It's strawberry season in Michigan

Stacy Janiga, co-owner of Middleton Berry Farm

The strawberries are ripe for picking at Middleton Berry Farm of Ortonville. The official start date for the U-Pick farm is Tuesday, June 16. The hours vary, call (248) 831-1004 or find them on Facebook, Middleton Berry Farm.

Strawberries are $1.80 per pound. It is recommended to bring your own container and have it weighed before picking. The farm is charging $1 for large picking boxes or $.50 for quart boxes.

Stacy Janiga said when the berries are ripe, they will nearly fall off when you pick them.

They recommend washing the berries with the stem on, this prevents water from getting inside the berries, which loses the flavor.
Sisters, Stacy and Carrie Janiga purchased the farm in 2014 from longtime residents Bill and Barb Middleton. The Janigas are working to keep the farm going, while maintaining full-time jobs. They have hired help who previously worked for the Middleton couple.
"Last year we were just getting started. This year, we're a little more prepared," said Stacy Janiga.

She said they are trying to be as environmentally friendly as possible.
"Our strawberries are grown using IPM (Integrated Pest Management). This means we use minimal chemicals and use organic solutions when possible, including hand weeding of all fields."

Middleton Berry Farm
Address: 4790 Oakwood Rd, Ortonville, MI 48462
Phone: (248) 831-1004
Directions: Go five miles east of Ortonville Road between M-15 and M-24. From I-75 take Exit 84 (Baldwin Road). Go north on Baldwin Road 10 miles to Oakwood Road, turn left. Farm is one mile on the left.
Website: www.middletonberryfarm.com
Facebook: Middleton Berry Farm

Updated with first name correction in photo.