By TESA STRASSER
The Press-News
Gary Vogley of Vogley Enterprises on Battlesburg Road in Pike Township says the hard winter and excessive summer heat has combined to cause the summer fruits to be at least two weeks early.
"We will be done by Labor Day," he says.
So if you are planning to buy blueberries, blackberries or peaches to freeze or to enjoy now, do not wait too long or you might be sorry.
The blackberries are especially big and juicy at Vogley's this year. The owner has created a very berry-friendly environment for them in three 30 foot by 112 foot tunnels. He uses an all-natural fertilizer called BioTech Nutrients on all his fruit. A combination of the protective tunnel and the high tech natural fertilizer has had a positive effect on the blackberries. There are fewer pests, an increased volume of berries, heartier plants and the berry size is consistently very large. Vogley expects an even better results next year as he continues to tweak this innovative process.
The picking is painless as all the Vogley berries are thornless. Patrons not wishing to pick are welcome to purchase fresh picked berries and peaches at the trailer at the entrance to the early blueberry patch. Pickers are now harvesting the Elliot blueberries, a later variety of the antioxidant-high fruit.
The friendly folks employed at this farm have been know to be very helpful in helping children and inexperienced adult pickers learn how to choose the sweetest berries.
The cost for blueberries is $2.20 per pound and $3.50 per pound for blackberries for pick-your-own, which is the same price as the last three years.
On the outside of the checkout trailer hangs a photo of the late Charlene Vogley. The sign under the portrait reads, "Someone who truly made a difference." Mrs. Vogley passed away in February. His wife of 40 years, she is greatly missed by Gary and all the Vogley staff. This season has been a sentimental one without her.
This 95 acre farm has been the home of Gary Vogley for 50 years. With 51 of the acres actually farmed, there is not a lot of spare time. He has three daughters who have all been helpful at the orchard to this day. They are Elaine Oliver, Sherri George and Stephanie Libertore. Gary has eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Business hours are 8 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Apples will be coming in mid-Septmber.
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