Strawberry harvest in Schleswig-Holstein: Frost and rain slow down enjoyment!

Strawberry harvest in Schleswig-Holstein: Frost and rain slow down enjoyment!

The strawberry harvest in Schleswig-Holstein in 2025 got off to a rather bumpy start. Despite the official season opening in Fuhlendorf, Segeberg district, on Tuesday, the strawberry farmers' expectations were not met. The changeable weather conditions, especially the frosty nights at the end of April and beginning of May, have led to damaged flower development. Christian Ufen, a strawberry farmer from Dithmarschen, estimates the harvest quantity to be less optimistic than was the case in previous years due to fewer flowers and smaller berries. NDR reports.

The cold temperatures of the last few weeks have also delayed fruit ripening. While the first strawberries are being harvested from polytunnels, most companies do not expect larger quantities until mid-May. Real outdoor strawberries can only be expected from June this year, which makes the anticipation of the sweet fruits even more uncertain. In Schleswig-Holstein, strawberries are cultivated on around 1,000 hectares of cultivation area, with the weather conditions having a decisive influence on the entire harvest World reports.

Crop estimates and farming methods

Although the beginnings of the harvest are rocky, statistics show that strawberry cultivation has shown a positive trend in recent years. In 2024, a yield of over 211 decitons per hectare under polytunnels was expected, which is the highest since 2012. This year, the hoped-for harvest volume by August could be around 12,000 tonnes, depending on climatic conditions Statistics North reports.

In the open field, the cultivation area of ​​strawberries that are ready to be harvested in the coming season is 232 hectares. Of these, 69 hectares are under the highly accessible protective covers. Two years ago, the harvest estimate for outdoor cultivation was 99 decitons per hectare, which is well below the six-year average.

Hope for better weather

Strawberry farmers are now hoping for more stable and warmer weather. Rainfall on the West Coast has contributed to berry conditions remaining uncertain. Despite the challenges of frost and rain, the anticipation of the harvest remains unbroken. The region is looking hopefully to the coming weeks to see if the weather will be a good hand for strawberry farmers.

A highlight for many families and fruit lovers remains picking your own on numerous farms in Schleswig-Holstein, where cherries and other fruits are also waiting to be harvested. This tradition not only brings fresh fruit to the plate, but also joy for young and old in nature. If you want to spend a few hours in the sun, this is a wonderful way to do so.