“No TV, no PlayStation, no iPods. Families are talking, spending time together,” says John Washington, owner of Washington Farms in Watkinsville, describing the benefits of a family outing to pick fruits and vegetables.
Washington started a pick-your-own strawberry patch 20 years ago when he and his wife began home-schooling their five children. Their curriculum included skills learned working on the farm and in the natural environment.
His third year into the farming business, crop failure caused him to diversify. Washington added pumpkins, blueberries and blackberries. A corn maze soon followed, and his farm became a destination. Some farms are adding attractions such as picnic tables, hayrides and petting zoos to attract families.
But it’s just the berries that attract Denise Troutman of Winder. She makes a habit of taking her granddaughters blueberry picking. Even though they may complain of the heat and the slow progress while picking, they later recall previous outings fondly.
Troutman also picks her own berries for the value, noting, “The pricing is outrageous if you buy them frozen or fresh.” A recent move left her without her own garden, so she bought a freezer and keeps it stocked with the berries she picks at Fleeman’s U-Pick Blueberries in Winder. (Each pick-your-own place has its own pricing.)
Blueberry and blackberry fields are just beginning to open, later than usual this year due to a rainy start to the season. Next month will bring muscadines, and figs will follow. A variety of vegetables including peas, green beans, onions and potatoes also will be ready to harvest over the next month or two.
Whether you are looking to stockpile your fruits and veggies or are just looking for an outdoor family activity, consider visiting one of the farms listed below. “It’s good, wholesome fun,” Washington says. “Our customers are making memories.”
Advice for pickers
All of the farms on our list contributed tips for first-time pickers.
- Prepare as you would for an outdoor activity. Bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and water. Wear close-toed shoes and socks.
- Always call or check the farm's website or Facebook page before making the drive. Many farms adjust their hours with the weather and crop readiness.
- Ask questions before you go. Find out if there are restroom facilities, if they offer water, accepted payment methods and whether GPS systems will accurately locate the farm.
- Bring cash. Some farms accept checks, and a very few now accept credit cards.
- Bring take-home containers. Most farms have picking buckets and some also have take-home bags, but be on the safe side and bring your own.
- For berry picking, bring a belt. You can strap the bucket to you so that you can pick with two hands.
- Go early in the day. It will be cooler and you'll have the pick of the harvest.
- Consider packing a picnic lunch. Many farms have picnic tables or shady spots to spread a blanket.
- Bring a camera.
- Once on site, listen to the farm staff. They will direct you to the best picking locations and teach you how to pick without damaging plants or bruising the fruit.
- Watch for poison ivy at some locations.
- Check farm websites for recipes and ideas for using your bounty.
Pick-your-own locations
Washington Farms
Washington Farms has two locations. The Watkinsville location is now open for blueberry and blackberry picking. Come fall, you'll be able to pick your own pumpkins and participate in a number of family fun activities. Check the website for picking conditions. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. 5671 Hog Mountain Road, Watkinsville. 706-769-0627, www.washingtonfarms.net. Cash, check or credit.
Fleeman’s U-Pick Blueberries
Blueberry season at Fleeman's is already in full swing and will likely last until about the first of August. Pack a take-home container and a picnic lunch to enjoy under the big oak tree. 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 4-7 p.m. Sundays. 716 Harrison Mill Road, Winder. 770-867-3420, www.fleemansblueberries.com. Cash or check.
Red Land Nursery
This nursery and Christmas tree farm also opens for blackberry picking this time of year. Pick your own berries or purchase them pre-picked in gallon and half-gallon sizes. See the nursery's website for blackberry recipe ideas. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. 86 Red Land Bend Road, Temple. 678-850-8111, www.redlandnursery.net. Cash or check.
Taylor Blueberry Farm
The blueberries at this farm are sold by the gallon. The season is predicted to last through the end of July. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. 195 Clem Lowell Road, Carrollton. 770-832-6857. Cash only.
Foxbrier Farm
This farm that sells blueberries to Atlanta restaurants including Aria, Rathbun's and Miller Union offers the public the opportunity to pick their own. Foxbrier Farm uses natural growing practices. Opens at 8 a.m. daily through the end of August. 12000 Hutcheson Ferry Road, Palmetto. 404-234-7023. Cash or check.
Nykoøbing
Pick your own muscadines and scuppernongs at this farm beginning in late August. Bring containers to carry grapes home. Call for weekday appointments. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. 321 Old Loganville Road, Loganville. 770-466-4626. Cash only.
Smith Farm Products and Nursery
You'll find an assortment of fruits and vegetables throughout the season at this farm. Right now, you can still get strawberries in addition to blackberries, kale and turnip greens. Later in the season, collards, okra, green beans and peas also will be available for picking. Confirm opening times before going. 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 1-3 p.m. Sundays. 729 Burnt Hickory Road, Cartersville. 770-843-8488. Cash only.
Roberts Family Blueberry Farm
This farm offers six varieties of organic blueberries that are watered using a filtered rainwater system. A store on the property also sells pre-picked veggies, fresh honey, homemade blueberry syrup and blueberry salad dressing. Restroom facilities are available. Hours: Sun up until late, daily. 5517 Clarksbridge Road, Clermont. 678-316-3598, www.robertsfamilyblueberryfarm.com. Cash or check.
Mitcham Farm
Get your blueberries at Mitcham, where the season is expected to last through late August. Picnic tables are available if you want to pack a lunch. Hours: Sun up until sundown, daily. 52 Ploof Road, Bremen. 770-355-7143. Cash only.
Waits Farm
Starting in August, you can pick your own muscadines here. Waits Farm has 135 vines with 12 varieties of muscadines and scuppernongs. Open all day, seven days. 3779 Old Braswell Road, Monroe. 770-207-6910. Cash or check.
Weaver Berryland Farm
It's blueberries, blackberries and raspberries right now at Weaver Berryland Farm. As the season unfolds, you'll also be able to pick muscadines, figs, pears, peas, green beans and corn. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. 2252 Ga. 16 W., Jackson. 770-595-8303, www.weaversberrylandfarm.com. Cash only.
Canahan’s Blueberries
Pick a gallon of unsprayed blueberries at this Ma & Pa blueberry farm for $10 a gallon. Containers provided. 8 a.m.-noon and 4-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 116 Odith Road, Fayetteville. 770-460-7796. Cash only.
Berry Patch Farms
Berry Patch offers unsprayed blueberries for picking. Check the website for anticipated July opening date and updates to hours. Picnic tables are available. Bring containers. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. 786 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-926-0561, www.berrypatchfarms.net. Cash or credit.
The Country Place
This farm offers blackberries, muscadines, scuppernongs and figs for picking as they ripen throughout the season. Call ahead to see what's available. Bring take-home containers. Appointments suggested. 3736 Ga. 323, Gillsville. 770-605-1121. Cash or check.
Cool Springs Blueberry Farm
The blueberries here are nourished with cool spring water, hence the farm's name. Blackberries are also available for picking. The farm offers air-conditioned rest areas with handicap access. You'll also find picnic tables on site. Daylight until dark Mondays-Saturdays, 1 p.m. until dark Sundays. 5975 Smith Mill Road, Gainesville. 770-480-8085, www.coolblueberries.com. Cash or check.
DJ’s U-Pick Blueberry Farm
Bring the kids to pick blueberries and stay for a picnic lunch in the pavilion. The kids also may enjoy feeding the goats and seeing the cows on property. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. 1839 Prospect Road, Lawrenceville. 678-442-7853, www.u-pickblueberries.webstarts.com. Cash or checks.
Whitley Farms
This Sharpsburg farm has become a destination for families. It currently has blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and herbs for picking. Because the berries are not sprayed, they can be eaten during picking! The veggie patch containing 16 types of vegetables also will be opened occasionally for onion and carrot pulling, potato digging and more. Shade trees and benches provide spots for picnicking. Check the farm's Facebook page for updates and events. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays. 917 Bob Smith Road, Sharpsburg. 770-253-5255. Cash or checks.
