Warm Spring Heralds An Early Strawberry Crop In Delaware Valley
By John Ostapkovich
MEDIA, Pa. (CBS) -- Strawberry season has arrived early this year, thanks to a warm spring. And it may also stay late -- for other reasons.
Today's rainy weather canceled the opportunity to pick-your-own at Linvilla Orchards in Media, Pa.
But otherwise, strawberries are ready to harvest and enjoy at least a week ahead of schedule, says orchard co-owner Steve Linvill. He credits the early spring warmth but doesn't rely on it.
"We can't control the weather, so we work with whatever we have," he tells KYW Newsradio. "We put some under-row covers to keep them warm early, and then plant some late. That will allow use to keep harvesting well beyond what would normally be the season."
Into August, he expects. He says about 75 percent of their sales are pick-your-own, but on a dreary rainy day like today that's a no-go.
Linvill has about ten acres of strawberries and says he has a devoted following waiting for the green light:
"When the strawberries are ready, we get the word out."
And the word is now. Cue the shortcake!
