If you plan to pick your own strawberries this week, an early start is essential. Rulfs Orchard in Peru is shortening its Strawberry U-pick hours due to the extreme heat in the North Country.The Orchard usually holds Strawberry u-pick hours from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. until June 20 and then until 5 p.m. for the rest of the season. However, the high temperatures lead officials to change the hours. The decision aims to protect both people and produce from the harsh afternoon heat.But Wednesday morning saw a flurry of activity at Rulfs Orchard in Peru as visitors arrived to gather strawberries before the heat of the day set in.Among the eager pickers was Jerrica Wayman from Crown Point, who brought her young children to the orchard for a fun and educational outing.”Just to let them get that experience, to pick them. Have fun, get outside, see where the food comes from,” Wayman said.The Wayman family enjoyed their morning, picking fruit and having fun before the temperatures climbed. However, Jerrica says shortening the hours was the correct move.”You don’t need to be out here in the heat if it’s that hot, and as it gets later and hotter, I know that the strawberries don’t do as well in the heat. So picking them when it’s that hot out isn’t as good for the strawberries either,” Wayman said.The orchard advises visitors to pick strawberries during the cooler parts of the morning or on cloudy days to prevent the berries from spoiling quickly. However, for those who prefer to avoid the fields altogether, the orchard store offers a wide selection of pre-picked strawberries.”I’m retired, I’m not picking berries out there, I’ll pick them right from the shelf,” said Debbie Campagna, a customer from Loudonville at Rulfs.”I wouldn’t want to pick them today, it’s too hot,” added Michael Campagna. Despite the current stretch of sweltering weather, Rulfs Orchard remains optimistic about the season, promising a sweet harvest for as long as the berries last.Looking ahead, Rulfs Orchard expects to close its U-pick hours again at 1 p.m. on Thursday.
If you plan to pick your own strawberries this week, an early start is essential.
Rulfs Orchard in Peru is shortening its Strawberry U-pick hours due to the extreme heat in the North Country.
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The Orchard usually holds Strawberry u-pick hours from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. until June 20 and then until 5 p.m. for the rest of the season.
However, the high temperatures lead officials to change the hours. The decision aims to protect both people and produce from the harsh afternoon heat.
But Wednesday morning saw a flurry of activity at Rulfs Orchard in Peru as visitors arrived to gather strawberries before the heat of the day set in.
Among the eager pickers was Jerrica Wayman from Crown Point, who brought her young children to the orchard for a fun and educational outing.
“Just to let them get that experience, to pick them. Have fun, get outside, see where the food comes from,” Wayman said.
The Wayman family enjoyed their morning, picking fruit and having fun before the temperatures climbed. However, Jerrica says shortening the hours was the correct move.
“You don’t need to be out here in the heat if it’s that hot, and as it gets later and hotter, I know that the strawberries don’t do as well in the heat. So picking them when it’s that hot out isn’t as good for the strawberries either,” Wayman said.
The orchard advises visitors to pick strawberries during the cooler parts of the morning or on cloudy days to prevent the berries from spoiling quickly. However, for those who prefer to avoid the fields altogether, the orchard store offers a wide selection of pre-picked strawberries.
“I’m retired, I’m not picking berries out there, I’ll pick them right from the shelf,” said Debbie Campagna, a customer from Loudonville at Rulfs.
“I wouldn’t want to pick them today, it’s too hot,” added Michael Campagna.
Despite the current stretch of sweltering weather, Rulfs Orchard remains optimistic about the season, promising a sweet harvest for as long as the berries last.
Looking ahead, Rulfs Orchard expects to close its U-pick hours again at 1 p.m. on Thursday.
