Strawberries Weather Storm

Oxnard is known for strawberry fields forever, but in recent years they have been thirsty due to the drought.

Ventura County Agriculture Commissioner Henry Gonzales said recent storms have benefited the county’s number one cash crop. He said the rain washes away excess salt in the soil. Too much salt in the soil creates a toxicity problem and makes some nutrients unavailable to plants.

Strawberries are grown year-round in the county.

Berries used to make jams and jellies are bright red along Harbor Boulevard.

Farm workers appeared to have the day after the storm off.

During the drought some farmers considered putting in vegetables that don’t need as much water.

KEYT NewsChannel 3 forecasters said strawberries will get more moisture next week.