News Summary
The U-pick strawberry season in southeast Michigan is in full swing, with many farms celebrating a bumper crop, while others face severe renovation challenges due to last year’s adverse weather. While some farms offer a plentiful supply of ripe strawberries, others, like Middleton Berry Farm, report catastrophic damage. As the season progresses, families are encouraged to check for picking availability and enjoy the beloved summer activity of strawberry picking.
U-Pick Strawberry Season Underway in Michigan: A Bumper Crop and Renovation Challenges Ahead
It’s that time of the year again, folks! The delightful U-pick strawberry season has arrived in full swing across southeast Michigan farms. Just imagine walking through rows upon rows of luscious, ripe strawberries, picking them fresh off the vine! However, if you’re planning a family outing to enjoy this quintessential summer activity, there’s a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to availability.
Most U-pick farms are boasting about their abundant acres of juicy strawberries, while some are facing their worst season ever. For instance, Middleton Berry Farm in Ortonville has declared “catastrophic” damage to their crop, preventing them from opening for U-pick strawberries. They aren’t alone; many farms are feeling the strain of last year’s weather woes, affecting their crop health and yield.
Temperature Fluctuations Extend the Season
The ride of the weather has been a bit wild this year, moving from a cozy warm spring to a cooler blooming period, and this might just extend the strawberry season a tad longer than usual. Typically, the main U-pick strawberry bounty lasts about two to three weeks at individual farms. Derek Plotkowski, a fruit extension educator, mentioned that the harvest kicked off in late May in warmer areas, and now most farms are gearing up to welcome visitors.
You might just be lucky enough to find local farm markets and stands that are already selling pre-picked strawberries while you wait for your chance to pick your own! For those looking to dive into the U-pick experience, Westview Orchards and Winery in Washington Township jumped on board with U-pick starting June 11, offering a whopping over 10 acres of strawberries to explore!
Big Variations in Strawberry Harvests
The strawberry fields require a little “renovation” for regrowth, which involves chopping the plants down to encourage new growth. Last year’s adverse weather seriously impacted this process, rendering many farms less productive. As these farms look to pull themselves out of tough seasons, epic strawberry memories await families who make it out to pick their own berries, which often leads to enjoyable summer traditions like making jellies and jams.
What to Expect in the Field
Are you ready to toss on your sunhat and get to picking? Remember to check farm websites and social media pages for real-time updates on availability and picking conditions. Strawberry varieties suited for Michigan include the ever-popular June-bearing types such as Allstar, Annapolis, and Honeoye. And don’t worry about how to keep your strawberries fresh—they can last in the fridge for about 4-5 days if stored correctly. Plus, freezing them now will open the door for berry-filled delights for months to come!
As we edge closer to late June, the excitement doesn’t stop at strawberries—coming up after them are the sweet and tart cherries, as well as blueberries just waiting to be plucked. So pack your baskets and get ready for a fruitful summer full of delicious blue and red treasures!
This summer, whether it’s a successful picking day or just a quick trip to the local farm market, let’s celebrate the bountiful flavors of strawberry season in Michigan. Happy picking!
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Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press: U-Pick Strawberry Season Underway
- Monroe News: Strawberries Picking Season in Monroe County
- MLive: It’s Strawberry Season in Michigan
- Wikipedia: Strawberry
- Google Search: Strawberry Picking Michigan
