Raleigh farmers babysit strawberry crops during Wednesday morning frost advisory
Strawberry season is in full swing in North Carolina, but a frost advisory and temperatures in the low 30s are making things complicated for farmers.
Page Farms in Raleigh will not open to the public for strawberry picking on Wednesday as farmers "babysit" and monitor their crops, which draw crowds to the farm each spring.
A frost advisory is in effect for central N.C. between 2 a.m. and 9 a.m. At 4 a.m., it was 36 degrees in Raleigh.
If temperatures drop too low, Page Farms and others in the area could potentially need to spray plants with water to keep the berries from freezing.
Farmers tell WRAL News the water protects the berries. As it turns into ice, it releases heat, keeping the ice at 32 degrees.
Strawberry season begins in mid- to late-April for most farms and runs into May. Warmer days mean a lot to farmers who depend on customers, especially since North Carolina is the fourth largest producer of strawberries in the nation.
Farmers say damage at this time of year could mean fewer strawberries available or a spike in the price.
Hunts Strawberry Farm at 4505 Watkins Road in Raleigh will be open Wednesday.
Find a list of local strawberry farms here.
