By mid-March, north Louisiana's strawberry growers will be ready to share their product just in time for Easter.

Sal Petitto, who has been producing strawberries on his nine-acre farm since 1980, says his crop is coming along but could use a little more sunshine. He says the berries, the first fruits of spring in northeastern Louisiana, should form in about 20 days and be ready to pick by the middle of March.

Southern Louisiana berry farmers have been harvesting since Thanksgiving to meet contact obligations with large grocery chains. He says he picks his berries at their premium ripeness and sells all of them locally..

North Louisiana-grown strawberries will be available through most of May, he says.