Get your shortcake and jelly jars ready, because it’s time to start thinking about picking strawberries! Minnesota growers agree this is shaping up to be a great season. Blossom count and plant conditions appear to be excellent, and that indicates a large crop in the making.
Minnesota strawberry growers offer several delectable varieties that ripen in succession over several weeks. Those varieties are bred for their delicate texture and luscious flavor, meaning Minnesota fruit is best if used or processed within a few days of picking.
Generally, growers begin opening their fields for picking in early to mid-June in south and central Minnesota, and late June to early July in the northern third of the state. David Whitney of Dew Fresh Produce near Cambridge said he expects his fields will open for picking business by June 20.
“This year, we’re a bit behind schedule, but strawberries do very well in cool weather,” Whitney said. “Pickers in the metro area and central Minnesota will likely be able to find strawberries well past the July 4 weekend.”
Bradley Munsterteiger of the Strawberry Basket near Monticello said he is excited about the 2002 berry crop.
“Right now it looks like we’ll open our doors to picking some time during the last week of June,” he said. “Customers can call about June 20 for the latest update.”
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has a statewide directory to help consumers contact a grower. The 2002 Minnesota Grown Directory lists more than 80 strawberry patches. For a free guide, call (612)-EXPLORE. Visit
Editor’s note: In the Kimball area, if you want to get fresh local strawberries, you may want to give a call to Fairhaven Farm at (320) 236-7685 to see when their strawberries will be ready to pick. We have received word from them that the strawberries there look very good and no bad weather has effected their crop. They are guessing their strawberries will be ready around June 20. Also note that strawberries may be available soon at the St. Cloud Farmers’ Market. Shirley Klatte of Earthway Farm south of Kimball on Highway 15, may have some strawberries (not a pick-your-own operation), but you may call her at (320) 398-6252 for more information.