2024 Northeast Texas Blackberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Blackberry U-Pick Orchards in Northeast Texas 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.

Angelina County

• Ridgeview Farms - Apples, blackberries, blueberries, peaches, and prepicked produce
  5471 State Hwy 7 West, Pollok, TX 75969. Phone: 936-853-3286. Open: Their website is gone; Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me, their last reported hours were Wednesday to Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm, Sunday 12 noon to 5 pm. Directions: Hwy 7 at 103 1 mile, Farm on right or Hwy 7 at Hwy 69 go 5 miles, Farm on left . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Ridgeview Farms Fax: 281-852-2912. Email us via our form: Mailform. Click here for a map to our farm. Crops are usually available in May, June, July, August.

Bowie County

• Moss Springs Berry Farm - blackberries,
  1529 Fm 2149 West, New Boston, TX 75570. Phone: 903-826-3164. Email: belum1@windstream.net. Open: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm; Saturdays 7:00 am to noon; Opening date is typically mid-June. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Moss Springs Berry Farm Alternate Phone: 903-826-7827. .

Camp County

• Efurd Peach Orchard - blackberries, blueberries, strawberries
  40004 Hwy 271 S., Pittsburg, TX 75686. Phone: (866) 770-7936. Email: info@efurdorchards.com. Open: 7 Days a Week, from 8 am to 5 pm. Directions: On U.S. Highway 271, three miles south of Pittsburg, first shed on left. Prepicked - Peaches, Onions, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Beans, Corn, Plums, Nectarines, Melons, Cantaloupes, Squash, Cucumbers, Peas. They also have a pecan cracker that they only charge .25 per pound to use. Conveniently located just 3 miles south of Pittsburg on Highway 271. Our famous peaches are in season from mid-May to September. Our pumpkins are available in the fall and we close after pumpkin season is over. Step back in time and taste premium-quality,fresh produce the way it was meant to be enjoyed. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Efurd Peach Orchard Facebook page. . Alternate phone: 903-856-2253. Alternate phone: 903-856-3970. .

Cass County

• The Berry Patch - blackberries, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available
  14353 FM 130, Hughes Springs, TX 75656. Phone: (430)342-2687. Email: mlg0308@hotmail.com. Open: hours, days and dates. Directions: We are located north of Hughes Springs. Take highway 161 north 4 miles then turn right on to FM 130 and the farm is 12 mile on the right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Alternate Phone: (903)573-1701. . UPDATE for 2021, Their Facebook page is gone; There's nothing else about them on the internet, so I assume they have closed. If you have any information to the contrary, please write me. Mid May through Mid July; See our Facebook page or call for current hours. Click here for current open We are located north of Hughes Springs. Take highway 161 north 4 miles then turn right on to FM 130 and the farm is 1/2 mile on the right. Other pre-picked produce available.

Franklin County

• Cypress Springs Tree and Berry Farm - Blueberries, Blackberries
  506 CR 4345 SE, Scroggins, TX . Phone: 903-860-2588. Email: richnjan@peoplescom.net. Open: Thursday through Saturday 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 1 p. Directions: From Dallas, I-30 east to Mt. Vernon, SH 37 south one mile, FM 21 east three quarters of a mile, FM 115 south approximately 8 miles to SE 4350 follow signs. In Winnsboro, from SH 37 and SH 11 intersection to FM 1448, NE 6 miles, left on SE 4340, right on SE 4345 follow signs. Crop availability: blueberries June-July; . Click here for a map and directions. Cypress Springs Tree and Berry Farm. . m. to 5 p.m.; Monday to Wednesday by appointment. Christmas Trees from Thanksgiving-Christmas Eve.

Henderson County

• Blueberry Basket - Blueberries, Plums, Blackberries, Peaches (occasionally)
  12462 FM 2588, LaRue, TX . Phone: 903-677-3448. Directions: Located on the right side of the road. Click here for a map and directions. . Take Highway 175 to LaRue, turn right on paved FM 2588 and go three miles. Farm .
• Echo Springs Blueberry Farm - blackberries, blueberries, Honey from hives on the farm, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations, events at your location (call for info)
  7235 Fm 607, Brownsboro, TX 75778. Phone: (903) 852-5277. Email: info@texasblueberrys.com. Open: May 27 to July 31 from 7 am to 4:30 pm, 7 days a week. Directions: 4.5 miles south of Highway 31. We are located on FM 607N, between Brownsboro and Murchison, Texas. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Echo Springs Blueberry Farm Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 903-681-9151. . pyllistx@hotmail.com. Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Blueberries May 27 to July 31 Blackberries June 1 to July 10. Has 70 acres of Blueberries and 12 acres of Blackberries. We do not spray our berries so you can feel comfortable to put some in your mouth while you are picking. Picking is a fun, enjoyable activity for the whole family. (UPDATED: April 14, 2018).

Hopkins County

• Terry"s Blackberry Farm - blackberries,
  1990 County Road 2331, Como, TX 75431. Phone: (903) 243-1155. Email: terrjam65@gmail.com. Open: Monday to Friday, from 9am to 7pm; Saturday and Sunday, from 9am to 5pm May 25 to July 30. Directions: from highway 11 blinking light in como texas go east on highway 11 one mile you will see a small green sign for county road 2331 turn right on 2331 and go 2 miles farm will be on right side numbers 1990 on the mail box. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . . (ADDED: May 22, 2017)

Morris County

• The Greer Farm - blackberries, blueberries, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, porta-potties are available, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food
  1444 County Road 1125, Daingerfield, TX 75638. Phone: 903-645-3232. Email: info@greerfarm.com. Open: During berry season June - mid - August. Directions: We are on google maps: search Greer Farm Daingerfield or . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  The Greer Farm Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 903-452-9738. Fax: 903-645-7752. . During berry season (June - mid - August). seven days a week from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm . Blackberries: Late May to mid-July Blueberries: Early June to mid-August. We offer Farm to fork Cooking Classes using farm products and private dining in 1850's farm house. Berries are best picked before the day gets too hot; Before noon or very late in the afternoon. We also have grass-fed beef from all natural herd of French full-blood Maine-Anjou cattle available by the split quarter. See our web site for details. We have farm fresh eggs from free range chickens most of the year. During the summer, we have often have farm fresh vegetables. We practice sustainable agriculture techniques and hope to be organically certified soon. If you want a farm experience, we have a loft apartment with queen bed up and futon full bed down, and kitchenette. In 2014, we planted an additional 1,300 blackberry plants. An additional 1,500 were planted in 2015. Cooking Classes, Private dining, Farm Stay, Rental Lakeside Log Cabins, Grass Fed Beef and lamb, pasture raised chicken and pork, pick-your-own Blueberries & Blackberries in June. utilizes sustainable agriculture techniques We raise Maine-Anjou fullblood cattle We offer free range eggs, grass fed beef and lamb, pasture raised chicken and pork sold by the portion at the farm We also sell beef by the split quarter in bulk cut and packaged to your specification and pork by the half. We also four lakeside log cabins and a loft for rental, offer private dining for groups of 8-10 or more by reservation, make homemade jam, sauces and syrup, and Chef Eva teaches her famous Farm to Fork cooking classes on a scheduled or private basis.We have our all natural beef (nothing artificial added ever) by the frozen portions at the farm, Historic Longview Farmer's Market and occasional delivery to Dallas every 3 weeks. We also have our all natural chicken, lamb and pork too. We also sell our beef by the split quarter, half a steer or whole steer. Price has been the same for years unchanged..$5.50/pound hanging weight plus processing. a whole steer hangs at 450-550 pounds more or less. Contact us for more information. Every steer is different due to live weight and how you have it cut, but for large steer you get approximately 24 roasts, 28 t-bone steaks, 10 sirloin steaks, 28 rib eye steaks, 8 filet tenderloin (small), 12 round steak, short ribs, flank and skirt, stew, kabob and fajita meat, brisket and maybe 150 pounds of ground beef. (UPDATED: May 24, 2016)

Nacogdoches County

• Stoneybrook Farm - blackberries, blueberries, figs, flowers, melons, nectarines, peaches, plums, U-pick and already picked, farm market
  6427 South Farm Road 225, Nacogdoches, TX 75964. Phone: 936 569 4859. Email: stoneybrookfrm@sbcglobal.net. Open: Tuesday to Saturday, from 9am to 6pm; Always call before coming out. Directions: From West Loop 224 Take farm to market road 225 west toward lake Nacogdoches for 3.1 miles, look for old green and white Sinclair gas station sign on the left hand side of the road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Alternate Phone: 936 569 8292. Fax: 936 569 8292. . Plums in late May peaches first of June to late July. We also sell blueberry and blackberry plants. Every Saturday morning we sell at the Nacogdoches Farmers Market from 7 am to 12 noon or later.

Panola County

• Panola Orchard and Gardens - strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area
  1413 FM 1186, De Berry, TX 75639. Phone: 903-263-8703. Email: panolaorchard@yahoo.com. Open: March through Fall; Tuesday-Saturday 9 am to 5 pm; Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm; Closed on Mondays. Directions: From Shreveport: I-20 West, take exit 3 \(Highway 79 South\). Turn left onto Highway 79 South. Travel about 20 miles. Take a right onto FM 1186. Our farm is 2 12 miles down FM 1186 on the left. From Dallas: I-20 East to Exit 6 \(US-59 South\). Turn right onto US-59 South. Go 7 miles, and turn left onto FM 1186. Go 7 miles, then turn left onto FM 1186 by Walnut Springs Baptist Church. Stay on this road for 3 miles, and turn right again onto FM 1186. Our farm is 12 mile on the right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Panola Orchard and Gardens Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 903-458-1017. . . From Shreveport: I-20 West, take exit 3 (Highway 79 South). Turn left onto Highway 79 South. Travel about 20 miles. Take a right onto FM 1186. Our farm is 2 1/2 miles down FM 1186 on the left. From Dallas: I-20 East to Exit 6 (US-59 South). Turn right onto US-59 South. Go 7 miles, and turn left onto FM 1186. Go 7 miles, then turn left onto FM 1186 by Walnut Springs Baptist Church. Stay on this road for 3 miles, and turn right again onto FM 1186. Our farm is 1/2 mile on the right. Typical harvest dates June 1 until end of July. Click here for our Facebook page. lavender products. We proudly offer you excellent quality, delicious strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, plums, and a variety of vegetables. All of us know that fruits and vegetables are very good for us, but berries are a SUPERSTAR fruit and have the greatest ability to fight diseases in humans. Our farm consists of U-Pick blueberry, blackberry and strawberry fields where you can pick your own berries. Or, you can choose the We-Pick option, and we will pick the berries for you. Each year we add something new and exciting for our customers, and we work diligently to make a variety of products. Our farm store is filled with a variety of farm made lavender products, soaps, jams, preserves, relishes, salsa, and more! Come enjoy an outing of picking berries, then relax in our clean, air conditioned facilities. Our homemade ice cream is sure to please!

Rains County

• Alford Family Farm - Uses natural growing practices, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, muscadine grapes, pecans, flowers, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, farm market, porta-potties are available, picnic area, farm animals
  199 Private Road 6181, Emory, TX 75440. Phone: 903-474-7629. Email: patty.alford@alfordfamilyfarm.com. Open: April and May; Thursday thru Mondays, 10am to 5pm and in June and July on Wednesday thru Monday from 8 am to 2 pm, Blueberries and Blackberries normally star picking late May and go until early July depending on weather; Please visit our Facebook page or our web site for current information . Directions: Go south on 19 from the intersection of 69 and 19 take immediately turn left on 3274 w Willow springs road go two miles take left on 2180 this is a small oil top road go one half mile take first left on 2181 you will see farm on the right in one half mile. Blue berries and blackberries late May to early July check face book for updates . We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Alford Family Farm Facebook page. . . . Once you get to 19 there will be signs with our easy pickins logo. Our U-Pick blueberry and blackberry orchards were the first crops we established and remains the highlight of our farm, with close to 4,000 blueberry and blackberry bushes that produce from May to July. We enjoy having you and your family out to experience the process of harvesting your own food while also enjoying the farm life going on around you..you will see our Belted Galloway cows grazing in the pastures, the hogs wallowing in the mud ponds, our free range chickens and guineas patrolling the grounds while our exotic chickens and pheasants look on in the safety of their spacious enclosures. In March of 2020 we offered a strawberry U-Pick which proved to be so popular we increased our crop to 10,000 plants.The ONLY pyo crops offered are strawberries, iris, blueberries, blackberries, muscadine grapes, pecans. (UPDATED: May 12, 2022)

Shelby County

• Blueberry Crossing - Blueberries, Blackberries, Muscadine Grapes, Figs
  997 Hwy 59 N, Timpson, TX . Phone: 936-254-3417. Open: Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm. Directions: One mile NE of Timpson, 947 Highway 59 North. . Click here for a map and directions.

Smith County

• Indian Creek Farm - blackberries,
  11519 County Road 1139, Tyler, TX 75709. Phone: 903-526-8519. Email: indiancreekproduce@gmail.com. Open: Tuesday to Saturday, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, mid-May to early July closed on Sundays and Mondays. Directions: 4 miles west of Tyler, one-half mile off Spur 364 on Indian Creek Road \(C.R. 1139\) on the left. Look for our bright yellow signs. .Payment: Cash, only. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Indian Creek Farm . Tuesday to Saturday, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, mid-May to early July (closed on Sundays and Mondays). 4 miles west of Tyler, one-half mile off Spur 364 on Indian Creek Road (C.R. 1139) on the left. Look for our bright yellow signs. . The ONLY pyo crops offered are Blackberries. (UPDATED: April 15, 2018)
  Comments from a visitor on June 13, 2011: "Great place, friendly people. They provide buckets and bags for picking. Very reasonably priced; currently $2.75/lb for u-pick. They have a thorn-less variety that is great for younger children who want to pick as well. Visited on June 13, 2011 --No need to reply to this, just wanted to give updated info if you needed. :)"

Upshur County

• Hill Farms - blackberries, blueberries, muscadine grapes, strawberries, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area
  10191 State highway 155 South Big Sandy, Big Sandy, TX 75755. Phone: (903) 402-0804. Email: mikehill.hill@yahoo.com. Open: Call for current hours. Directions: 8 miles south of Gilmer 4 miles north of Big Sandy. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. Hill Farms . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Strawberries April 1. At Hill's Farm, we grow strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and muscadines. You pick or we pick, Advantages to you pick: better price deal and the time to enjoy the beautiful scenery. (ADDED: April 07, 2021)
• McPeak Orchards - Blackberries, strawberries, U-pick and already picked, farm market, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area, events at your location (call for info)
  10939 U.S. 271 N., Pittsburg, TX 75686. Phone: 903-762-6477. Open: U-pick is available from April 1 to May 31 on Monday through Saturday 8 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Click here for a map and directions. . Fax: 903-762-1182. peachguy1@yahoo. . Not only will this activity be fun for the whole family, but it will allow you to reconnect with nature. As we get busy with our "lives in town," many people miss the sense of country with rows of orchards and the feel of dirt under foot. Here's your chance! School field trips are also welcomed. Not only do we produce the "Best Texas Peaches," we also specialize in delectable strawberries, blackberries and plums. In fact, enjoys being the largest strawberry grower in East Texas. Open through August for alreeady picked peaches. Come out to and hand-pick some juicy ripe strawberries or blackberries. We will provide the baskets; you pick the amount you want (sold by the pound)
  Comments from a visitor on May 07, 2012: "Great strawberry field. I usually pick about 20 pounds of strawberries for the freezer. Their blackberries are huge and sweet. I love to pick berries and it's a treat to have them in nice neat rows! Fresh vegetables and fruit available in the store as well as commercially canned products. "

Van Zandt County

• Blueberry Hill Farms, Inc. - blackberries, blueberries, Honey from hives on the farm, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties
  10268 FM 314, Edom, TX 75756. Phone: 903-852-6175. Email: chuck@blueberryhillfarms.com. Open: Fiday before Memorial day thru July 31st each summer, Our hours are 7:00 am till 5:00 pm everyday, seven days a week, including Fourth of July!. Directions: 72 mile east of Dallas, TX on I-20, past Canton, Tx 19 miles to exit 540, take right and go twelve miles to Edom, TX at second stop sign you get to, take right then at next street take left, this places you back on FM 314 climbing a hill, at the top of the hill you will see us: Blueberry Hills Farms. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  Blueberry Hill Farms, Inc. Facebook page. . No Pets Please! It's hot and we have plenty of our own out here already. Not allowed in store or field per Health Codes. Thank you. If you desire to pick your own come to Blueberry Hill Farms in Edom, TX only eight miles away. Our Zip Code is for another city where our Post office resides, it is 75756, which is Brownsboro, Texas five mile further down the road. Therefore, look closely at the maps on our website to see where Edom, Texas is! (UPDATED: April 14, 2018, JBS)
  Comments from a visitor on June 15, 2012: "They make amazing blueberry ice cream, pies, turnovers and lots of yummy stuff. Owners are hands on and there every day. "
• Broken Chalice Farm - Uses integrated pest management practices, blackberries, Honey from hives on the farm
  5615 Fm 279, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754. Phone: 903-368-2528. Email: williamdavidellis@yahoo.com. Open: Monday thru Saturday 8am to 7pm Call before you come for availability of Blackberries. Directions: Ben wheeler Texas, east on fm 279 3.5 miles farm on north side of road and has signs. from Tyler highway 64 then south on fm 279 once you get to Edom proceed straight for 4 miles farm on North side and has signs. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards. . Cli Blackberries Middle of May through end of July, depending on weather conditions; Call before you come. We use integrated pest management practices. please make sure you call before coming. blackberries sell out fast and once they are picked it takes 3 to 4 days before we have more. Weather determines availability as well. We work hard to grow delicious fruits and vegetables for you to purchase in our farm market. We consider the land to be blessed and a gift from God. To keep the farm healthy and safe we use Integrated Pest Management and Natural Management Practices. (UPDATED: January 28, 2016)
• Miller Organically Grown Blackberries - blackberries
  842 VZCR 2101, Canton, TX 75103. Phone: 903-567-3695. Open: Call before you go; the following is years old: June 1- June 30. Click here for a map and directions. . west on College about 2 miles from square.
• Troubadour Blackberry Farm - blackberries, already-picked produce, farm market, snacks and refreshment stand, picnic area, petting zoo, farm animals, school tours
  5018 Vzcr 2602, Canton, TX 75103. Phone: 903-848-9108. Open: I see their Facebook page is gone this year, so CALL BEFORE YOU GO - they may have closed down - Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm; Saturday, from 8am to 4pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Blackberry Season will Begin June 12, 2009.

Wood County

• Blueberry Ridge Farm Bed and Breakfast - ORGANIC, blackberries, blueberries, other berries, pumpkins, other vegetables, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, Bouncy castle, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  2785 East Highway 80, Mineola, TX 75773. Phone: 903-569-1550. Email: pray4jill@yahoo.com. Open: Wednesday to Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm, June 10 to mid July. Directions: located five miles East of Mineola, Texas on the north side of Highway 80. We are located directly across from a state picnic area. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Alternate Phone: 903-569-0101. . Check back for updates about our Pumpkin Patch Re-opening Fall of 2021!. It is the oldest organic blueberry farm in the state of Texas. We also offer a variety of other activities. Our country store/barn is now available for lease to host a birthday party, family reunion, special occasion parties, etc. Pumpkin Patch: October 1 to November 20 Blueberries: June 10 to late July (call for closing date) Corn Maze: Coming Fall Opening October 1 to November 20 Hay Maze: Coming Fall Opening October 1 to November 20 Christmas Tree Farm with Santa Opening November 20 Easter Egg Hunting Coming Spring , Opening April. Blueberry Ridge is an organic blueberry farm. The blueberries encompass five acres with three different varieties of blueberries. Our Tiff Blue and Climax bushes are very mature and stand approximately 12 feet tall. Five years ago, we planted some Powder Blue bushes and they stand about 4 - 6 ft. and are producing a very plentiful crop. Our blueberries, blackberries, and elderberries are certified organic by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Come on by, sit a spell, shop or browse. Warm friendly customer service is what we are all about. Our organic u-pick blueberry farm is in the heart of East Texas. Picking season is from June to July. We also offer a variety of other activities. Our country store/barn is now available for lease to host a birthday party, family reunion, special occasion parties, etc. We will also be re-opening our Pumpkin Patch in the fall
• Hawkins Organic - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, grapes, figs, U-pick and already picked
  170 Yates Street, Hawkins, TX 75765. Phone: 903-769-1017. Email: rcfurn@yahoo.com. Open: Call ahead for appointment. Directions: Highway 14; 710ths mile north of Highway 80 is Yates Street, turn left, second house on right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Highway 14; 7/10ths mile north of Highway 80 is Yates Street, turn left, second house on right. Blackberries: June and July, figs in June and July and Pears: September through November, Muscadine grapes available in August and September. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification.

 

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