Wild strawberries grow in my backyard. Two types bloom in spring. One has white flowers which produce small, sweet strawberries. The other type has yellow blooms that produce small, “hairy” berries -- hard with little taste.
The white-flowered strawberries are the ancestors of today’s crops that farmers raise. The plants have been hybridized extensively. Today’s varieties produce the big, juicy strawberries used in pies, shortcakes, ice cream, jams, preserves -- and other creations.
Strawberries bloom very early in the year, so crops are at the mercy of late frosts. If a cold snap doesn’t decimate the crop, cool weather can affect pollination -- insects don’t fly when it’s chilly. All in all, raising strawberries in this area can be an iffy undertaking. But they’re here!
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Acres of strawberries are grown on the Peterson Farm. It’s located at 438 Quakertown Road outside Flemington. The farm was established back in 1955 producing various crops, but the star attractions today are the strawberry fields.
“We have about four acres of strawberries,” says Linda Peterson. “And the berries are ready for pick-your-own.”
Three types of strawberries cover the fields here. Earliglow, Jewel and All Star are the names -- each with a different characteristic and use.
“The Earliglow strawberries are the best to eat out-of-hand,” adds Linda. “They are very dark red and they are very sweet. Jewel and All Star types are a little later variety. They’re big -- good for dipping in chocolate.”
The weather this spring brought especially difficult growing conditions. Frosts can vary from area to area, and multiple frosts can follow each other. So strawberry farmers must keep a day-to-day keen eye on weather conditions.
“We got five different frosts this spring, so we had to put crop covers over the strawberry plants for protection,” she noted.
Four acres of crop covers make for a major undertaking. And the Petersons are planning two additional acres for next year.
No appointment is necessary to pick-your-own, but you must follow the rules. Just show up -- leaving your dog at home. Seniors pick on Thursdays and Fridays, 9 to 11 a.m. Others come Tuesdays through Fridays, 3 to 7 p.m., or Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed on Mondays, and, if it’s raining, the fields are closed.
For more information, call 908-782-1682 or 908-782-0707 and visit PetersonFarm.net.
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Strawberries are ready for picking at Phillips Farms. This very large fruit and vegetable farm near Milford has multiple locations. Pick-your-own strawberry fields are located at the Spring Mills location--564 Milford-Warren Glen Road (Route 519) across from the Dutch Mill Market.
Berries are in good supply here, and more varieties are ripening during warm days. The strawberry fields are closed on Tuesdays, but generally open the rest of the week. Picking is subject to change -- call 908-995-0022 for current information before coming to pick.
Seniors come beginning at 9 a.m. and others at 10 a.m. The fields close at 5 p.m. or earlier if berries run out. Face masks and social distancing required. Picking is limited to 30 minutes, and you must use Phillips Farms buckets. No pets are allowed. Credit cards accepted.
Phillips Farms grows many fruits, vegetables and plants in open fields as well as in greenhouses. There are multiple locations -- centered around Milford. Also, find Phillips Farms produce in many farm markets in northern New Jersey as well as New York City.
Fruits include berries -- starting with the currently available strawberries. Later, these are followed by raspberries and blackberries. As the seasons progress, orchard fruits will be available -- peaches and apples. Vegetables run the gamut from leafy to root types. And plants include veggie starters, flowers, hanging baskets, annuals and perennials.
The Milford Farm Stand is open seven days a week, 9 to 5 p.m. The 9 to 10 a.m. hour is reserved for seniors every day. It’s located at 290 Church Road.
Phillips offers on-line ordering and curbside pick-up as well. Ordering is through www.FellowFarmer.com to pick-up at Phillips Farms Milford (91 Crabapple Hill Road) or at Easton Farmers Market (130 Larry Holmes Drive) on Saturday mornings.
For more details, visit PhillipsFarms.com.
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“We lost lots of our strawberries this year,” reports Rebecca Melick. “The weather around Mother’s Day was bad and ruined much of the strawberry crop.”
You might still be able to pick-your-own strawberries here, but it can be iffy. It’s by reservation only, so call 908-439-2955.
The Melick family has been farming in New Jersey for 10 generations. There are extensive farm locations in Oldwick and Califon. Melick’s is the largest grower of apples in the state, with peaches not far behind.
Access the Melick operation at the main Oldwick Farm Market at 170 Oldwick Road, Califon Orchards at 472 Route 513, the big Cider Mill at 19 King St. in Oldwick, and the Bridgewater Market located at 351 Route 28. Also at various farm markets in northern New Jersey.
For more information, visit MelicksTownFarm.com.
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Jon Smith runs the Two Barn Farm operation. It’s located at 717 Sidney Road, Pittstown.
“Our strawberry crop was pretty much lost this year,” Jon says. “We got 25 degree weather here, so few berries made it in spite of the covers.”
Two Barn Farm is still producing a wide range of leafy greens and vegetables. Currently, Jon is offering lettuce, spinach, garlic, broccoli, kale, chard, cabbage and more. The squash, zucchini, turnips and cucumbers are coming along. Plus lots of flowers from the greenhouses.
You’ll find a wide range of Two Barn Farm produce at Flemington’s Stangl Farmers Market on Saturday mornings and at the Clinton Community Farmers Market which opens on Sunday morning, June 28.
“We’re also at the new Juniper Hill Market in Annandale,” notes Jon. “It’s open Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m.”
Deliveries are now offered to people in Hunterdon and the surrounding area. And, Jon offers a CSA option for pick-up at the farm and at the markets.
For more information, call 908-500-0101 and visit TwoBarnFarmNJ.com.
Al Warr can be reached at 610-253-0432 or AlWarr16@gmail.com.
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