Morning Sentinel interviews Handley about central Maine strawberry season
David Handley, a University of Maine Cooperative Extension specialist of vegetables and small fruits, spoke with the Morning Sentinel for the article, “Central Maine strawberry season will only be a few days late, despite mixed weather.” The unpredictable winter and spring weather have put strawberries at central Maine farms through everything this season, but the results should be fine and only a few days late for some farmers, according to the article. Handley, who works at Highmoor Farm in Monmouth, said strawberries like cool temperatures — in the 60s or 70s — and too much heat will cause the fruit to ripen too quickly. Cooler weather lately may slow things down a little bit, but that’s the worst-case scenario, Handley said. He added strawberries also require a delicate balance of rain because too much will cause the fruit to rot. “Right now we’re kinda holding our breath,” he said. The Maine Public Broadcasting Network also interviewed Handley about the strawberry season.