Visiting a Strawberry Farm

A visit to a strawberry farm is a great way to get fresh picked fruit and enjoy some time on the farm. Most of our strawberry farms offer both Pick-Your-Own (PYO) and Ready-Picked fruit. Some have petting zoos, play areas, picnic tables, hayrides, drinks, strawberry ice cream, other seasonal produce, and more. Many offer special weekend activities and festivals.

Here are some helpful hints:

1. Call before you go. Ripening of strawberries is dependent on the weather. Call to be sure that a good supply will be available on the day you want to pick. If you want to pick up a large quantity of ready-picked berries, call in advance to see if you can reserve some.

2. Pick early or late in the day, when it is cool. Your strawberries will keep better and you'll enjoy yourself more!

3. Dress appropriately. Consider wearing long sleeves if the serrated edges of the leaves tend to irritate your arms.  Access to fields is generally easy, but appropriate shoes or sandals for outdoor walking and a hat for sun may also be good ideas.

4. For PYO, dress small children in red or dark colors. Then you won’t need to worry about the inevitable juice stains.

5 Bring containers for your fruit, unless the farm specifies that containers are provided. Flat baskets and boxes are excellent, because fruit doesn't get piled too deep. Pails and buckets are easy to carry.

6. Please follow signs and directions and respect farm property. Strawberry growers are concerned about your safety and the welfare of everyone who visits the farm.

7. Please watch your children. Don’t let them trample the rows, climb on farm machinery, or wander off towards farm ponds or the road.

8. Care for your fruit on the way home. Don’t put your berries in the trunk of your car or leave them sitting in the car if it is sunny. Consider bringing an insulated cooler along.