FARMER FORECAST
MARCH 2026

STRAWBERRY EDITION

03/06/26

The first day of spring falls in the third week of March. In Alabama, the start of spring typically means mornings in the low 50s, afternoons in the high 70s with humidity, signs of pollen, and… strawberries!

Late winter frosts determine when strawberry season begins.

We asked our strawberry growers about their berries planted for 2026. Keep reading to learn more, connect directly with these farmers, and see their market schedule so you can show support.

Brandberry Farm
Blount County, ALA

How are your strawberries looking this week?
Our strawberries are looking good, and we can’t wait to share them with the Birmingham community!

How many strawberry plants did you plant?
20,000

Tell us more about your strawberry varieties.
We planted one variety called Fronteras. They’re an early season variety that produces large, firm berries with flavor.

When do you think your berries will make their farmers market debut?
We’re hoping to begin picking around the end of March/beginning of April.

Burnette Farm
Chilton County, ALA

How are your strawberries looking this week?
Strawberries are looking good and healthy right now, and we’re so thankful for how they’re coming along!

How many strawberry plants did you plant?
50,000

Tell us more about your strawberry varieties.
We planted three varieties: Fronteras, Camarosa, and Camino Real. Their flavors slightly differ – Fronteras have a more fair/balanced flavor, Camarosa has a robust flavor, and Camino Real are the darker colored, fair tasting berries perfect for making jams and freezing.

When do you think your berries will make their farmers market debut?
We’re hoping to begin picking around the end of March/beginning of April. We’ll keep our Facebook page updated as we go along this year!

Harvest Farm
Cullman County, ALA

How are your strawberries looking this week?
Berries are loving the warmer weather, and they’re looking great this week.

How many strawberry plants did you plant?
9,000

Tell us more about your strawberry varieties.
We planted one variety called Camarosa.

When do you think your berries will make their farmers market debut?
We should be ready to harvest mid to late April.

Knight’s Farm
Chilton County, ALA

How are your strawberries looking this week?
Our strawberries are right on schedule, and they’re growing very good this season.

How many strawberry plants did you plant?
65,000

Tell us more about your strawberry varieties.
We planted three varieties: Camino Real, Fronteras, and Camarosa

When do you think your berries will make their farmers market debut?
We’re hoping to begin picking around the end of March/beginning of April. See our Facebook for farm updates throughout the year.

Mountain Meadows Farm
Shelby County, ALA

How are your strawberries looking this week?
Our strawberries are looking great – we’re ready for another season at Pepper Place!

How many strawberry plants did you plant?
3,000

Tell us more about your strawberry varieties.
We planted one variety called Camarosa. They’re an early season variety that produces large, firm, wedge-shaped with deep flavors.

When do you think your berries will make their farmers market debut?
I anticipate this season’s strawberries to be ready at the beginning of April.

Penton Farm
Chilton County, ALA

How are your strawberries looking this week?
Strawberries are looking great and now blooming. Due to the extreme cold later in the season, we’re expecting them to be ready later this year. The cold weather’s slowed them down by a week or two.

How many strawberry plants did you plant?
400,000

Tell us more about your strawberry varieties.
We planted three varieties: Camarosa, Fronteras, and Camino Real. These are berries that produce large, firm fruit, with each variety slightly differing in flavor.

When do you think your berries will make their farmers market debut?
We’re hoping for late March, but it might be early April before they’re ready. Our U-Pick will also be up and running soon! We’ll keep you updated on our Facebook page and share details on our website.

Sandlin Farm
Cullman County, ALA

How are your strawberries looking this week?
Strawberries are looking so good this week!

How many strawberry plants did you plant?
4,000

Tell us more about your strawberry varieties.
We planted two varieties: Camarosa and Ruby June. Both berries produce large, firm fruit. But Ruby June’s are exceptionally sweet.

When do you think your berries will make their farmers market debut?
We’re not 100% sure when they’ll be ready right now, but we update our Facebook page when the season begins!

The Mathis Mini Farm
Chilton County, ALA

How are your strawberries looking this week?
The plants are looking healthy now, and they’ve recovered from the freeze in late January.

How many strawberry plants did you plant?
9,192 plants were planted with a few hundred lost on the January 31st freeze. This means we’ll begin the season with roughly 8,500 strawberry plants to produce fruit.

Tell us more about your strawberry varieties.
We planted two varieties: Fronteras and Camino Real

When do you think your berries will make their farmers market debut?
If the nights stay above 20 degrees, I think we should still be looking at mid to late March for our first berries. Our Instagram is active with updates each week.

W & W Farm
Marshall County, ALA

How are your strawberries looking this week?
They’re looking good this week, and we’re excited for a new season!

How many strawberry plants did you plant?
6,000

Tell us more about your strawberry varieties.
We planted a few varieties, but Camarosa is our main berry for market. We use that good Sand Mountain soil for planting, and it makes them sweet.

When do you think your berries will make their farmers market debut?
We’re hoping to see them harvested around mid April. Our Facebook page is where you can find updates this year.

Whited Farm
Blount County, ALA

How are your strawberries looking this week?
Strawberries are looking good now – they’re enjoying this warm weather after a cold winter.

How many strawberry plants did you plant?
12,000

Tell us more about your strawberry varieties.
We planted three varieties: Camino Real, Ruby June, and Camarosa. Ruby June’s are exceptionally sweet!

When do you think your berries will make their farmers market debut?
We’re hoping to see some ready for harvest by the end of March, but it’ll likely be mid April before they’ll arrive at the farmers market. For updates, follow us on Facebook.