2024 Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and central Alabama Blackberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Blackberry U-Pick Orchards in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and central Alabama 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 any state, nor even every 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.

Clay County

• Holmestead Farm - blackberries, blueberries, grapes, peaches, plums, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), strawberries, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
  6582 Clay County Road 7, Waldo, AL 35160. Phone: 256-404-4316. Email: holmesteadfarm@yahoo.com. Open: During picking season: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 8 am to 3 pm; Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm; Tuesday: Closed; Thursday: Closed; and the season usually runs from early June to early Fall, Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: 1.7 miles north of the intersection of AL highway 148 and Clay County Road 7. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, WIC Vouchers, SFMNP Vouchers.
  Holmestead Farm Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 256-404-2033. . So much you can pick: strawberries, blueberries and blackberries, peaches, grapes (red, white, blue), muscadines, scuppernongs, Figs, purple hull peas, apples, okra. At you can go into our fields and vineyards and pick your own organic berries and fruit or buy it "ready-to-go" at our produce shed. In season. We invite you to visit us at our beautiful 95 acre "U-Pick-Em" berry, fruit and vegetable farm located at the foothills of the Talladega National Forest in scenic east central Alabama. Centrally located between Talladega, Sylacauga and Ashland, Alabama, we're only a short ride away and the scenery alone is worth the drive. Don't forget to pick up some of our Fresh Baked Bread.By June, we will have Peaches, Green Plums, Beans, Cucumbers, Squash & Sweet Potatoes. Keep checking our Facebook page for daily updates.Share the news with your family and friends.(UPDATED: May 22, 2019, JBS)

Cullman County

• Sloshie Mae's Farm - No pesticides are used, blackberries, figs, muscadine grapes, pears, persimmons,
  255 County Road 1823, Arab, AL 35016. Phone: . Email: Sloshiemae@gmail.com. Open: Hours and availability of crops to pick varies considerably; please email for current availability and hours. Directions: From Arab go South on Highway 231, turn right onto county road 1763 then go 1.7 miles, turn left onto County Road 1823. Our farm is at the top of the first hill on left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. 6 We do not use pesticides on the crops. Apple varieties (in years when we have a good crop - call first): Fuji, Gala, McIntosh and Granny Smith. Pear varieties: Hosui, Bartlett, Chojuro, Shinko, Orient, Pineapple and Kieffer. Fig varieties: Brown Turkey and Texas Everbearing. Persimmon Varieties: American, Giant Fuyu, Fuyu, Tanenashi and Hachiya. Plum varieties: Methley and Santa Rosa. Pear varieties: Hosui are ready August(This is our top seller and very sweet), Bartlett are ready August to September, Chojuro/Shinko/Orient/Pineapple are ready September, Kieffer-October to November. (UPDATED: July 06, 2018)
• Spradlin Farm - blueberries, blackberries, possibly other crops, restrooms
  2105 County Rd 1242, Vinemont, AL 35179. Phone: 256-734-6419. Email: wspradli@att.net. Click here for a map and directions. . April through September on Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 6 pm; hours change during the season! We offer "YOU PICK" prices on certain items as the season allows. So contact us for more information, then gather your class, family or friends for a day on the farm. (UPDATED: June 25, 2018, JBS) (ADDED: April 25, 2010X)

Jefferson County

• Judy Bee's Honey And Berry Farm - Blackberries, blueberries, honey from hives on our farm
  1601 Downs Rd, Mount Olive, AL . Phone: (205) 631-2895. Open: see our Facebook page. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. . (UPDATED: June 25, 2018, JBS) (ADDED: May 02, 2015, JBS)

Perry County

• Moore-Webb-Holmes Plantation - Uses natural growing practices, beans, blackberries, blueberries, corn (sweet), melons, pears, peas, pecans , pumpkins, summer squash, strawberries, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
  Rt. 1 Box 260, Marion, AL 36756. Phone: 334-683-9955. Open: Any day of the week by appointment. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Highway 14 West in Folsom, Seven miles outside of Marion, AL Latitude and Longitude coordinates are N 32 40.866 and W 087 24.280. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. We are a historic site with over 20 buildings dating back to the 1820's. The farm has been in the same family since it was settled in 1819. All of the buildings are apart of the tour and every thing you see was used by our family. Some of the buildings include the old general store, cotton gin, smoke house, gristmill, blacksmith etc. Take a walk through the past in the present and into the future. (UPDATED: June 25, 2018, JBS)

Shelby County

• Dry Valley Vineyard - No pesticides are used, Blackberries, Muscadines, blueberries, blackberries, pears, apples and Asian pears.
  1280 Hwy 89, Montevallo, AL 35115. Phone: 205-983-1123. Email: BMCDEA0013@AOL.COM. Open: July, August and September on Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 5:30 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 5:30 pm. Click here for a map and directions. . Alternate phone: 205-983-1122. . FROM I-65, TAKE CALERA/MONTEVALLO EXIT TO HWY 25 THRU CALERA. 4 MILES FROM CALERA, TAKE CO RD 89, approximately 1 MILE ON LEFT. JUNE: BLACKBERRIES. END OF JULY-OCTOBER: MUSCADINES. (ADDED: June 28, 2020, JBS)
• Lyon Blueberry Farm - No pesticides are used, blackberries, blueberries, muscadine grapes, tomatoes,
  1700 County Road 56, Wilsonville, AL 35186. Phone: 205-703-6536. Email: johnlyon750@gmail.com. Directions: From Birmingham-take 280 south just past Westover to County Highway 55- At County Highway 55, make a right. Then, go about 7 miles to Shelby Highway 40 where you make a Left. Then, go about one mile to Shelby Highway 61. At Shelby 61 go just a very short distance to Shelby Highway 56 where you will make a left. From there, go about 34 mile - THE LYON BLUEBERRY SIGN IS ON RIGHT. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . . Opening for the season on June 18, 2015; We will be open Thursday through Sundays - 7 am until 3 pm; Berries are $12 per gallon. From Birmingham-take 280 south just past Westover to County Highway 55- At County Highway 55, make a right. Then, go about 7 miles to Shelby Highway 40 where you make a Left. Then, go about one mile to Shelby Highway 61. At Shelby 61 go just a very short distance to Shelby Highway 56 where you will make a left. From there, go about 3/4 mile - THE LYON BLUEBERRY SIGN IS ON RIGHT. We do not use pesticides on the crops. (UPDATED: June 25, 2018, JBS)
• Mountain Meadow Farm - No pesticides are used, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries, Christmas trees
  1824 Highway 30, Columbiana, AL 35051. Phone: 205-260-3124. Email: MOUNTAINMEADOWSFARMAL@GMAIL.COM. Open: June-July on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 7 am to 12 pm. Directions: 2 MILES EAST OF COLUMBIANA ON HWY 30 \OVER THE MOUNTAIN Chemical free blueberries. Click here for a map and directions.
  Mountain Meadow Farm Facebook page. strawberries

St. Clair County

• Dry Valley Vineyard - Blackberries, Muscadines
  1280 Hwy 89, Montevallo, AL 35115. Phone: (205) 983-1123. Email: bmcdeaqq13@aol.com. Open: July - Sept on Mon - Sat from 8 am to 6 pm. Click here for a map and directions. . From I-65 take Calera/ Montevallo exit to Hwy 25 thru Calera. 4 miles from Calera take Co Rd 89, approx.1 mile on left. June: Blackberries End of July - Oct: Muscadines. (ADDED: June 21, 2018, JBS)

Talladega County

• Holmestead Farm - Strawberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Plumcots, Grapes (red, white, black), Saturn (Do-Nut) peaches, Asian Pear, Regular Pears, Apples, Japanese Persimmons, Figs, Muscadines, Scuppernongs, Satsumas, Meyer Lemons, Chestnuts, Pomegranates
  6582 County Road 7, Talladega, AL 35160. Phone: 256-404-4316. Email: holmesteadfarm@yahoo.com. Open: see their website. Click here for a map and directions. . From TalladegaOn Hwy 77 South, turn right at the 52 mile marker onto Hwy 77. In 11.2 miles, turn right onto County Road 7. In 6.5 miles, turn right onto Clay County 7. Our driveway will be on the right in 3.5 miles. U-PICK / WE-PICK FARM COUNTRY STORE & MARKET. Typical harvest seasons are: Strawberries - Late March thru June - 40,000 plants:Blackberries - Late May thru early June - 1400 plants:Blueberries - May thru July - 800 bushes: Raspberries - Late May thru early June - 600 plants:Peaches - April thru Sep - 400 trees:Nectarines - May thru August - 30 trees:Plums - April thru August - 250 trees:Plumcots - June - 20 trees:Grapes (red, white, black) - Late June thru early July - 30 plants:Saturn (Do-Nut) peaches - June - 35 trees:Asian Pear - August thru November - 75 trees:Regular Pears - July thru November - 25 trees:Apples - July thru November - 150 trees:Japanese Persimmons - Late Sep thru Nov - 75 trees:Figs - August thru October - 75 trees:Muscadines & Scuppernongs - August thru October - 150 plants:Satsumas - Late September thru November - 25 trees:Meyer Lemons - Late September thru December - 15 trees: Chestnuts - Fall - 6 trees:Pomegranate - coming in 2021. And we have a shelling machine so we can do that for you, too (additional fee)!

 

Blackberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

In the U.S. Blackberries typically peak during June in the South, and in July in the North. 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:

1. 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!
2. Leave early.  On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
    
3. 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.
4. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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:

1. 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!
2. 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

1. DON'T wash the berries until you are ready to use them or freeze them.  Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
2. Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting berries
3. 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)!
4. 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 Recipes, Freezing and Jam directions

1. How to make Blackberry jam - It is VERY easy - especially with our free Blackberry jam directions - very easy!
2. How to make Blackberry jelly
3. How to freeze berries
4. Blackberry syrup, make and can it! 
5. Seedless blackberry pie!
6. Blackberry Festivals: Where, When and More to Find an Blackberry Festival Near You this year:

Blackberry Facts and Tips

• Black Raspberries, also known as "black caps" are a very healthy food; packed with anthocyanins!
• The USDA says 1 cup of blackberries has about 62 calories.
• 1 cup of blackberries, not packed down weighs about 140 grams.
• Select plump, firm, fully blackberries. Unripe berries will not ripen once picked.
• Ohio State University's Article Regarding Their Prevention of Cancer
• Oregon Berry Black Raspberry Brochure
• 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 forgage 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".
• Guide to blackberry varieties
• 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.
• Want to go to a blackberry festival? See this page for a list!

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers