YORK COUNTY, Pa. — With scattered showers, heat, and humidity, a lot of crops and farmlands are being impacted. The Blueberry Hill Festival kicks off Friday, July 12, and a lot of work goes into making sure these berries are ready for harvest.
There's a saying that goes "the blacker the berry juice," and the reason isn't just because of the color but also how heat can play a vital role in both the preparation and harvesting of blueberries.
"We have about 5,400 bushes, and the plants have been here since 1979," said Weston Danfelt, owner of Blueberry Hill Farm.
Like the berries, the heat is also sticking around. With most crops, high heat and humidity can ruin them, but for berries, it's a little different.
"The hot weather ripens them up faster, so you have to get them picked faster," said Danfelt.
Hot and humid weather may not be a challenge, but the lack of rain is. Widespread showers cut down on water usage and ensure all of the plants get fed.
"We have irrigation to make up for what we don't get from rain as best as we can," said Danfelt.
There's a hose that runs underneath the bushes to help offset any places that may not get water. The mulch also helps lock in moisture for drier days.
While many are coming out for the second annual Blueberry Hill Festival, Danfelt says the bigger the berry isn't the sweetest juice - the smaller ones are where the flavor lies.
"You always hear that the ones that are hardest to get to are the ones that are tucked in underneath."
Either way, the blueberry picking season is here, and no matter where or how you pick, the Blueberry Hill Festival runs through the weekend. There will be vendors, food trucks, and plenty of berries to pick. For more information click here.
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