Magee Farms locations in Lewes and Selbyville did not offer u-pick strawberries last year in response to concerns over the potential to spread a fungal disease that affects every part of the plant.

Not wanting to give up on a decades-old tradition, the farm continued to investigate ways to have strawberry fields. After much research, the farm was successful in finding another grower in Pennsylvania with disease-free plugs, and Magee Farms planted 20,000 of them at each location last fall.

Now, after a winter-long growing season, it appears the farm’s patience paid off.

Ellen Magee, who owns the farm with her husband Danny, said the new variety turned out great, and the field in Lewes is full of strawberries ready to be picked. 

“If you want fresh, sweet Sussex County fruit, now is the time,” said Magee. “You can’t beat Sussex County soil and water.”

The strawberries at the Selbyville location aren’t quite ready for picking, but will be in the not-too-distant future.

“Coming soon,” she said.