ST. PAUL, Minn. – Raspberries and blueberries are peaking
in southern and central Minnesota as the strawberry season is underway in the
northern region of the state. Cool, wet weather delayed the growing season
slightly, but berry lovers can expect a variety of berries ready to be picked
and enjoyed throughout the state this month.
Beth O’Connor of Blueberry Fields in Stillwater says her
plants were unaffected by the unusually cold winter and are above average
levels of early production. “We are seeing clusters of the green berries
already setting heavily and we think it’s going to be a great year. We’ll have
many berries available, including pre-picked and pick-your-own.”
Knapton’s Raspberries, Pumpkins and Orchard in Greenfield
has fantastic looking raspberries despite the minor growing delays. “The
blossoms are finished on our plants, as it takes one month from blossom to
fruit,” said grower Gabe Knapton. “This might be the best looking crop we’ve
had in three years.”
In northern Minnesota, strawberry growers expect an
exceptionally plentiful harvest. Ter-Lee Gardens in Bagley expects their
strawberry harvest to start this week.
The 2014 Minnesota Grown directory boasts 50 summer
raspberry producers and 31 blueberry farms selling pick-your-own, pre-picked,
or both. Minnesota Grown spokesperson Jessica Miles says visiting a
pick-your-own berry farm is a fun, family-friendly summer day trip. She
suggests calling ahead before visiting to ensure availability of berries and
favorable picking conditions.
An interactive map feature on the Minnesota Grown website
makes it easy to find a berry farm. The FREE, printed Minnesota Grown directory
is also available and has easy-to-use lists, an index, and farms by region.
Both of the resources are available at www.minnesotagrown.com, or
you can order a print copy by calling 1-888-TOURISM.
