2024 Houston area of Texas Strawberry 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!
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Strawberry U-Pick Orchards in Houston area of Texas in 2024, by county
Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for strawberries that we know of in this area.
Not all areas of a state have strawberries farms 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.
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Brazoria County
Froberg Vegetable & Fruit Farm - PYO strawberries, citrus and prepicked 11875 County Road 190, Alvin, TX 77511. Phone: (281) 585-3531. Email: frobergsfarm@frobergsfarm.com. Open: starting in January and going through May from 8 am to 5 pm; 7 days a week, weather permitting so check the website or call before coming out. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, credit, debit, lone star or check. Froberg Vegetable & Fruit Farm Facebook page. We ask that everyone read to our rules before going to the fields to pick for the safety of you and others. You must pick in a Froberg Bucket no outside containers are allowed. The buckets must be purchased for $1.25 CASH before you go pick. The buckets are reusable. In 2021, Strawberries are $3.00 per poundAfter you go out and pick the strawberries you come in and we weigh them and place the price on the bucket. Entry is $2 per person ages 2+. Buckets are $1.25 each, they are yours to keep and reuse each time you visit. Please be sure to bring it back each time you come so you don't have to buy a new one. Berry Fun Land (our playground) and the photo area is also included with entry. Check their website for picking days. Our Store and Bakery are open everyday 8 am to 6 pm and is fully stockedFacebook page. Pick Your Own Citrus, Citrus picking will start in early November, on weekends only (weather permitting), We will have Satsuma's, Texas Naval Oranges, Tangelo's, Grapefruit, Sweet Kumquats, Meyer Lemons. Citrus Picking every Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting) from 9 am to 3:30 pm. Must take a hayride to the Citrus Fields. Comments from a visitor on March 28, 2011: "My 4-year-old daughter and I went strawberry picking at Froberg's this weekend. It was our first time there. I was apprehensive when we arrived, because the parking lot was packed and I could see that there were a lot of people out in the field picking strawberries. I was worried that it might be picked over, especially because we were there on a Sunday so I figured Saturday had been busy too. It turned out to be awesome though. We ended up going out in the part of the field that was furthest away from the store, and I don't think anyone had been there all season. The plants were completely covered with red, ripe, beautiful strawberries. I highly recommend Froberg's, and will definitely be back!" Comments from a visitor, March 26, 2008: "(besides the pyo strawberries), They do have a full vegetable stand and a sausage/meat mini-stand next door. They have good celery and greens in season, wonderful tomatoes, and okra. Most of the rest of their produce is shipped to them, including dried beans, live plants, and dried fruit and nuts. They also have canned goods of all descriptions, plus gallons of local honey in glass jars (they were $22 last year).
Grimes County
Family Farm Strawberry and Vegetable Garden - follows organic methods, strawberries, blackberries, vegetables 11351 County Road 203, Plantersville, TX 77363. Phone: 936-894-2766. Email: nfo@familyfarmtexas.com. Open: year round on Tuesday through Sunday from 8am to 5pm, closed on Monday. Directions: Take highway 105 to Plantersville Turn South on FM 1774, go 1 mile turn Left on County Road 203 go 1.5 miles we are on the Left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Family Farm Strawberry and Vegetable Garden Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 936-870-5550Fax: 936-894-3418We are a natural grower. We use organic methods (but we are not certified!) No pesticides or chemicals are used on our vegetables and fruit. Our food is all natural and grown with sunshine, water and care. They have a Pumpkin Patch OPENING the last SATURDAY in SEPTEMBER. Pick a pumpkin fresh off the vine. There is nothing like a truly fresh pumpkin. Our pumpkin patch is always busting over with pumpkins and gourds. Beautiful!!! Just Beautiful!!! Activities include: Garden Tours, Farm Tours, Pavilion Rentals, Fishing, Cabin Rentals, Seasonal fruit and veg Picking, Pumpkin Painting, Educational Tours, Hayrides, On site Store, Events - Indoor or Outdoor Private Areas , Group Discounts. Formerly called Jollisant Farms (UPDATED: September 22, 2023, JBS)
Harris County
Atkinson Farm - strawberries and blackberries 3217 Spring Cypress Road, Spring, TX 77388. Phone: 832-381-8202. Email: atkinsonfarming@yahoo.com. Open: March 1 to October 31; Monday through Friday 10 - 6 and Sunday 10 - 2. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard . Just 3 minutes from Old Town Spring. Take I-45 North, Exit FM 2920 - Spring Cypress Road, Go west 2.0 miles on Spring Cypress Rd, Look for sign on the left Comments from a visitor on April 28, 2011: "had a great time picking strawberries with my kids. the ladies in the market were friendly and helpful. good selection of fresh produce."
Montgomery County
Wood Duck Farm - Uses natural growing practices, strawberries, restrooms 2270 Pine Valley Rd, Fostoria, TX 77328. Phone: 281-593-3642. Email: mail@woodduckfarm.com. Open: Saturday - Sunday 10:38 am to 3:30 Best to check our Facebook page for current weather conditions and availability; When strawberries are usually in season, March - early May. Directions: From highway 105, continue north and proceed 3.3 miles Turn left onto JAY HAWKER RD. Go 13 mile Turn at your first right onto PINE VALLEY rd GO 13 mile Enter gate and VEER RIGHT GO TO END OF ROAD to Farm house \( about 500 yds.\). . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx. Wood Duck Farm Facebook page. From highway 105, continue north and proceed 3.3 miles Turn left onto JAY HAWKER RD. Go 1/3 mile Turn at your first right onto PINE VALLEY rd GO 1/3 mile Enter gate and VEER RIGHT GO TO END OF ROAD to Farm house ( about 500 yds.)We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification(ADDED: March 27, 2016)
Waller County
Blessington Farms - blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area you may bring your own food, jumping pillow, pedal kart track, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations, events at your location (call for info) 510 Chisolm Trail, Simonton, TX 77476. Phone: 832-444-8717. Email: info@blessingtonfarms.com. Open: Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. Blessington Farms Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 832-247-8168 Strawberries December to March, Blackberries and Blueberries May to JulyCome slide down a giant slide, feed the camels, pet the goats and even get an amazing pic in our bluebonnet patch. Sooooo much to do and soooooo much fun to be had. Come see us! Field trip or birthday party reservation?? We are booking now for April and May...make yours today. See you soon!! Check the website for additional details and updates BEFORE you make the trip. (UPDATE: April 14, 2018) (ADDED: March 07, 2016)
Strawberry
Strawberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information
In the U.S. strawberries typically peak during April in Florida and Texas,
May in the deep South, and in early June in middle sections and later June in the
far North and Canada. Keep in mind that 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 strawberries, producers depend on ideal spring weather conditions.
Before you leave to go to the farm:
Always call before you go to the farm - strawberries are affected by weather
(both rain and cooler temperature) more than most crops. 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 strawberries, 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
strawberries 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 Strawberries
Grasp the stem just above the berry between the
forefinger and the thumbnail and pull with a slight twisting motion.
With the stem broken about one-half inch from
the berry, allow it to roll into the palm of your hand.
Repeat these operations using both hands until
each holds 3 or 4 berries.
Carefully place - don't throw - the fruit into
your containers. 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 strawberries from your garden or at
a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Be careful that your feet and knees do not
damage plants or fruit in or along the edge of the row.
Pick only the berries that are fully red. Part
the leaves with your hands to look for hidden berries ready for harvest.
To help the farmers, also remove from the plants
berries showing rot, sunburn, insect injury or other defects and place them
between the rows behind you. If they are left in the plants, the rot will
quickly spread to other berries.
Berries to be used immediately may be picked any
time, but if you plan to hold the fruit for a few days, try to pick in the
early morning or on cool, cloudy days. Berries picked during the heat of the
day become soft, are easily bruised and will not keep well.
Avoid placing the picked berries in the sunshine 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. Strawberries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for two or three, 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.
For interesting and fun strawberry facts and
trivia from the California Strawberry Commission,
click
here!
When you get home
DON'T wash the berries until you are ready to use 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 and cut the caps
(green tops) off the others and freeze them up! (Unless you're going to make
jam right away) See this
page about how to freeze strawberries.
If you like the strawberries you picked, ask the farm what variety they
planted, and not the weather conditions the week or two before. The flavor
of a strawberry is affected by the variety, the weather and the degree of
ripeness when picked.
Picking the best strawberries:
Select firm, fully red berries. Strawberries DO NOT continue ripen after
they are picked! In the photo, only the berry on the far right is
completely ripe.
Strawberry festivals: Most areas that grow strawberries have a strawberry festival, at which you
can taste all kinds of fresh strawberry foods, pies, jams, cakes - and most
commonly, fresh strawberry shortcake. To find out where and when there
is one near you, see this
page for a list of strawberry festivals, sorted by state!
Strawberries measurements: government agriculture
websites tell us that 1 quart = 2 pints = 4 cups and is about the
same as 1 liter and 1 quart of fresh strawberries weighs 1 lbs to 1.25 lbs (or
450 to 600 g).
Of course, the weight
varies on variety and weather conditions. 1 quart is normally
enough for 4
servings, although I'll admit my son can eat 1 pint by himself!
How much to pick? In general, 1 quart of fresh, whole, just-picked strawberries =
approximately 3.5 cups hulled, whole berries. In other words, removing
the caps/hulls and the occasional mushy berry means you lose 1/4 cup to 1/2 (it depends how much fruit you remove with the hull) or
about 7 to 12% of every quart you pick.
One cup of strawberries contains only about 50 calories
U-pick strawberries are much healthier than store-bought. Consumer
reports says store bought strawberries have so many pesticide and fungicide
residues on they, that they don't recommend you eat them at all!
U-pick strawberry farms typically sell berries by the
pound. 1 lbs of fresh strawberries is about 2/3 of a quart.
It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to pick a quart, if the berries
are reasonably plentiful
The strawberry plant adapts to wide variety of soil conditions, but does
not tolerate drought well, and the berries quickly rot if the weather is
rainy. For this reason, the plants are usually grown on raised beds through
plastic mulch!
Cultivation of strawberries began in Europe in the 1300's, but the berry
only became very popular in the early 1900's in California.
Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase
as strawberries 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.
Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside.
Strawberries were originally called strewberries because the fruit was
'strewn' amongst the leaves of the plant.
California is king of strawberry productions because: California
produces 75 percent of the nation's strawberry crops; one billion pounds
of strawberries each year. If all the strawberries produced in
California in one year were laid berry to berry, they would go around
the world 15 times. Each acre of land in California in strawberry
production produces an average of 21 tons of strawberries annually, with
a total of 23,000 acres of strawberries planted in California each year.
More conversions
1 pint (2 cups) of fresh whole strawberries
= about 8 oz (1/2 lb) of strawberries
= 2.25 cups of sliced strawberries
= 1
cup pureed strawberries
= 12-14 large strawberries
2 quarts of fresh strawberries are needed for a 9" pie
A 10 oz package of frozen berries is about the same as 1 cup of sliced
fresh strawberries