This past weekend, the first few strawberries of the 2025 summer season began to appear at farmer’s markets. Across southeastern Wisconsin, the small, sweet berries have begun to pop up. Beginning this week, many local area farms will have strawberries available to be picked. The peak season for strawberries to be picked in Waukesha county is between mid-June and usually wraps up around the 4th of July.
Strawberries can usually only be found in the Lake Country area for about two to three weeks. This duration is largely dependent on the weather. Warm, dry springs can often accelerate the berry growth, and may allow the fruit to be available earlier in the year. Alternately, cooler springs can push back the berry picking season. Any major frosts late in spring may lead to damaged fruit blossoms. This can affect the entire area, and will reduce the viability of a majority of the areas crop yield. While rain can allow for the strawberry plants to thrive, they may not be able to endure severe thunderstorms that leave the plants windswept and over-watered. However, this year’s mild spring has allowed for most local strawberries to be successful.
As the fruits ripen, many area farms, such as Basse’s in Colgate, will offer ‘Pick Your Own Strawberry’ events. To have a successful picking trip, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, it is recommended that you try to pick the berries in the early morning, when the fruit is cooler and firmer. The longer in the day you wait to pick them, the likelier they are to dry out. Second, call the farm before visiting, to ensure that there is a high quantity of fruit available that day. Finally, keep in mind that strawberries can’t ripen after they have been removed from the vine. Therefore, it’s important to select berries that are firm, bright red, and large.
Strawberry picking is not only a fun, family friendly activity, but it’s also a way to help support local farmers and boost Waukesha County’s economy. Supporting nearby farms helps sustainability efforts and may be more environmentally responsible. It’s also a great way to get outside, enjoy some fabulous Wisconsin weather, and taste the freshest and best strawberries you’ll find all year.
