based harvest management will only increase. Growers who develop expertise in interpreting weather data and understanding its implications for fruit development will be best positioned to maintain productive, high-quality black raspberry plantings for years to come. By paying close attention to temperature, rainfall, humidity, and other weather factors, and by recognizing the signs of optimal ripeness, growers can determine the perfect moment to harvest their black raspberries, ensuring a delicious, nutritious crop that showcases the unique flavor and health benefits of these exceptional berries.

For those interested in learning more about sustainable berry production and weather-based agricultural management, the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program offers extensive resources and research findings. Additionally, the North American Raspberry and Blackberry Association provides industry-specific information and networking opportunities for both commercial and hobbyist growers.