By rssfeeds-admin “The timing was particularly destructive as crops were at a critical developmental stage when the freeze hit, resulting in severe injury to blossoms and newly forming fruit,” a release by the governor’s office said, according to app.
Peaches, apples, and grapes took the worst hit. “This freeze was unlike anything our growers have experienced in decades, and the damage is staggering. An entire season of peaches, apples, and grapes were almost entirely decimated in a matter of hours,” U.S. Sen. Cory Booker said.
Cherries, pears, plums, strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries also suffered losses. Berry crops had mixed results.
Strawberries fared better than tree fruits. Farmers can throw covers over them when cold weather threatens. The plants handle cold winters well, so the frost might have killed some blooms but left the plant alive to make more fruit later.
Blackberries got off easy since they bloom later in spring. Blueberries took some damage but were easier to shield than tree crops.
Strawberry season runs from mid-May through mid-June in the Garden State. Blueberry crops ripen best between early and mid-July, while blackberry crops hit their stride from late July into August.
Von Thun Farms in South Brunswick and Washington and The Terhune Orchards in Princeton held their Strawberry Festivals on May 30 to 31. Both will open again on June 6 to 7.
Doors open at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. each day. Guests can pick strawberries and try strawberry food while kids and adults enjoy the shows.
The post New Jersey Berry Growers Salvage Strawberry Season After April Frost Destroys $300M in Crops appeared first on WMTR AM.
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