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Top 10 tips for a successful visit to a Pick Your Own Farm
Checklist - Top 10 tips for a successful visit to a Pick Your Own Farm
Like any day trip, some basic preparation can make the difference between a
great day out or misery! Here are our top 10 tips, a quick checklist for your
trip to a U-pick farm:
- Call and confirm - Most important, always
confirm directly with the farm the night before or morning that
you go that they are open and have the crops you want to pick
available. It's awful to drive an hour to find out they are
picked out or unexpectedly closed!
- Go early -Many crops, especially
strawberries and blueberries, ripen daily, and get picked out by
late morning. So go as early as the farm opens for best
selection and easiest picking. Going early also avoids the hot
sun and heat!
- Drinks and snacks - Bring water or
something to drink. Many farms provide picnic tables for food
you bring.
- Dress Approriately - You're going
into a field; it could be muddy, so dress appropriately. Boots
and old trainers, not high heels or flip flops.
- Bug Spray - Bring deet along in case
you are in an area where there area mosquitos. If you are
allergic to a bee sting, bring your epi-pen, just in case!
- Beware the sun - Sunscreen and wide
brimmed hats for the sun. I prefer looking like a doofus to skin
cancer.
- Payment - Understand the costs, how
much you will pick and how much it will cost in total. It's
usually best to bring cash, but you can ask beforehand if they
take credit cards.
- Toilets - Some farms have plumbed
toilets, but unless you are a fan of porta potties, "go" at home
before you go!
- Know how to pick - Know how to tell
when the fruit you are picking is ripe and how to pick and then
store it. Take care not to damage the plants. See this page for picking tips for almost any fruit:
https://www.pickyourown.org/pickingtips.htm
- Handle and store properly - When you get home,
spread the fruit out, pick out any smushed or damaged ones and
follow the fruit-specific tips for storing; then have fun
making jam, canning, making salsa, pickles or sauce! Complete
easy directions are here:
https://pickyourown.org/allaboutcanning.htm
And finally have fun! Many farms have
playgrounds, farm animals, petting zoos, hayrides, corn cannons, pig
races, pedal cart tracks, jumping pillows, ziplines, and more. Allow
time for you kids to enjoy these and they will want to come back
again!