Berry picking is offered at many farms in the suburban Chicago area. | SUN-TIMES MEDIA FILE
The mild spring has created an earlier-than-usual berry crop in the Midwest. | AP FILE
Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are among the pickable varieties in suburban Chicago area. | SUN-TIMES MEDIA FILE
Farmers markets have berries for sale as well as you-pick farms. | SUN-TIMES MEDIA FILE
Strawberries ripened in early May on the vine. | SUN-TIMES MEDIA FILE
Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are among the pickable varieties in suburban Chicago area. | FILE photo
While most people were enjoying the freakishly warm March weather, Illinois farmers were concerned. The extended warmth — days of 80-degree temperatures — caused plants to bloom early. Then came April, with its much more normal temperatures, including a few nights where the thermometer dipped …
