A Berry Picking Day

Spring break is wrapping up.  This school counselor returns to school tomorrow.  I’m certain I’ll daydream about growing strawberries as the week comes on. Last week, some dear friends and I drove over to Jollisant Farms in Plantersville, Texas.  Jollisant Farm offers assorted berries for picking but currently, strawberries are in season. Equipped with a box and instructions, we were sent into the rows. I could feel the anticipation rise as we neared the patch.  The pickers, especially the littles, were filled with excitement and urgency. I wonder if that excitement was more than a sense of anticipation. I wonder if it is a manifestation of God creating us to thirst and crave.  Maybe this desire to seek and find stems from our souls desire to be in a relationship with Jesus and be known by Him (Psalm 84:1-2). I’ve rambled; back to the strawberries.

The typically strawberry season in Texas is late February to May. Spring-bearing varieties are common here. In the midwest, these are referred to as June-bearing and are harvested in June.  Spring-bearing strawberries are planted in the fall. Then, covered in the winter and early spring to protect from cooler temperatures. Strawberries bloom in late February as the number of 70-75 degree weather days increase. Once they begin producing, the plants yield fruit for 10-14 days.  Growers usually plant different types of spring-bearing strawberries to offer earlier and later ripening fruit. Thus, increasing the length of the harvest season.

To get the beautiful berries (some as big as my palm) found at Jollisant Farm, a grower needs to consider many things, starting with the soil. Strawberries grow best in sandy to sandy loam soil that allows for drainage.  Sandy loam is a combination of sand, silt, and clay. Higher sand content in the soil cause excess water drainage. Higher clay content in the soil will hold too much water for the strawberries.  Sandals are not recommended for berry picking, but I couldn’t resist with the warmer weather. As we walked along, I noticed the reddish soil was fine and soft. It reminded me of walking on a beach, but less gritty.   Strawberry plants prefer slightly acidic soil. Texas soil tends to be more neutral to alkaline. This requires farmers to lower the pH through acidic fertilization techniques (chemical, organic – it depends on the farm & philosophy).

When you visit Jollisant Farm, you will notice that the strawberry plants grow in raised rows and are covered in black plastic.  This is a popular method of cultivating strawberries. The raised bed, 6-12 inches high, helps with water drainage. The black plastic mulch covering has a few purposes.  It is used to help with weed and pest control. The black plastic absorbs sunlight, warming the roots and encouraging faster plant development. It is important to avoid stepping or kneeling on the raised bed.  Stepping on the mound could damage the root structure. It could also break the plastic barrier allowing opportunities for insects and weeds to take over.

During our visit, we were told that cooler temperatures slowed down berry ripening.  Strawberries do not continue to ripen once picked. Therefore, it’s essential to choose berries that are mostly red with little to no white on the top. I had some beginner pickers with me, making the trip even more fun. My little buddy was excited to find the largest berry and to pick the most. The first berry he grabbed was squishy – beginner’s luck. A berry picking lesson was needed. When plucking a berry, be sure to be gentle and pull just above the sepals (green leaves closest to the berry). The goal is to limit damage to the plant and avoid bruising the strawberry. There will be an occasional decaying strawberry; leave those behind. After a short lesson, the new berry picker was back in business and again searching for the largest berry. Before long, we were at the end of the row with five pounds of strawberries.

Jollisant Farm is a pick your own operation and a great example of agritourism. You will leave with fresh fruit and experience in agriculture. Bring a lunch, play on the playground, and of course, pick berries.  It is important to note that you should not eat your strawberries without washing. As you walk back to the little barn, take turns guessing the weight of your haul. Be sure to check out the little store where you will find jams and goods. Jollisant Farm is a little off the beaten path, but it is worth the trip. Keep your box for future visits. Also, make sure to call ahead or check Facebook to check crop availability. I know I will be heading back out for blueberries soon!

Plan Your Visit

Find Jollisant Farms on Facebook for updates!

Berries offered: Strawberry (mid-March-May), Blackberry (early May – July), Blueberry (early June – mid-July), Figs (late July – September)

Reference: “Production Guide For Texas-Grown Strawberries .”

https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/EHT-047-web.pdf.

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Photos courtesy of Jordana Scher.