SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Strawberry season is officially here in Michiana and late spring is the prime growing season. I stopped by Ziegler’s U-Pick Strawberries, where owner Joe Ziegler says he is impressed with this year’s yield.
Joe harvests around 12,000 pounds of strawberries each season. He plants a variety of strawberry types to make sure they don’t all ripen at once. That way, there’s a steady supply of fresh berries throughout the season.
He also takes pride in keeping things natural with no chemicals or sprays being used on his strawberries. It’s a safe and tasty experience for visitors, who are even welcome to snack on a few berries while they pick.
All of Joe’s strawberries are sold locally, so you won’t find them in stores. It’s a great way to bring the community together—some visitors travel from as far as Florida just to take part!
And there’s more than just strawberries—Joe’s field also features a petting zoo with goats, chickens, bunnies, and more, making it a fun and interactive stop for families. Joe's strawberry field opened on Wednesday for the season and are eager to welcome visitors!
While dry weather is not much of a concern, hot and sunny days could cut the season short. He fears they will ripen the strawberries too quickly. This spring has actually been great for strawberry growth, he says, because temperatures have stayed fairly mild, and we haven’t had long dry spells. But once it gets too hot, the sun can slow or even stop the growing process.
Temperatures are expected to reach the mid to upper 80s in the coming days, so hopefully the strawberries can continue to grow despite the heat.
For more details and information about strawberry season, you can connect with Ziegler’s U-Pick Strawberries on Facebook!