Arkansas strawberry crop off to an early start

Arkansas’ strawberry crop is running a little early this year, according to Amanda McWhirt, extension fruit and vegetable specialist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

“Many growers across the state have been picking for seven days or more now,” said McWhirt.

“Generally, there has only been minor damage from the mid-March freeze,” she said. “Some blooms were killed in that event which will delay the start of the season for some growers in northwest Arkansas.”

There has also been little disease, most likely due to very dry conditions statewide. Until the rain the past few days, it has been extremely dry across parts of Arkansas. Many counties have been under a burn ban due to conditions.

“Growers are irrigating more this year than what has been typical in years past because of how dry it is,” she said.

“Despite the freeze, I think we are still running a tad early, so there will be fruit for Mother’s Day,” she said. “Hopefully temperatures stay cool and we can have a nice long season. If it gets too warm too early — with temps in the upper 80s-90s — things will start shutting down.”