Some local strawberry farms have already opened their doors to pickers and many others are gearing up to soon. But one grower says in order to keep the berries, red, juicy and ready to eat they need some sun.

Strawberries are a relatively durable fruit, but they have been soaked in a lot of rain lately. Mike Matushak, operator of Mike’s Berries in northwest Wausau, says about two inches of rain have fallen on his crop during the last ten days. The berries can withstand a lot of water, but Matushak says if several more inches of rain fall during the next couple of days some problems could develop - including mold.

"As far as that goes, you're always going to have a few here and there but I think overall we don't have a big problem,” Matushak said.

Growers have also been concerned that people might miss out on picking berries since the season came early, but not even Monday’s rain could stop people from coming out to get one of their favorite summer treats.

The strawberry picking season generally lasts only about three to four weeks.

Mike’s Berries opened their doors to the public Sunday. Several other strawberry farms are looking at opening by this weekend.