2024 Worcester County, Massachusetts Blackberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org
Find a pick-your-own farm near you! Then learn to can and freeze! Since 2002! We update continuously; Beware the copycat websites!
Search pickyourown.org
Blackberry U-Pick Orchards in Worcester County, Massachusetts in 2024, by county
Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for blackberries that we know of in this area.
Not all areas of a state have blackberries orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!
Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!
PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.
Search pickyourown.org
Worcester County
Charlton Orchards - Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, apples, pears and raspberries. 44 Old Worcester Road, Box 339, Charlton, MA . Phone: 508- 248-7820. Email: Patty@charltonorchard.com. Open: year round and sponsors tasting events throughout the year. Directions: Route 20 West 6 miles from Route 395 and Route 290, look for signs. Route 20 East, 4 miles from Mass. Pike, Sturbridge exit and Route 84. Follow signs . Click here for a map and directions. Charlton Orchards Facebook page. . Email info@charltonorchard.commap and more directions. Pick your own fruit is available beginning with Strawberries in June, Blueberries and Raspberries in July and August, Peaches in August and continue with Apples and Pears in September and October. Our winery, producing the best in handcrafted fruit and grape wines, is open Offer picnic tables, wagon rides during apple season. Peach Festival in August. Harvest Festival in October and Christmas at first week in December. Strawberry Festival in June, Blueberry Festival in July. facebook page. Be sure to See comments about this farm here! Few farms in the U.S. have so many comments about them as this one.
George Hill Orchards, Inc - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, apples, blackberries, blueberries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, plums, pumpkins, rhubarb, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info) 582 George Hill Road, South Lancaster, MA 01561. Phone: 978-365-4331. Open: Check our website for PYO harvest conditions and hours. Directions: From Route 495, take exit 27 \(Bolton Stowe\). Take Route 117 \(west\) and drive 5.5 miles. Turn left onto Langen Road and drive 1.7 miles. Turn right onto George Hill Road. George Hill Orchards is up the hill on the left side. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . Alternate Phone: 800-699-4331 Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesFrom Route 495, take exit 27 (Bolton/ Stowe). Take Route 117 (west) and drive 5.5 miles. Turn left onto Langen Road and drive 1.7 miles. Turn right onto George Hill Road. George Hill Orchards is up the hill on the left sideCheck out our website for upcoming festivals, activities and harvest dates. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicalsfarm animals, baked pies and cider donuts, sand box play area (UPDATED: April 26, 2023, JBS) Comments from a visitor on September 02, 2011: (positive) "This is the most amazing fall family experience! They have awesome parking (not far away from everything like some orchards). You take a hayride (free) out to the orchards, and it's a really pretty ride. You get off at whatever spot you want and then just wait when you're done for a wagon to come by. We went all the way to the Fram House Grille, where there was a band playing outside and people were sitting at picnic tables. Inside, the Grille is decorated like an outdoor farm (very kid friendly). My only complaint is that it was kind of dark inside. There are nice clean indoor bathrooms there! The food is really good and cheap too! We actually were able to eat a whole meal, and my son colored at the kids table with provided pages and crayons while we chatted. The macintosh apples were right there next to the Grille, so we picked our apples and headed back on the wagon. We of course stopped at their gift shop and discovered homemade cider and hot apple cider donuts (again, really resonably priced). Every staff person was friendly and seemed happy to be there. This was our first trip to this orchard but we will be back every year now!!"
Hollis Hills Farm - apples, blackberries, blueberries, other berries, peaches, raspberries (red), raspberries (Autumn, red), strawberries, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, gift shop, porta-potties, picnic area, farm animals 340 Marshall Rd, Fitchburg, MA 01420. Phone: 9786963130. Email: shannon@hollishillsfarm.com. Open: Seasonally, Call for Hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, ATM onsite. Hollis Hills Farm Facebook page. (UPDATED: June 10, 2021)
Lanni Orchards Inc - apples, blackberries, blueberries, flowers, Seedless table grapes, wine grapes, nectarines, peaches, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (Spring, yellow), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), strawberries, tomatoes, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, inflatables or bounce houses, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations 294 Chase Rd, Lunenburg, MA 01462. Phone: (978) 582-6246. Email: info@lanniorchard.com. Open: Sunday to Saturday 8 am to 6 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, WIC Vouchers. Lanni Orchards Inc Facebook page. Fax: 978-582-6099 We use integrated pest management practices (IPM)Check out our website for current and upcoming events. July raspberries blueberries August raspberries blueberries grapes September grapes, corn maze, apples October apples, corn maze, pumpkins November doggie maze, holiday open house.Our farm stand is open year round! During the cold winter months, we sell all locally made items. Things like fresh baked pies, thaw and serve pies, chocolates, fudge, meats, pasta, cheese, cider, soups, baking mixes, seasonings, hot mulled cider, hot Smokestacks coffee! When the weather warms up we offer an array of things to do here at the farm (UPDATED: August 29, 2023)
Meadowbrook Orchards - blackberries, blueberries, pumpkins, raspberries, tomatoes, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms 209 Chace Hill Road, Sterling, MA 01564. Phone: 978-365-7617. Email: info@meadowbrookorchards.com. Open: 7 days a week, 7am to 6pm, all year round. Directions: from Route 190 take exit 6 and follow signs to Meadowbrook. From Route 495 take exit 26 and follow Route 62 north 8.7 miles, take a left onto Chace Hill Road, we are 34 of a mile up on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. Fax: 978-365-7618. from Route 190 take exit 6 and follow signs to Meadowbrook. From Route 495 take exit 26 and follow Route 62 north 8.7 miles, take a left onto Chace Hill Road, we are 3/4 of a mile up on the leftCrops are usually available in July, August, September, October We have a great bakery with all products made onsite. Plus we have a great lunch consisting of soups and sandwiches.
Tougas Family Farm - Apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, flowers, nectarines, peaches, plums, pumpkins, raspberries, rhubarb, winter squash, strawberries, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field and prepicked produce, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, tractor-pulled hay rides, wagon rides, face painting, petting zoo 246 Ball Street, Northboro, MA 01532. Phone: 508-393-6406. Email: tougasfarm@tougasfarm.com. Open: From May through Halloween, Hours vary by season; Always call or check picking conditions on our web site. Directions: From I290 take exit #24 \(Church St\), turn towards Bolyston, follow signs up Ball St 1.5 miles . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . picking stand: 508-393-6470Fax: 508 393 1834 From I290 take exit #24 (Church St), turn towards Bolyston, follow signs up Ball St 1.5 miles Click here for picking updatesWe have been declared a "Family Friendly" business, in addition to fruit to pick we operate a farm kitchen which features fresh fruit desserts, ice cream, baked goods and light lunch. Barnyard animals and a "Farmyard" playground keep the kids happy. (UPDATED: September 21, 2023, JBS) Note: visitors (September 22, 2008) reported that there are purchase requirements in order to enter the orchards. Be sure to verify their website (see this page) for the costs and current picking conditions. For photos and a blog from one visitor to the farm, see this page. Comments from a visitor on October 11, 2010: (neutral) "Yes, this farm is well run and has everything--animals, hay/wagon rides, food, and good PYO fruit, however, it will be a long time before I go back, especially for apples. It is SO crowded, the lines are ridiculously long, and the prices are sky-high. If you want to take your kids, they each have to get a tote or tray (applies or strawberries) for a flat rate; you could easily drop 50 bucks, and you feel like you're at a theme park, not the country. Choose one of the smaller, less popular farms if you want a lovely, reasonably priced PYO experience." Comments from a visitor on August 23, 2010: (positive) "We love to visit pick your own farms. I have been going to Tougas since I was a kid and take my son several times a year. We love to pick strawberries, cherries, and peaches and enjoy their cider donuts and playground. They are very kid friendly but do get extremely busy on weekends particularly in the fall.
Blackberry
Blackberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information
Blackberries typically peak during June in the South
of the U.S., and in July in the north and in Canada. Crops are ready at various times of the month depending on which part
of the state you are located. In order to produce good local Blackberries, producers depend on ideal spring and early summer weather conditions.
See this page for a list of blackberry festivals around the U.S.
Before you leave to go to the farm:
Always call before you go to the farm - And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
Leave early. On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
Most growers furnish picking containers designed for Blackberries, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to
bring containers.
If you use your own containers, remember that heaping Blackberries more than 5 inches deep will bruise the lower berries. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans
with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers. I like the Glad storage containers like the one at right.
Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun.
Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.
Tips on How to Pick Blackberries
There are two types of blackberries to know about: thorny and thornless! Obviously, the thornless are easier to pick, but some people claim the thorny
varieties are sweeter. With the thorny plants, you want to reach into the plant in the gaps, so you don't need to touch anything but the berry you're after,
avoiding the thorns.
A ripe blackberry is deep black with a plump, full feel. It will pull free from the plant with only a slight tug. If the berry is
red or purple, it's not ripe yet.
Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 berries. Unlike strawberries, blackberries are usually
pretty tough, I dump mine into the bucket. Repeat the picking process with both hands.
Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the berries down.
General Picking Tips
Whether you pick Blackberries from your garden or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Pick only the berries that are fully black. Reach in between the stems to grab for hidden berries ready for harvest. Bend down and look up into the plant
and you will find loads of berries that other people missed!
Avoid placing the picked berries in the sunlight any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the car trunk or
on the car seat. Cool them as soon as possible after picking. Blackberries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week, depending upon the
initial quality of the berry. After a few days in storage, however, the fruit loses its bright color and fresh flavor and tends to shrivel.
When you get home
DON'T
wash the berries until you are ready to use them or freeze them. Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting berries
Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash off the others, drain them and freeze them up! (Unless you're going to make jam right away)
Blackberries are less perishable than blueberries or strawberries, but refrigerate them as soon as possible after picking. Temperatures between 34 F and 38
F are best, but, be careful not to freeze the blackberries (while they are in the fridge)!
Even under ideal conditions blackberries will only keep for a week in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible after
purchase
Blackberry tea was said to be a cure for dysentery during the Civil War. During outbreaks of dysentery, temporary truces were declared to allow both
Union and Confederate soldiers to "go blackberrying" to forage for blackberries to ward off the disease.
Blackberries were enjoyed by the ancient Greeks, who believed them to be a cure for diseases of the mouth and throat, as well as a preventative against
many ailments, including gout.
The blackberry leaf was also used as an early hair dye, having been recommended by Culpeper, the English herbalist, to be boiled in a lye solution in
order to "maketh the hair black".
Researchers have known for quite some time that berries contain antioxidants which help to fight cancer causing free radicals. A study at the
University of Ohio has found that blackberries are the most potent cancer fighting berries of them all, by nearly 40 percent!
U-pick Blackberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. A quart equals 1 and 1/2 pounds of fresh berries.
Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as Blackberries quickly mold when left at room temperature, and only last a couple of days in the
refrigerator.
You can easily freeze berries that you cannot use right away - just wash, cut the hulls off and pop them into a ziplock bag, removing as much air as
possible. Those vacuum food sealers REALLY do a good job of this! The berries will keep for many months frozen without air.