In Swanton, Ohio, Johnston Fruit Farm is eagerly preparing for what promises to be a fruitful strawberry season. Co-owner Martha Mora reports that the farm’s strawberry fields are thriving after a spring marked by cool and rainy weather, conditions that have been ideal for the crop’s growth.

Unique Growing Strategy

Unlike many other farms in the area, Johnston Fruit Farm specializes in July-bearing strawberries, planting them later in the season. This strategic timing allows the farm to offer fresh strawberries when other local operations are concluding their harvests. “Everything has its downfalls, but the positive to it is that when ours are ripening, all the other farms in the area are just winding down their season,” Mora explained.

The farm’s approach to growing strawberries involves meticulous care, including placing straw under the berries to protect them from mud during rain. “We can handle a couple inches of rain, no problem,” Mora said, highlighting the farm’s resilience against adverse weather conditions.

Weather Challenges and Success

While this year’s crop is off to a strong start, Mora recalls past challenges, such as a season two years ago when excessive rainfall severely impacted production. However, the current season looks promising, with the farm expecting to welcome visitors eager to pick fresh strawberries through late July.

Mora encourages locals and visitors alike to experience the farm’s strawberries firsthand. “The berries here are unlike any berry that you’ll ever buy in the store,” she said. “You have to come out and try them first, and you’ll know what I mean.”

Original reporting: WTOL Toledo — read the source article.