PUNGO—How agreeable of Mother Nature to provide the conditions Virginia farmers needed to grow a signature summer crop.
Berries were cultivated on almost 900 farms on 1,119 acres in Virginia, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture Census data from 2022. Blueberries are the most widely grown berry, followed by blackberries, strawberries, raspberries and elderberries.
A “fantastic crop” of Natchez and Ponca blackberries are growing on 2 acres of trellis at Henley Farms in Pungo.
“They are pretty much the best we’ve ever had,” said Barbara Henley, who operates the pick-your-own produce farm with her husband, G.W. “The Ponca is a round berry and the Natchez is more elongated, and each has a slightly different taste. Poncas are sweet and Natchez are more tart. Both crops are beautiful and in top production!”
The farm is open to pickers and produce shoppers daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“We are wide open for picking the next 3 to 4 weeks,” Henley said. “Our varieties are thornless, which makes for good picking. And because they grow on trellises, you don’t have to get down in the dirt.”
Pungo is known for a balmy microclimate that brings out the best in Virginia berries.
“Whatever weather we’ve recently had is exactly what they like!” Henley exclaimed.
Blueberries are weather-sensitive as well, thriving in high temperatures with periodic rain showers, noted Amy Drewry, who operates Drewry Farms Blueberries with her husband, Michael, in Surry County.
“We had beautiful rain this spring, and the crop is looking great!” she said. “They’re nice, full berries and I think it will be a fabulous season—the best we’ve had in years.”
The quantity of this season’s blueberries tracks with the quality.
“Our intense pruning this year seems to be paying off,” Drewry continued. “The bushes are covered in berries.”
The farm grows mostly Rabbiteye blueberries, a southeastern native species tolerant of heat and drought.
Drewry Farms Blueberries season has “two peaks.” After mid-June’s berries ripen, a bumper crop follows in July, extending the pick-your-own season for their diverse customer base.
Families often spend a couple hours together picking through the patch, Drewry said. And some return throughout the summer and pick more to freeze for wintertime enjoyment.
“Tickle the berries and they just fall into your basket,” Drewry said. “Plus, you don’t have to bend over to pick them. You’re at eye level with blueberries. We grow enough for the bears and other animals, and plenty for people too, of course!”
Visit the Virginia Grown website to find summer berries and pick-your-own farms near you.
Media: Contact Henley at757-426-7501 or Drewry at 757-899-3636.
