THUNDER BAY - One of the surefire ways to know that summer has really started is when strawberry season is here.
Belluz Farms officially launched its self-pick season this weekend with strawberries that are expected to be available for the next three to four weeks.
Farm co-owner Jodi Belluz said it's a short window for the first fruit of summer, and there's lots to do to get the farm ready.
"We're a working farm primarily focusing on growing fruits and vegetables," she said on Monday. "But when we have people on the farm, it means getting the wagons ready, making everything look pretty and making sure that we just have everything needed for people to have a fun day out here at the farm."
Prior to the pandemic, there would be cars lined up down the road waiting to park and pick. However, since having to control the flow of people on the property, Belluz said having an appointment-based system has "changed everything. It slowed down the pace, made a more relaxing picking experience for people. [Co-owner and husband] Kevin and I are able to look at the field, watch the weather."
Belluz continued they can have anywhere from 150 to 400 people on the farm picking fruits and vegetables.
"We can kind of predict when we're going to be picking next and also how many people the fields can handle, like how many berries are out there and that can be, that are ready for people to pick," she said.
With the success of the appointment-based system over the last four years, Belluz said they are likely to continue with this practice.
Throughout the summer season, there will be lots for people to pick, starting with strawberries; peas and beans will get started during strawberries. Belluz is expecting raspberries to be early this year, available sometime by the third week of July. As they move into August, pickling cucumbers and sweet corn will be available.
