So far so good – that’s the message from a Poynette berry grower even after the spring has been touch and go with the weather. She predicts the berry crop will be good this year, as long as there is the right amount of moisture.
Julie Schoeneberg owns and operates Creek Bed Country Farmacy and says that you-pick berry operations grew in popularity during the pandemic, because they were a great way for community members to get outside with their families. She provides some insight into how their season is going and changes in trends post pandemic.
“The state of each patch will depend on their local environment, which varies across Wisconsin,” says Schoeneberg. “It’s important to contact the businesses ahead of time and make sure they’re open, have produce available, and aren’t closed waiting for more fruit to ripen.”
Schoeneberg as well as other berry growers got hit with thrip last year which highly impacted their yields. However she says this year their numbers are increasing and the crop is looking terrific.
Creek Bed Country Farmacy has a dozen hives in their strawberry fields to help with the pollination which she says has played a key role in helping them to have successful blossoms of fruit.
Schoeneberg scouts her fields regularly, practices integrated pest management, and is always looking at ways to prevent any issues before they can become an issue. They conduct plant and soil samples as well as foliage testing to make sure they have sufficient fertilizer levels. Additionally they scout their fields for insects and diseases and have a full irrigation system.
To keep up on what’s happening at Creek Bed Country Farmacy visit their website.
You can also find a berry grower near you at wiberries.org.