2024 Montgomery and southeastern Alabama Blackberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Blackberry U-Pick Orchards in Montgomery and southeastern 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.

Chambers County

• Andrews U-Pick-It Fruit and Vegetable Farm, LLC - apples, blackberries, blueberries, cucumbers, muscadine grapes, melons, pears, peas, watermelons, picnic area you may bring your own food
  54 County Road 13, Clanton, AL 35045. Phone: (205) 646-0452. Email: helenandrews1961@gmail.com. Open: Typical season is from early May through September: Monday to Friday 8 am to 2 pm; Saturday 8 am to 5 pm; Closed on Sunday. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. 3Andrews U-Pick-It Fruit and Vegetable Farm, LLC Alternate Phone: (334) 301-9159. . (ADDED: June 01, 2018)
• McCraw Farms - blackberries, blueberries, figs, muscadine grapes, nectarines, peaches, plums, Other fruit or veg, U-pick and already picked, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals
  7299 County Road 15, Maplesville, AL 36750. Phone: 334-366-4263. Email: mccraw27@bellsouth.net. Open: May 15, through August 15, open 7 days a week from 7am till 6pm. Directions: From Clanton Alabama take highway 22 west about 9 miles to McCraw Peach sign on left turn left at the sign this will be county road 15. Go about 3 miles farm is on the right at McCraw Peach sign. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, WIC Vouchers, SFMNP Vouchers. . Plums and early peaches ready May 15,nectarines,blackberries ready June 10,blueberries,figs,muscadines ready in july. We also have martin and craft gourds ranging in price from 50 cents to $3. Gourds already painted and or decorated $10 and up.
• Petals from the Past - blueberries, blackberries, figs, muscadines, persimmons, kiwi, flowers
  16034 County Road 29, Jemison, AL 35085. Phone: 205-646-0069. Email: Info@petalsfromthepast.com. Open: 9-5 Tues-Saturday, 1-5 Sunday. Click here for a map and directions. . Please call before you come. Crops available: blueberries (May 21-July 7); Blackberries (June); figs ( Sept.); flowers (seasonal - all summer). The fields are open to u-pick Tuesday-Saturday 9-5 and Sunday from 1-5. Muscadines are now available for u-pick or already picked . Oriental Persimmons and Kiwi are also available. Take Jemison Exit 219 off I-65; travel West to Smokey Hollow Restaurant; left onto County Road 29 for 1 mile.(UPDATED: June 25, 2018, JBS) (UPDATED: June 13, 2016, JBS) A visitor writes on July 07, 2013: "Very sophisticated operation. They have lots of activities and tours. Run by family. 2 are Horticulturalists. 1 is Dr Arlie Powell, retired from Auburn University. We follow Dr. Powell's recommendations for growing blackberries on trellises for our farm. They also have Asian pears, muscadines, satsumas, lemons, kumquats, restrooms, gift shop, tours of the operation"
  Comments from a visitor on June 30, 2008: "Hello, My family and I stopped in Petals of the Past in Thorsby, Alabama to pick blueberries and blackberries yesterday. I have to admit, it's a really neat place, and it is obviously a well-operated business with a highly trained staff, but their prices for U-pick fruit are far higher (in some instances 3x higher) than most of others in the area. I felt slightly taken after paying 5.99 per lb. for u-pick fruit. This morning I called other listings on your site and learned that most were charging in the $6 to $10 range for a gallon of fruit. I know I should have done my homework, but I thought maybe you might want to note this in their listing. thanks" Note: $5.99 per lb is equivalent to about $16/gallon.

Coffee County

• Windy Acres Farm - blackberries, blueberries, figs, pears, pecans ,
  3457 County Road 708, Enterprise, AL 36330. Phone: 334-347-2436. Open: Closed in 2013; Call for Hours in 2014!. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Thanks so much to all our loyal patrons over the last few years, we have thoroughly enjoyed meeting you all and eating the wonderful bounty of this farm! Currently, Windy Acres is in the process of switching to new owners. Please stay tuned for upcoming news from the new owners in 2014!.

Coosa County

• John G. Neighbors - Peaches, blackberries, blueberries, apples, mayhaws
  3730 Old Dark Road, Alex City, AL 35010. Phone: (256) 234-3634. Open: May 1-Nov 15, Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm. Directions: 8 mile marker on State Hwy 259, halfway between Alexander City & Equality. . Click here for a map and directions. . Phone: (256) 212-2003

Crenshaw County

• Cooper Organic Farms - blackberries, blueberries, raspberries (red),
  County Road 72, Ariton, AL 36311. Phone: 334-372-1322. Email: justen_danielle@yahoo.com. Directions: 4 miles east of Ariton \(southeast Alabama\) on County Road 72. Payment: Cash, only. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Calll for hours. 4 miles east of Ariton (southeast Alabama) on County Road 72.

Elmore County

• Witherspoon Fruit Farm - Peaches, blackberries and okra
  7148 Coosa River Road, Deatsville, AL 36022. Phone: 334-569-3598. Open: June 15 through August 1 on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Click here for a map and directions. . On dirt section of 7148 Coosa River Road; Call for directions.

Geneva County

• Four R Farms - blackberries, blueberries, herbs or spices, muscadine grapes, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, snacks and refreshment stand
  5255 South County Road 85, Slocomb, AL 36375. Phone: 334-886-3394. Email: bradley.reeder@gmail.com. Open: Call for hours. Directions: Call for directions so we can get you here the quickest way possible. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Alternate Phone: 334-886-3396. . Our berries are insecticide free and so are the herbs.

Lee County

• AEM Veggies and Plants - Blackberries, tomatoes
  1270 Lee Rd 47, Opelika, AL 36804. Phone: (334) 745-4338. Email: mickieeades@att.net. Open: End May - July on Monday to Saturday from 8 am - 6 pm. Click here for a map and directions. . 7 miles S of Opelika on State Hwy 51, turn on Lee Rd 47, 1 mile on right. 8 miles N of Hwy 80. Travel State Hwy. 51, turn on Lee Rd 47. (ADDED: June 21, 2018, JBS)
• Windmill Acres - blackberries, blueberries
  1270 Lee Road 47, Opelika, AL 36804. Phone: 334-745-4338. Email: MICKIEEADES@ATT.NET. Open: Late May-July on Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 7 pm, closed on Sunday; UPDATE for 2020: 2020 will likely be their last year of U-pick. Click here for a map and directions. . Alternate phone: 334-703-6369. . 7 MILES S OF OPELIKA ON ST.HWY 51 TURN ON LEE RD 47 1 MILE ON RT. 8 MILE N OF HWY 80 TRAVEL ST. HWY 51 TURN ON LEE RD 47. (ADDED: June 28, 2020, JBS)

 

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