It’s strawberry picking season in New York, and after a tougher go around last year, farmers are optimistic about u-pick this June.

What You Need To Know

  • Strawberries need a perfect mixture of sun, warmth and rain, but not too much of any of the above

  • A late May freeze killed about 20 to 30% of New York’s strawberry crop last year, according to Laura McDermott, eastern New York regional berry specialist for Cornell Cooperative Extension

  • Josh Morgenthau of Fishkill Farms said strawberry seeds rely on weather and fertilization from the year before, as they are planted at the end of summer; that’s almost two years before harvesting

Strawberry picking is typically an activity people of all ages enjoy, but the crops are very dependent on weather.

"2023 was a really, really difficult season, maybe one of the most difficult growing seasons I’ve ever experienced,” said Josh Morgenthau, Fishkill Farms owner and farmer.

That’s because a late May freeze killed about 20 to 30% of New York’s strawberry crop last year, according to Laura McDermott, eastern New York regional berry specialist for Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Fishkill Farms was no exception.  

“It froze out a lot of buds in our strawberry fields, and so we had a very bad crop last year,” Morgenthau said. “It’s nice to have a sort of typical crop again this year."

Morgenthau said strawberry seeds rely on weather and fertilization from the year before, as they are planted at the end of summer. That’s almost two years before harvesting.

“All the rain that we got last year and the weather last year seemed to help our plants set a lot of buds and prime them to have a good season this year,” Morgenthau said.

Morgenthau believes his farm has double the number of strawberries this year compared to last, and customers picking their own strawberries are noticing.

“They didn't have as many, but there's plenty out here now,” said Krissy Zegarelli, who was picking strawberries with her kids.

Morgenthau said the best strawberries to pick are the ones that are dark in color and without any blemishes.

“They just taste better, and the fun of doing it for sure makes for a nice, great day with the kids,” said Zegarelli.

According to Morgenthau, other crops, such as peaches and cherries, are looking better this year, as well.

“They’re all doing well this year, and we have a typical season ahead, which is a relief,” Morgenthau said.  

He said the strawberry picking season will wind down between June 20 and the end of the month.