Johnson Farm to host first-ever Blueberry Madness Festival

HOBART, Ind. (WLS) -- The number of "u-pick" farms in the region has been dwindling, and one of the oldest, in northwest Indiana, decided to add a key crop to extend their season. On the eve of their first-ever Blueberry Madness Festival this weekend, Eyewitness News paid a visit to a family farm that, up until this season, was only known for its strawberries.

For more than 60 years, talk of berries at the Johnson Farm in Hobart, Ind. has centered around strawberries. But that season always ends around July Fourth.

"We're known for strawberries and we're known for U-pick, and people are wanting some more things to pick, and so we've added blueberries and raspberries as well," said Jennifer Johnson, of Johnson's Farm Produce.

Blueberries take seven years to grow. So five years ago, the family bought bushes that were already three years old. They planted them on five acres, and this summer, they have a lot of fruit to show for their patience.

"It takes a lot of years of maintenance, acidifying the soil, fertilization and different things to grow this crop, and it's totally different than strawberries," Johnson said.

The farm is growing five different varieties of blueberries, which will also show up in a myriad of berry-inspired treats at their on-site bakery, which will no doubt be packed during their first-ever Blueberry Madness Festival.

"Blueberry cheesecake, blueberry donuts, blueberry pie, very berry pie all made with fresh and local fruit from here," Johnson said.

Now because of all the blueberry bushes that were planted, you can come out to pick every day, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. or 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. And the Johnsons say the blueberry season should last all the way to Labor Day.

Johnson's Farm Produce

8960 E. Ridge Rd., Hobart, Ind.

219-962-1383

Blueberry Madness

July 19, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

July 20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.