Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Elizabeth Baier
St. Paul, Minn.

Strawberry farms open for business this weekend

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

The sweet scent of strawberries will be in the air, as strawberry patches around the region prepare to open for business this weekend.

Strawberry farms in southern Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro area will open to customers looking to get their hands on the savory summer berries, according to the state's Department of Agriculture.

In Northern Minnesota, growers expect their season to begin in early July.

"Many strawberry patches in northern Minnesota will not open until after July first, with the peak probably after the July Fourth holiday," said Thaddeus McCamant, Specialty Crop Instructor at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. "While the cool spring delayed the bloom, we expect a spectacular crop again this season."

Strawberries do well in cool weather but the peak of the season will come a little later than usual this year, McCamant said.

A list of local berry farms can be found at the Department of Agriculture's Minnesota Grown Directory.

Officials say picking conditions can vary from farm to farm and change from day to day, depending on the weather and field conditions.

"The best advice is always to call the farm or visit their website to verify picking conditions and hours," Department of Agriculture Marketing Specialist Paul Hugunin said.

The 2009 directory includes 76 strawberry growers statewide and more than 700 orchards, farmers' markets, garden centers and other places to buy products directly from farmers.