Current Conditions:

Friday, July 2, 2009 8:00 a.m.

As of today the strawberry patch has lots of green fruit sizing up with some turning white and orange and now many red, ripe strawberries. We picked six buckets of berries yesterday while doing a test pick, and I have decided to open for our first pick at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 5th. We will be open until 2:00 p.m. on Sunday or until our supply of ripe berries is gone. We will not have any prepicked berries on Sunday. If you'd like us to pick for you, simply call ahead to reserve pre-picked strawberries. Remember, early season picking hours vary, so be sure to check this website info or call our Berry Hotline before you drive out; 218-247-7726. I will not know the Monday hours until Sunday evening. I will update this message as often as needed as hours and conditions change.

The strawberry plants came through the winter in great shape with little or no winter injury, but I did have some frost damage to the earliest blossoms. Right now the patch looks in good shape and I expect a near normal harvest.

Gene Eklin

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If missed out on the season and would like to be added to our email list, send an email to gene@nordicridge.com. We'll send you an email when we open next year. Add Nordic Ridge Gardens to your address book to ensure delivery.

As strawberry growers we work hard to bring you beautiful, farm fresh, locally grown strawberries. We thank you for visiting us, we appreciate your business!

Bring your family and friends to visit our farm.
Fresh air and sunshine, pure picking pleasure and the BEST EVER berries are waiting for you!

PICK-YOUR-OWN or we pick for you...

We Offer:

• High quality, clean fruit in a relaxed country setting.
• Thick straw mulch between the rows making picking clean, comfortable, and lots of fun!!
• Picking containers and berry boxes are provided at no charge.
• Pre picked strawberries are available by ordering ahead.
• Families with children are welcome.
• Playground and picnic area, restrooms and hand washing facilities are provided.

Our answering service message provides current picking conditions throughout the day. If in doubt, call to find out. Leave a clear message, we return all messages by the end of each day.

General Picking Information
Early season picking starts in late June. Heavier picking will follow in 4 to 5 days. Strawberry season is short (25 days or so) so don't miss out!

Hours: picking hours vary, always call before you drive out

Season: The season generally lasts about 3 1/2 weeks, but hot weather can make berries ripen even faster. Call us if you need information.

2008 Prices:
Pick your own: 9.00 / 5 qt. pail
Pre picked: $14.00/ 5 qt. flat at the farm.

Please phone in orders ahead for pre-picked berries.
218-247-7726 or 1-888-FARM-FUN (327-6386)

If you would like to be on our strawberry mailing list, e-mail us with your name and address. E-mail address: gene@nordicridge.com