After A Spring Of Weather Extremes, CT Strawberries Are Ready

SHELTON — Strawberries are ripe at Connecticut Strawberry farms, including Shelton’s Jones Family Farms. Says farmer Terry Jones, who has been raising strawberries for 36 years, “Strawberry plants in Connecticut had a great growing season last summer and fall, with plenty of rain to help boost the growth of the fruiting buds for this year’s crop. The winter was perfect for the plants with consistently cold temperatures and a continuous cover of snow for insulation.”

“This spring, however, the weather has been a challenge,” he continued. “With little rain in April and part of May, we were irrigating on a regular basis. The heat wave of early May really pushed the plants’ growth, but they slowed up with the cool, rainy days later in the month.”

“The biggest challenge was the record freeze on the morning of May 7. We were able to save our crop of berries by watering all night to protect the tender blossoms from temperatures as low as 22 degrees!” Mr Jones remembers.

“Now they’re ripening sweet and red,” comments Mr Jones. “It was worth the effort!”

The Jones family operates the oldest pick-your-own farm in Connecticut. Last year Connecticut magazine readers recognized the Jones farm as the “Best Pick-Your-Own-Farm” in the state.

Jamie Jones, age 25, and a sixth generation Jones farmer, says, “Farm visitors can also plan ahead for their visit to the fields by logging onto our new Web site, www.jonesfamilyfarms.com.” Farmer Jones also gives daily updates on the 24-hour telephone information line, 203-929-8425.

Connecticut citizens are reminded that supporting local farms is an effective way to help preserve open space and farmland. It’s also a great way for the family to teach children where food comes from and to get the freshest produce possible. Jean Jones, a registered dietitian, prepares free recipe pamphlets for each summer berry season.

The farm is on Israel Hill Road in Shelton, off Route 110, six miles North of Shelton Center and two miles South of Route 110 and Route 111 junction in Monroe.