32 Main Street
Kentville, Nova Scotia
B4N 1J5
Phone: (902) 678-7722
Fax: (902) 678-7266

199 Innovation Drive
Bible Hill, NS
B6L 2H5
Phone: (902) 896-0277
Fax: (902) 896-7299

John provides expertise and advice primarily to the small fruit industry. He specializes in strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, blueberries, grapes and other minor berry crops. His particular strengths include nutrient management, plant physiology and soil chemistry. He is also interested in alternative production systems and innovative technologies.

For 15 years John has coordinated and participated in the Nova Scotia Strawberry and Raspberry Plant Certification Program and has been instrumental in the introduction of the plasticulture system of strawberry production to Nova Scotia. He is the project leader for the Temperature Microclimate Survey of the Annapolis Valley, a project designed to provide data on grape site suitability necessary to foster Nova Scotia’s expanding wine industry. He has also performed cranberry extension and development work.

John occasionally lectures at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College for the Small Fruit Production Course and the Kings County Gardening Club. He is available to present on the following topics: strawberry plasticulture; season extension ideas for berry production; and site suitability factors for grape production in Nova Scotia.

John has also contributed to or written a number of publications including: Casoron Use in Berry Crops; Trickle Irrigation: How long do I trickle?; Spring Fertility in Strawberries; Five Renovation Steps for Strawberries; Late Fall weed Control in Strawberries; Raspberry Cane Management – A key to Profitable Production; Cranberry Fertility Pointers for Producing Bogs in Atlantic Canada; Pruning Principals for Grapes and Highbush Blueberries; and Opportunities and Challenges for Wine Grape Production in Nova Scotia