Five Tips For Strawberry Picking
1. Ask questions. When you arrive at the strawberry field, ask the attendant what kind of strawberries are growing. Most growers will produce a berry that is best suited to multi-task. These berries are good for canning, baking, eating fresh, or dehydrating. Some growers produce multiple kinds of strawberries, varying in sugar content. So be sure to ask, that way you pick the berries that are best suited for your needs. It is also a good idea to ask which area in a field is the best to pick from.
2. Wear close-toed shoes. The weather is warmer, and it is a real temptation to wear flip-flops or sandals on your strawberry picking expedition. However, spring is also when snakes begin to make appearances. While it is highly unlikely that you will come across a snake while picking strawberries, it is possible. Snakes aren’t fond of stampeding little feet, so they will most likely find somewhere else to hide beside other than a u-pick strawberry patch. Closed toes shoes are smart for another reason also–dirt! Our sandy soil normally has two conditions, either dry & dusty or wet & muddy. So wear an old pair of sneakers, and bring your favorite flip-flops to wear home!
3. Protect yourself from the sun. It’s the time of year when it always isn’t blazing hot, and you may not think about the damage the sun can do to your skin. Be sure to protect yourself and your family by bringing a hat, sunscreen, and water. It isn’t a bad idea to bring along some bug repellent too.
4. Talk to your kids. Prepare young children on which berries to pick since little ones can be overzealous and pick any strawberries they see, not just the ripe ones. Encourage everyone in your party to stay in the rows, and to not step over the strawberry hills. Little feet can do big damage to a strawberry plant. Also, fields are normally pretty large and can be quite busy, so set some boundaries about how far your child can be away from you.
5. Have fun! Strawberry season is short but sweet! So enjoy it. Pick all the strawberries you can, eat some now, and save some for later.