South Jersey crops come to market early

Warm weather and cool rains have produced a wave of crops coming to market early in southern New Jersey.

Locally grown strawberries are for sale almost a half-month earlier than normal. Shoppers will also find asparagus and spring greens.

Cumberland County Cooperative Extension agent Wes Kline tells The Press of Atlantic City farmers began harvesting dandelion greens, leeks, cilantro, parsley and spinach in late March.

Kline says they’re now moving arugula, beets, dill, kale and green onions to market when those vegetables ordinarily would now just start to be picked.