Photo courtesy Jasmine Clouser
It’s strawberry season in South Central PA. Never mind those shadows of actual strawberries found at the grocery store with their hard white centers. We’re talking about the juicy, red-throughout jewels that are so sweet they taste like summer candy full of sunshine.
Get out and find the freshest picked, or pick your own for a better price and a fun family experience to connect kids with where their food comes from. Either way, make it quick; the season is only expected to last the first few weeks of June, so start planning your field trip now.
“It’s been trending a little bit earlier with the last few days of May,” says John Shenk of Shenk’s Berry Farm in Lititz. “It really depends how warm it is the rest of the spring,” he adds. Shenk says the late snow in March shouldn’t affect the berries because they were still fairly dormant and insulated with straw. The buds that become the flowers hadn’t emerged yet. “They’re a perennial so we plant them the year before and then harvest the following year.” But, he says, “It’s not over till it’s over.” He explains, “Everything that happens along the way weather-wise is critical to the outcome.” Anything, like a late April frost, can change the picture. But he’s used to weathering the outcome.
This will be Shenk’s 40th year in the farming business—strawberries for 36 years. His son is now joining the family business.
“There are a number of varieties that we grow—they have different characteristics like how early they come (so they help make the season longer) and slightly different flavors.” Shenks farms about five acres of strawberries.
Photos courtesy Keely Childers Heany and Jasmine Clouser
“There is not really a breed of original strawberries growing in the wild like what we have today,” Shenk explains. (They’ve been cross bred with other strawberry varieties from other parts of the world). Similar to heirlooms, there are some that have been around for about 30 years, and there are all kinds of cross breeds, he says. “The varieties they grow in California are different than what we grow here,” explains Shenk. “They have to be firmer to make a trip across the country. Ours are softer and more delicate.” He warns, “They don’t last for more than a few days in the refrigerator, [but] I think the flavor is definitely better.” He explains that the emphasis is more on flavor than shipping qualities when it comes to local berries.
Some spots, like Barefoot Farm in Dover, make even more merriment by offering berry everything, from salads to ice cream sundaes. Kids’ play areas are popular attractions at PYO spots like this one. A great way to spend a spring day either way.
Tie on your apron; it’s time to make some pies, shortcakes and jam to savor the season locally.
Find the Freshest Here
Barefoot Farm
What could be sweeter than the reward of strawberry sundaes, strawberry-almond salad, chocolate-dipped strawberries and more after a day of picking? Hours: Pick-your-own Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
6621 Bluebird Lane, Dover, PA / 717-292-1390
Brooklawn Farm Market 2325 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA / brooklawnfarmmarket.com / 717-569-4748
Brown’s Orchards & Farm Market
This farm market also has a gift shop, coffee bar, cafe and picnic area. Hours: The store is open Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
8892 Susquehanna Trail South, Loganville, PA / brownsorchards.com / 717-428-2036
Blyler Fruit Farm
The family farm sits on 125 acres growing strawberries, apricots, pumpkins and more. Hours: Call ahead. Pick-your-own by appointment only.
7922 Route 25, Spring Glen, PA / blylerfruit.farm / 717-365-3177
Cross the Creek Farm
Pesticide-free strawberries available as both pre-picked and pick-your-own. Hours: Monday-Friday 7-11 a.m. and 2 p.m.-dusk and Saturday 7 a.m.-dusk.
2035 Pine Road, Newville, PA / 717-776-2317
Honey Bear Orchards
Forty acres of rolling hills and orchards filled with peaches, nectarines, plums, cherries, apples and, of course, strawberries. Hours: Pick-your-own Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
1819 Thompson Ave., Lebanon, PA / honeybearorchards.com / 717-867-4611
Kreider’s Berries
You can pose for a picture with the old Ford truck and your haul of berries at this sweet little roadside farm and barn, or pick up a pint to go with some homemade shortcake.
169 Buch Ave., Lancaster, PA
Myers Strawberries
Ride a John Deere Gator to the picking fields on this family farm that has been around for 37 years. Hours: Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
1429 Auction Road, Manheim, PA / 717-653-1259
Oak Grove Farms
A 10-acre family farm with four acres dedicated to strawberries, plus a farmers market and bakery. Hours: Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
846 Fisher Road, Mechanicsburg, PA / oakgrovefarmsinc.com / 717-766-2216
Shenk’s Berry Farm
Pick your own or buy pre-picked strawberries at the Shenk family farm operated since 1980. Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-noon and 4:30-8:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. |911 Disston View Drive, Lititz, PA / shenkberryfarm.com / 717-626-6194
Strites Orchard Farm Market
Family-run farm with farmers market and community supported agriculture program. Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
1000 Strites Road, Harrisburg, PA / stritesorchard.com / 717-564-3130