This is the weekend for blueberries at Minesing’s Barrie Hill Farms, dovetailing nicely with raspberry-picking season which is now in full swing, just as summer strawberry picking is coming to an end (cheer up, though; fall variety strawberries will be ready in late July to early August.)
The facility has a limited supply of harvestable blueberries, starting this Saturday. The blueberry season usually lasts until the first two weeks of September, but of course, as farm staff reminds us “Mother Nature ALWAYS has the final say.”
Barrie Hill head honcho Morris Gervais is particularly pleased at this year’s crop, given as it takes eight to ten years for blueberries to mature.
“We benefited from a mild winter this year. Every berry consists of buds on branches, outside all the time. The last two winters featured -20 to -30 days, which really damaged the crops," he said. “We also had a mild spring, with sunny, warm days, making for excellent pollinating conditions. The blueberries need visits from the bees, and received that pollination this spring.”
Gervais states that Barrie Hill is at the northern limit for picking viable, edible blueberries; much further north and the weather and soil conditions simply wouldn’t permit the fruit to grow as well.
But don’t forget about the raspberries. The Barrie Hill website boasts: “It has been an outstanding start to the season so far . . . with lots of gorgeous berries for you to pick in the fields and/or the market.”
Anxious pickers might be advised to keep some room in their baskets after this weekend, for the annual blueberry festival is set for next weekend, July 23 and 24.
From 8:00 AM till 3:00 PM both days, you and the family can enjoy a complete pancake breakfast for $7.50 per person. All proceeds from the sales will be donated to Hearts & Minds clinical priorities at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
Barrie Hill Farm is not restricted to just fruit. They have mushrooms, radishes, zucchini, beets, peppers and cucumbers are among the vast array of vegetables you can include on the homestead menu while waiting for your berry dessert.
Barrie Hill Farms is open for picking 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. The farm is located at 2935 Barrie Hill Rd. just off George Johnston Road.
More information is available on the farm's website.
