Photo: Chris Emeott
It’s always a good idea to add a you-pick farm to your summer bucket list! Timing and crop availability vary year to year; make a plan to check in with your favorite growers, so you don’t miss out.
Berry picking will begin with strawberries in mid-June—these summer fixtures are only available for a few short weeks and provide a beautiful introduction for children to learn how to pick fruits. The plants are low to the ground, with easy-to-find ripe fruits and no thorns.
July brings lush blueberries, with plants often at their fullest in late July and early August. Blueberry picking goes quickly, as the small fruits grow in clumps and readily pop off the plant when ripe. Note that blueberries taste sweeter when picked in the morning and on cooler summer days, and some fields close when temperatures rise above 90 F. This month also brings fresh cherries, currants and early raspberries.
By August, the flower fields are in full bloom. This is a beautiful time to visit a flower farm for a you-pick bouquet. The end of summer will also bring blackberries and raspberries—and the prospect of ripening apples by the end of the month.
Keep in Mind: The abundance and availability of you-pick farms, like any agricultural operation, are dependent on weather conditions and happy pollinators. Some seasons will be more fruitful than others. It’s always smart to read up on each farm’s operations and rules, check social media for updates and call before heading out.
