|
JERSEY FRESH
Tips for pick-your-own farms and harvest dates
Harvest dates may vary depending upon weather conditions. | Fruits & Berries | Harvest most active | Late | | | Strawberries | June 1 - June 10 | June 25 | | | Cherries | June 10 - 25 | June 25 | | | Blueberries | July 5 - Aug. 10 | Aug. 15 | | | Red raspberries | July 5 - 21 | Aug. 1 | | | Blackberries | July 15 - 30 | Aug. 10 | | | Peaches, nectarines | July 20 - Sept. 1 | Sept. 15 | | | Pears | Aug. 10 - 31 | Sept. 10 | | | Apples | Sept. 1 - Oct. 25 | Oct. 31 | |
 | | Source: N.J. Depar tment of Agriculture |
|
| Vegetables | Harvest most active | Late | | | Asparagus | May 1 - 30 | June 25 | | | Peas | June 15 -25 | July 5 | | | Squash | June 25 - Sept. 1 | Sept. 30 | | | Cucumbers | July 5 - Aug. 15 | Sept. 15 | | | Corn | July 5 - Aug. 31 | Sept. 25 | | | Tomatoes | July 10 - Sept. 15 | Oct. 15* | | | Peppers | July 15 - Oct. 31 | Nov. 5 | | | Pumpkins | Oct. 1 - 15 | Oct. 31 | | | * or killing frost | | | |
Tips for visiting a pick-your-own farm - Respect the property. You are a visitor to the farm; it is both the family's home and business. - Read and obey all signs. - Follow directions about where and what to pick. - Supervise children at all times. - Wear shoes and proper clothing. - Wear sunscreen and a hat. - Leave pets at home. - Throw away trash in the proper trash receptacles. - Keep head, arms, hands and legs inside when riding in farm wagons. Remain seated until the wagon stops.
Testing your soil
A standard test measures boron, calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc in the soil. The pH of the soil acidity is also measured.
The lab makes recommendations for lime and fertilizer based on soil nutrient levels and pH.
Soil test mailer kits are available from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension for a fee of $15.
The kit includes a soil sample bag, a mailing envelope, a data sheet, and instructions. The report and recommendations will be mailed directly to you within two to three weeks.
Tick and insect samples should be dropped off to the office.
Other tests that can be run at an additional fee are plant identification, plant disease and insect problems, insect identification and mold identification.
Rutgers Cooperative Research & Extension
of Middlesex County is located at the EARTH Center in Davidson's Mill Park, South Brunswick.
website: www.rcre.rutgers.edu/soiltestinglab
Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County
Rutgers New Jersey
Agricultural Experiment Station
42 Riva Ave.
North Brunswick, NJ 08902-4734
website: co.middlesex.nj.us/extensionservices
| 
)
)