2024 Southwest Georgia Blackberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Blackberry U-Pick Orchards in Southwest Georgia 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.

Berrien County

• Southern Grace Farms - blackberries, blueberries, nectarines, peaches, plums, strawberries, Citrus, Muscadines, Sunflowers
  11946 Nashville Enigma Rd, Enigma, GA 31749. Phone: (229)533-8585. Email: sgracefarms@hotmail.com. Open: Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 6, March 20 to July 10. Directions: From I-75 Tifton: Take Exit 62 and head East on highway 82 for about 15 miles. This brings you into Enigma. In Enigma, you will turn right on Main Street \(this is also the Enigma-Nashville Hwy\). On the Enigma-Nashville Hwy, you will go South about 4 12 miles until you come to Berrien Peanut Company on your left. Our U-pick strawberries and store are located across the road from Berrien Peanut. Go to the store for directions to other fruits. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx.
  Southern Grace Farms Facebook page. . . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. From I-75 Tifton: Take Exit 62 and head East on highway 82 for about 15 miles. This brings you into Enigma. In Enigma, you will turn right on Main Street (this is also the Enigma-Nashville Hwy). On the Enigma-Nashville Hwy, you will go South about 4 1/2 miles until you come to Berrien Peanut Company on your left. Our U-pick strawberries and store are located across the road from Berrien Peanut. Go to the store for directions to other fruits. Strawberries - March 20 to May 31; Blackberries - May 20 to July 10; Blueberries - May to June, Peaches - May to June; Nectarines - May; Plums - June. Visit our new Country Market filled with Georgia Grown specialty products and Southern themed gift baskets! The store is open during harvest season and November and December.
  Comments from a visitor on April 20, 2010: "This is a family owned & operated farm and everyone is just great to deal with!"

Thomas County

• The Fruit Factory - oranges, lemons, satsumas, limes, blueberries, Pears, Pomegranate, Grapes, Mulberries, Loquat, and Native Blackberries
  6380 Airline Road, Pavo, GA 31778. Phone: (229) 859-2714. Email: fruitfactory365@gmail.com. Open: see their website for current availability and hours; Some type of fruit is available 365 Days a Year weather permitting. Click here for a map and directions.
  The Fruit Factory Facebook page. . . see their website for current availability and hours; Some type of fruit is available 365 Days a Year (weather permitting). . is a small family farm that offers a destination u-pick and a unique experience visiting and learning about the many offerings. We offer a variety of fruits and citrus. specializes in creating corporate gift packages that can ship throughout the USA. For years friends have visited and enjoyed our small family farm. Many varieties are available throughout the year except in extreme temperatures. We have fruit available when in season, including Pears, Apples, Pomegranate, Grapes, Mulberries, Blueberries, Guava, Loquat, and Native Blackberries with more Fruit being added. We offer U-pick or We pick. Citrus gift boxes, are typically available from October to March (not all of the following are available the entire time) such as Satsuma: Oct. to January, Meyer Lemon: January to March, September to December, Red Grapefruit: November to March, Kumquats: November to March, Keiwa Kumquat: December to March, Clementine Tangelo: Mid December to Mid January, Blood Orange: Mid December to Mid January, Moro Blood Orange: December to February, Tangerine: December to March, Shiranui: December to February, Key Lime: December to March, Nules: December to February, Navel Oranges: November to January, Mulberries: March to April, Blueberries: June to July, Grapes: July to September, Muscadines: July to September, Pears: Aug. to November, Green Mandarins: July to September, Loquat: March to April, Minneola Tangelo: December to February, Pomegranates: Aug. to September. In mid-November they start the U-Pick or already picked Citrus. They also are readying for an RV Park, Stay Tuned for announcement of when available. (UPDATED: June 14, 2022, JBS) (ADDED: September 20, 2019, JBS)

Tift County

• Berry Good Farms LLC - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, grapes, muscadine grapes, peaches, persimmons, other vegetables, porta-potties are available, petting zoo, farm animals
  930 William Gibbs Rd, Tifton, GA 31793. Phone: 229-821-0746. Email: bob@yourberrygoodfarms.com. Open: March 1, then through August, from 8am to 6pm on Monday thru Friday and 8am to 8pm on Saturdays closed on Sunday. Directions: I75 exit #62 \(Highway 82 West\) in Tifton. 9 miles. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Berry Good Farms LLC Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 229-821-0542. Fax: 229-387-0606. . March 1, then through August, from 8am to 6pm on Monday thru Friday and 8am to 8pm on Saturdays (closed on Sunday). I75 exit #62 (Highway 82 West) in Tifton. 9 miles. Typical dates (check our website for changes): Strawberries start in early March, Blueberries: May 1 through July 15; Blackberries: May 15 through August 1. Payment: Cash, only. This year we have tons of fresh Blueberries on the bush ready to pick. Thornless Blackberries are not far behind. Come out and enjoy picking berries or call to place your order and pick them up. Visit our website for weekly updates to the "picture page" and to see what's happened and what is planned on the farm.(UPDATED: February 28, 2014, from their email) (UPDATED: April 25, 2013, from their email) A visitor writes on June 13, 2013: "The gentleman who answers the phone says a 'chemical problem' has caused them to close the 2013 peach picking. They will not have peaches this year. "
  Comments from a visitor on June 02, 2012: "I just wanted to give positive feedback for Berry Good Farms in Tifton, GA. We took our kids out to pick blackberries and ended up with an absolutely great afternoon and experience. The owner was so helpful and friendly, and she even took our kids around to see the animals on the farm and talk to them about the goats and chickens. It was a wonderful and memorable experience for my entire family. I strongly recommend this farm anytime you want a warm, friendly atmosphere and a great day. We will be back as fast as we can eat all of our berries! "
  Comments from a visitor on May 24, 2012: "Stopped by Berry Good Farms on May 23, 2012. This is a beautiful place. It was worth the ride to be able to sit back and enjoy their farm. Their blackberry vines are loaded with berries. They were not ready to be picked when we were there. The blueberries had been picked the day before so we were able to purchase already picked berries. The blueberries were large (dime size) and very sweet. I would suggest giving them a call to find out what berries are ready. My only regret is that they are 5 hours away from where I live. Enjoy!"
• The Market at Rutland Farms - blackberries, blueberries, cotton, peaches, strawberries, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, school tours
  5641 Union Rd, Tifton, GA 31794. Phone: 229-386-5111. Email: paige@rutlandfarms.com. Open: Monday through Saturday 9 am to 6 pm; Closed Sundays. Directions: Exit 55, I-75. Follow signs. 1.5 miles from interstate. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  The Market at Rutland Farms Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 229-392-5302. . Blueberries: Available April through June*, Peaches: Available May through June*, Tomatoes: Available June through July*, *Dates of availability are approximate and weather dependent. Please call(229) 386-5111 for the most updated information on what's available throughout the year. In addition to regular PYO, they also have festival days, such as Strawberry Jubilee on Saturdays in April. Our Strawberry Jubilee kicks off at 10:00 a.m. and runs until 6:00 p.m. (last ticket sold at 5:30 PM). We will have a Bounce House, Petting Zoo, Hay Rides, Strawberry Picking, Barrel Train, Local Live Music, and More! 2021 Admission Fee: $8 per person(Children Under 2 are Free with a Paid Adult) Pumpkin patch: October 1st through November 6th.there is no admission fee to visit the pumpkin patch. Guests are only charged the cost of their selected pumpkins. Price is dependent upon size and type of pumpkin selected and therefore, varies. The average price range is from $3.00 to $8.00 per pumpkin. Corn maze: your autumn adventure begins at Rutland Farms! Come get lost in our giant, 15 acre corn maze, light up the night with our flashlight nights inside the maze or, for tiny explorers, check out our mini maze designed with toddlers in mind. The giant corn maze features a new design each year.

 

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