Silver Rill workers are in the fields at 6 a.m. these days to pluck the first cobs of the season, as corn ripens earlier than ever thanks to this year’s hot weather and improved growing techniques.
In the family farm’s 90-year history, corn has never been picked this early in the year, said farmer Clayton Fox.
Last year, a record was set with a June 28 start date, which was broken with a June 24 start this year. “We did have a very warm start to the season,” Fox said.
Blueberries are also weeks ahead of schedule.
Record-high temperatures led to record early harvests in May, when this year’s growing season led off with juicy red strawberries. It’s been non-stop since.
Fox attributes early corn to constant trials to find out which varieties are best suited to being planted in cold weather. The earlier they go in the ground, the earlier they ripen.
Lightweight covers are placed over seeded areas, acting like blankets to keep the soil warm and foster growth. Covers stay on as plants grow.
A combination of hot weather, effective growing techniques and choosing suitable varieties all works together to push the growing season ahead.
Fox remembers days long past when corn would ripen in late July or early August.
Adding plant covers about a decade ago moved the harvest up to mid-July.
Silver Rill, which specializes in corn, is selling extra sweet peaches and cream corn for $9.50 a dozen at its 7117 Central Saanich Rd. farm. By mid-July, other varieties will be ready.
The crop is grown on 70 acres and will continue until Halloween. About 30 varieties are grown every year.
One acre is set aside as a testing area for 14 varieties.
“It’s a never-ending trial and error to find the ones you really like and do the best in this area,” Fox said.
Silver Rill also has five acres in berries and 10 acres in other types of vegetables including carrots, peas and beans.
The farm was started by Fox’s great-grandfather, and with the arrival of two babies, the family counts five generations.
At Arbor Blueberry Farm, 305 Walton Pl. in Saanich, Mo and Sherry Filipovic recall blueberry harvests in mid-July. Like other farms, they have seen warm weather ripen their berries earlier.
“This year, we were open on the 15th of June. That is amazing,” Sherry said. Last year’s harvest started on June 26.
“A lot of people don’t know that the blueberries are ready.”
The water-loving berries are “beautiful,” she said.
“The weather system seems to be good for them.”
The Filipovics have 2 1/2 acres planted in blueberries, which sell for $3.25 per pound for U-Pick. A flat sells for $3.99 per pound. A 10-pound flat costs $39.
Mo noticed extra-early growth in February.
The Southern Vancouver Island Direct Farm Marketing Association list 75 farms, vineyards and cheese makers on its website islandfarmfresh.com. It tells you what’s available and where.
