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Strawberries are sweltering in Lackawanna County

Newswatch 16's Melissa Steininger shows us how the spike in temperatures may impact a summer tradition in Lackawanna County.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. — The strawberry fields are filled at Pallman Farms near Clarks Summit, but the heat's not stopping people from filling up their baskets.

"We got done just before the heat got unbearable," Diane Worobey said. "It's starting to cook out there now."

"We have been wet since last year when we closed. When we finished in July, it has been wet. They had a mild winter, but it has been wet right on through the growing season," Craig Pallman said.

So far, the strawberry season has been spectacular.

"You can't stop picking them because they look so good," Kelly Cutler said.

But now, these hot temperatures are coming as a bit of a shock to the berries,

"They don't want to deal with that heat either. It stresses them out, especially when the plant is trying to support all the fruit that is on it," Pallman explained.

Pallman says if you're planning on doing some strawberry picking, you should plan to try to beat the heat.

"The berries are there, and the picking is good. I suggest getting out early before the heat arrives."

While the growing season has come with its challenges, the customers say it's all about the taste.

"We sampled them for quality control, and they were absolutely scrumptious!" Worobey said.

"They are a tenacious fruit," Pallman added. "They have been through a lot, but they're definitely putting smiles on faces right now."

    

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