It's strawberry season in Southeast Michigan

The short but sweet strawberry season has arrived in Southeast Michigan. The season usually lasts two-three weeks, dependent on the weather.

In addition to area farms and orchards, many farmers markets sell fresh strawberries. Customers are advised to check picking availability at farms, before going, and to follow COVID-19 safety measures such as social distancing.

Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada, 586-784-5343, blakefarms.com.

Middleton Berry Farm, 4888 Oakwood Road, Ortonville. U-pick strawberries, no pre-picked strawberries. Strawberry-picking is by appointment only, at www.middletonberryfarm.com, 248-831-1004 or visit Middleton Berry Farm on Facebook. The farm accepts cash or check only.

Spicer Orchards, 10411 Clyde, Fenton. Open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, June through October, 810-632-7692 or www.spicerorchards.com, U-pick strawberries, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., while supplies last.

Verellen Orchards, 63260 Van Dyke Road, Washington Township. Call 586-752-2989 for picking availability. U-pick strawberries and cherries, while supplies last. Buy already picked apples, peaches and plums in season at roadside market. The picnic area has an old-fashioned train, www.verellen orchards.com.

Westview Orchards and Adventure Farm, 65075 Van Dyke Road, Washington Township. Call 586-752-3123 or visit www.westvieworchards.com. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for U-pick. The market is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. for already-picked strawberries in June; cherries and raspberries in late June through mid July; peaches in early August through Labor Day; apples in late August through end of October and pumpkins in late September through October.

Save the seeds for next year's garden

This year, I am looking at buying seeds from heirloom seed companies, rather than purchasing whatever is available at my local hardware store or greenhouse. Last year, when greenhouses were closed due to the governor's executive order, I bought seeds on Amazon, which I regretted. I received seeds from all over, including China. There was a story circulating about seeds being sent from China to people who didn't order them. I had actually ordered seeds from China, but I burned the seeds, just in case.

Google "mystery seeds from china" if you want more information.

This year, I'm planning to start with good seeds, and then harvest the seeds from the crops at the end of the season. I've done a little bit of it in the past, but want to make a deeper commitment to it, going forward.

There's a workshop about saving seeds, tomorrow.

The Lyon Township library is hosting a "A Seed Saver's Garden" workshop, at 6:30 p.m. EST, Monday, Feb. 1, via Zoom at  lyon.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/a-seed-savers-garden/

Here's the heirloom seed companies' websites where I will be shopping:

Seed Saver Exchange, www.seedsavers.org

Baker Creek, www.rareseeds.com

Gurney also has heirloom seeds, www.gurneys.com