David Handley, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s vegetable and small-fruit specialist, says the strawberry bloom has been “terrific” this spring, suggesting that a “nice crop” is in store.

The Portland Press Herald reports that the crop is expected to be healthy despite several spring frosts as flower buds formed and recent heavy rains.

But Handley says nice weather last fall when strawberries form most of their flower buds helped.

Early warm weather this spring has put some plants ahead of the typical strawberry schedule, so some growers may be picking five to 10 days earlier than normal.