The fourth PVGA twilight meeting for 2023 will be co-sponsored by the PVGA Berry Committee. It will be held on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at Strite’s Orchard, 1000 Strite’s Road, Harrisburg (Dauphin County) from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
The Strite family has been farming in the Harrisburg area since 1843. The first fruit trees and vegetables were planted by Joseph C. Strite in 1914. His son Earl would eventually join him in the business and over time expand the farm to over 250 acres. Earl sold his produce at markets in the city of Harrisburg and door to door in nearby Hummelstown. In 1950 the original market was opened on the farm. Earl’s sons Joe and Tom joined their father on the farm and expanded vegetable plantings and added greenhouse operations. All three received the honor of being named Master Farmers over the course of their careers. In 1994 a new farm market and bakery were built and the farm was expanded to 300 acres. Strites sell 95% of their produce through their on-site farm market plus their CSA which was added in 2011. They also offer customers the opportunity for pick-your-own in selected crops. The family also operates several greenhouses where they grow bedding plants as well as all of the vegetable transplants that they use throughout the year. They also have added a high tunnel for early season tomato production. Current family members actively involved on the farm are brothers Joe and Tom, wives Sharon and Sheryl, and children Jon, and Matt.
This twilight meeting is being planned by the PVGA Berry Committee so one of the focuses of the twilight meeting will be Strite’s strawberry, bramble and blueberry plantings. Light refreshments will be served. While no pre-registration is required and walk-ins are encouraged, if you do know ahead of time that you plan to attend, please contact PVGA at pvga@pvga.org or 717-694-3596.