Strawberries are ready in Thunder Bay

The strawberry season is underway in Thunder Bay, and despite a rainy June, one local farmer says she expects a "strong, solid crop."

• Wet June in northwestern Ontario poses challenges for area farmers

This year's berries began ripening a bit earlier than they have in the past few years, said Jodi Belluz, a partner at BelluzFarms.

The strawberry picking season opened at the farm on July 2.

"We've just managed to have enough heat units to get the season going," she said.

"Now we just want heat to keep that ripening happening, and if the clouds could stay away, that would be fantastic too."

Within a few days, Belluzsaid she expects visitors will be able to pick peas, followed by saskatoon berries.

Since each day is dependant on weather, Belluz saidit's always a good idea to call the farm before heading out.