Gardeners in the Tomsk region have begun harvesting berries.

Igor Zhigalev's private farm has begun harvesting . A 2020 grant recipient under the Agrostartup program, he implemented the "Spring and Summer Cultivation of Garden Strawberries" project in the village of Porosino, Tomsk District. In addition to a year-round greenhouse for growing berries , the farm has built two summer greenhouses and several plastic tunnels; an artesian well has been drilled; and equipment has been purchased, including refrigeration, freezing, and berry-growing equipment. Nearly 4,000 plants grow on a 450-square-meter plot.
Igor Zhigalev explained that a cold and damp spring delayed plant development by at least a couple of weeks. In May, the farm had to endure three severe frosts, the last of which dropped to -5°C (23°F) on the ground. To preserve the berries, trench candles were used, and only thanks to this were the harvest preserved in the greenhouses, although not without losses.
"At the same time, judging by the flowering and the beginning of fruiting, a good harvest is expected. We've started collecting orders for berries in the heated spring greenhouse. Outdoor harvesting is coming soon. Our berries don't need any additional advertising; Tomsk residents know them as incredibly tasty, very sweet, juicy, with a strong strawberry aroma," noted Igor Zhigalev.