A berry special time of year…

It's Strawberry Season! I was at Costco this weekend and picked up a flat of Strawberries for just $5.49. I love that the label says Ventura County Berry Farms!

I drive by strawberry fields on a regular basis when I am out showing houses. I always wonder where those berries end up? Do they make it to New York? Do they go to Ohio? Or do some stay local? I was so happy to see Costco of all places selling local berries.

Want to know something cool about Strawberries? Strawberry season begins in October by planting transplants that have been grown in nurseries near the Oregon Border. The plants have already entered into a dormant phase with the cold, frost-filled nights at the high elevation nurseries up north. The strawberry plants are dug up out of the ground roots and all, washed and trimmed, placed in boxes and rushed down to Southern California.

These transplanted starts are hand planted, one by one. The plant then experiences the warmer ground and air temperature and is fooled into a springtime response. This triggers the plant to grow quickly and push blooms, even though it is fall with winter up ahead. Flowers begin to bloom throughout the fields in November and begin to pick the first fruits by Thanksgiving. The plant continues to grow and develop blossoms and fruit sets, and by New Year farmers are picking some of the most delicious and beautiful strawberries in the country. Harvest season lasts from December until June and throughout that time, the plant continues to stay productive because of the mild coastal temperatures.

Since we're talking berries- now is a good time to MARK YOUR CALENDARS- May 16th & 17th!!!

Oxnard Strawberry Festival

Adult admission = $12
Seniors (62 ) = $8
Youths (5-12) = $5
Active military and dependents with ID = $8
Children 4 and under are FREE.

You can purchase your tickets ahead of time online from their website. ATM/Credit/Debit are accepted for admission but CASH ONLY for the booth vendors once you are through the doors. This is a great place to sample delicious food and contribute to local charities as well.

Have a berry happy day!