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How sweet it is: Strawberries being offered at farm markets

Locally grown strawberries — a longtime favourite in the capital region — are now for sale at farm markets. Pickers have been in the fields for just over a week, said Satnam Dheensaw of the family owned Gobind Farm on Veyaness Road.
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Strawberries are expected to be available into autumn.

Locally grown strawberries — a longtime favourite in the capital region — are now for sale at farm markets.

Pickers have been in the fields for just over a week, said Satnam Dheensaw of the family owned Gobind Farm on Veyaness Road.

Greater Victoria residents with a sweet tooth head to the Saanich Peninsula this time every year to take home strawberries.

“People have been coming by the farm since early May,” Dheensaw said. Buyers had to wait a little longer this year than last.

Strawberries will be available into the fall.

Gobind has 12 acres of strawberries planted and also grows other crops. “We have a beautiful crop of strawberry-red rhubarb ready,” he said.

Berries such as loganberries, tayberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries will be ready this month, he said.

Gobind has a staff of 20 working in the fields and at the market.

At Michell’s Farm Market on Island View Road, another family farm, strawberries are selling now, said Terry Michell.

The farm is selling Rainier strawberries. “The taste is excellent this year.” These sweet berries are available for about six weeks.

Other varieties of strawberries grown on the farm will last through the season.

Strawberry plants had a strong start in March when the weather warmed up, Michell said. Winter snow insulated the plants.

The market is selling other produce, including lettuce, green onions, carrots and new potatoes. Raspberries will be ready in three to four weeks, Michell said.

cjwilson@timescolonist.com

• For information online about local farms and what is in season, go to: https://islandfarmfresh.com.