Dear Farm Family,
If you were to drive past the farm this morning, you’d see a field that looks like it’s at least half asleep.
We often get asked, "Are you worried about the plants in this cold?" The truth is, we actually welcome it! To give you the sweetest harvest possible, our berries require what we call "Chill Hours."
Think of it as the farm’s internal alarm clock. Each plant needs a specific number of hours between 32 and 45 degrees to properly "break dormancy" come spring. Without enough sleep in the cold, the plants wake up groggy, producing fewer flowers and smaller fruit.
How our berries "sleep":
- Strawberries (The Early Risers): Our strawberries are the first to wake up. They require fewer chill hours than our other berries, which is why you see them blooming while there’s still a crisp bite in the air. This winter’s steady cold is helping them build the energy they need for that first "strawberry red" flash in April.
- Blueberries (The Deep Sleepers): Blueberries are a bit more stubborn! They need a significant amount of cold (anywhere from 400 to over 1,000 hours depending on the variety) to ensure that every branch is loaded with those dusty-blue clusters you love.
- Blackberries (The Late Bloomers): Our blackberries use the winter to reset their "bud-break" cycle. The cold hours ensure that when the heat of May arrives, the canes are strong enough to support those heavy, juice-filled berries.
Every frosty morning you see at Ivy Place right now is a down payment on a sweeter, juicier u-pick season for you which is why we get a little antsy with 70 degree days in January.
While the plants are "chilling" (literally—strawberries/ need those cold hours to produce sweet fruit later!), we are hard at work. This month, we are:
- Seeding: Tomatoes! Plus all kinds of flowers.
- Planting cool weather veggies: Lettuce, arugula, spinach, parsley, cilantro, etc
- Planting new Terrace Section: Planting big blooming bushes
- Building a new high tunnel: We pulled the trigger on a new High Tunnel. Now we have to put it together.
- Pruning for Perfection: Toward the end of January, we will prune our young oaks, etc.
- Dreaming Big: Reviewing your feedback from last year to make this u-pick season our best one yet.
P.S. Missed a post? Catch up on all the latest farm reels and field updates by following us on Instagram and Facebook. We’d love to see you there!
🌞 Give the Gift of an "Unplugged" Summer
2026 Kids’ Farm Camps are filling fast! In a world of screens, we offer dirt, sunshine, and discovery. Our camps give kids (ages 6–11) the chance to see where their food comes from, meet the pollinators, and simply be kids in the great outdoors.
- When: Weekly sessions (9 AM – 4 PM)
- Investment: $325 per week
👉 Secure Your Child’s Spot Here
💐 2026 Flower Subscriptions: A Season of Beauty
Imagine a fresh, hand-tied bouquet of Ivy Place blooms sitting on your kitchen table every week. From March through October, our subscription members get the "best of the field."
- Price: $20 per week (Friday Pickups)
- Varieties: Everything from early spring Sweet Peas to mid-summer Zinnias and Sunflowers.
- Availability: We limit our subscriptions to ensure the highest quality for every member.
👉 Join the 2026 Flower Club- Multiple different options for you to choose from.
We want to hear from you!
What was your favorite memory at Ivy Place last year? Hit "Reply" and let us know—your stories keep us motivated through these cold winter workdays.
Warmly,
The Ivy Place Berry Farm Family
Locally Grown. Family Rooted.
