Strawberry harvest kicks off unevenly across Brandenburg region - Picking strawberries self-service begins in Brandenburg
Current Situation of Strawberry Picking in Brandenburg
Strawberry picking in Brandenburg is experiencing a rocky start due to unforeseen late frosts last May. These frosts led to significant harvest damage in some areas, causing shortages that necessitate advance awareness of opening hours at various farms.
In Potsdam, the impact was especially severe, forcing Neumann's Harvest Garden to postpone self-picking until at least three weeks from the original date. The initial blossoms were frozen during the late frost at the beginning of May.
Other establishments, such as the Berlin Berry Garden, have had to temporarily close their gardens due to a lack of ripe fruits. They may also need to close again at short notice as fruit ripeness dictates their operation.
Pomona Garden Nursery in Ahrensfelde/Elisenau offers a WhatsApp channel for updated information on the growing varieties and current opening hours. While the late frost ruined a significant portion of their strawberry harvest, the owner, Reiner Matthes, has expressed the desire to implement Agri-Photovoltaic systems in the future to better protect the fields from climate risks.
Overall, strawberry cultivation in Brandenburg is declining, especially in open fields, according to the Garden Nursery Association Berlin-Brandenburg. This is attributed to rising operational expenses, including material costs, energy, wages, and plant protection regulations.
It is advisable for those interested in strawberry picking in Brandenburg to contact local farms directly for the most precise and current information on their operation schedules and availability. Additionally, events like the 30th Brandenburg Country Outing on June 14-15, 2025, may offer related agricultural experiences, although they do not specifically focus on strawberry picking.
To stay informed about farming activities and opportunities to interact with local producers, keep an eye on local agricultural reports and events. Moreover, visiting farms employing innovative protective methods, such as agrivoltaics, can provide valuable insights into alternative farming practices.
- In an effort to counteract the challenges faced due to the steep increase in operational costs and climate risks, some farms like Pomona Garden Nursery in Ahrensfelde/Elisenau are exploring the implementation of Agri-Photovoltaic systems in their fields.
- As lifestyle choices lean towards sustainability and interest in food-and-drink sourcing grows, events such as the 30th Brandenburg Country Outing may provide opportunities to engage with local producers and learn about their innovative home-and-garden practices, including the use of Agri-Photovoltaics for crop protection.
