2024 Toronto area of Ontario Gooseberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Gooseberry U-Pick Orchards in Toronto area of Ontario in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for gooseberries that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a province or region have gooseberries 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.

Halton (Burlington, Darbyville, Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville)

• Andrew's Scenic Acres - apples, asparagus, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, corn (sweet), currants (red and black), flowers, tulips, gooseberries, grapes, other berries, pears, peaches, plums, pumpkins, raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), raspberries (black), raspberries (Autumn, black), rhubarb, saskatoons, summer squash, strawberries, winery
  9365 10th Sideroad, Milton, ON L9T 2X9. Phone: 905-878-5807. Email: Farm@AndrewsScenicAcres.com. Open: Seasonally available, starting in Spring and ending in Autumn; May to October. Directions: Take hwy 401 to Trafalgar north \(exit#328\). Drive north ~ 7km to Sideroad #10 \(Ashgrove\). Drive west to the farm. Or North of 401 on Reg rd#25. Drive east on road #10.- R.r.#5 located in Halton Hills \(for GPS\) . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Cheque, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  Andrew's Scenic Acres Facebook page. Fax: 905-878-4997 Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesTake hwy 401 to Trafalgar north (exit#328). Drive north ~ 7km to Sideroad #10 (Ashgrove). Drive west to the farm. Or North of 401 on Reg rd#25. Drive east on road #10.- R.r.#5 located in Halton Hills (for GPS) We also have Elderberries and wide range of flowers available for pick your own. Our family operated farm was established in 1980. We now proudly grow 175 acres of luscious fruit and vegetables. Our home farm is dedicated 100% to pick your own crops starting the first weekend in May with tulips, rhubarb and asparagus. Strawberries start ripening in June, followed by raspberries, cherries, currants, gooseberries, blueberries, elderberries, gourds, Indian corn and pumpkins. A diverse selection of cut your own flowers for bouquets include: sunflowers, celosia, gladioli, dahlias, roses, lilies, peonies and iris. Fun For The Children includes-Hay Rides, Haunted Forest, Animal Coral, Pony Rides, Straw Jump, Corn Walk and Pick Your Own. Acres and Acres of PYO orange and white pumpkins. Andrews' Winery, formerly Scotch Block Winery, produces quality fruit wines from fruit grown on the farm, including award-winning strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, cherry, apple and currant wines. We're up to 75 national awards now for our unique wines and Hard Cider (UPDATED: August 31, 2020 JBS)

York (Aurora, Georgina, King, Maple Hill, Markham, Newmarket, Vaughan, Whitchurch-Stouffville)

• Brooks Farms - apples, beans, corn (sweet), currants (red and black), gooseberries, nectarines, other berries, peas, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), saskatoons, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, Fresh eggs, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
  122 Ashworth Road, Mount Albert, ON L0G 1M0. Phone: 905-473-3246. Email: info@brooksfarms.com. Open: Mid February til end of October Hours Change Seasonally, Please visit our website for up to date hours and additional information. Directions: North on highway 404 to Newmarket. Exit on Vivian Road and go east to highway 48. Go north to Mount Albert Road, then east past Mount Albert 3 km to 122141 Ashworth Rd. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  Brooks Farms Facebook page. North on highway 404 to Newmarket. Exit on Vivian Road and go east to highway 48. Go north to Mount Albert Road, then east past Mount Albert 3 km to 122/141 Ashworth Rd The dates listed below are approximately & vary depending on the year. Summer Strawberries: Mid June - Mid July. Peas (Regular, Snow & Sugar Snap): Mid June - Mid July. Summer Raspberries (Purple, Red & Black): Beginning of July - Mid August. Saskatoon Berries (Lasts for approx. 1 week): Beginning of July. Gooseberries: Mid July - Mid August. Red & Black Currants: Mid July - Mid August. Raspberries & Strawberries (ever bearing): Mid August - Frost. Apples (Ida Red, Macintosh, Golden Delicious, Royal Gala & Honey Crisp): Mid Sept- End of September. Squash (Acorn, Spaghetti, Hubbard & Butternut ) : Mid Sept- End of Oct. Pumpkins: Month of October.

 

gooseberries

Gooseberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

If you are about to pick Gooseberries either directly from a tree, or from a local orchard or market, here's what you need to know to pick the best Gooseberries.

Gooseberries are a fairly early crop, flowering soon after the last frosts in April and May, setting fruit in June, usually at the same time as strawberries in most areas (but check your area's harvest calendar and call the farm or orchard you are planning to go to a few weeks ahead).

Gooseberry picking tips

Here are tips and instructions on how to pick Gooseberries:

What type

See this page for gooseberry varieties.

When

• Timing is Key: Gooseberries are typically ready for picking in the summer, usually from June to July, depending on the variety and your location.
• Always check with the farm before you go; conditions can change dramatically from day to day.

Preparation

• Use Clean Hands: Make sure your hands are clean before you start picking to avoid transferring dirt or contaminants to the berries.
• Bring Containers: Use shallow containers, baskets, or colanders to collect the berries. This prevents them from being crushed under their own weight. .

How to Choose and Pick Gooseberries

• Look for Color and Size: Choose gooseberries that are fully ripe and have reached their full color. The color varies depending on the variety and can range from green to red or even purple.  See this page for description sof each of the varieties of gooseberries.
• Test for Ripeness: Gently squeeze the gooseberries. Ripe ones should be slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. They should give a little when pressed.
• Be Gentle with Berries: Gooseberries are delicate and can bruise easily. Handle them with care to maintain their quality.
• Avoid Underripe Berries: Leave berries that are hard and unyielding on the bush, as they are not yet ripe.
• Check the Softness: Be cautious of berries that are overly soft, as they might be overripe and prone to bruising.
• Mind the Thorns: Gooseberry bushes can have thorns, so wear gloves and long sleeves to protect your hands and arms while picking.
• Use Gentle Pressure: Hold the gooseberry gently between your thumb and forefinger, and twist it slightly to detach it from the stem.
• Harvest Clusters: Gooseberries often grow in clusters. You can pick entire clusters by gently holding the branch and detaching the whole group at once.
• Inspect for Pests: While picking, keep an eye out for any pests that might be hiding in the foliage or on the berries.
• Avoid Removing Leaves: Try to avoid pulling off leaves or damaging the bush while picking. Leaves provide energy to the plant.

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After Harvesting

• Cool: Get them into the shade as soon as possible.
• Separate Unripe and Ripe Berries: As you pick, separate underripe berries from ripe ones to ensure even ripening and better quality.
• Store Properly: After picking, gently transfer the gooseberries into shallow containers or bags. Store them in the refrigerator as soon as possible to maintain freshness.
  
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Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - Gooseberries are affected by weather (especially rain and cooler temperatures) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first! Always call before you go to the farm - Gooseberries are affected by weather (especially rain and cooler temperatures) more than most crops. 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 Gooseberries, 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 Gooseberries more than 3 inches deep will smush the lower Gooseberries. 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.

When you get home

1. DON'T wash the Gooseberries until you are ready to use them. Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
2. Keep them cool: Temperatures between 34 F and 38 F are best, but, be careful not to freeze Gooseberries! (Fresh Gooseberries are highly prone to freeze damage).
3. Sort again: Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting Gooseberries
4. Freeze: Gooseberries can also be frozen for longer storage.
5. Use Quickly: Gooseberries have a relatively short shelf life. Plan to use or preserve them within a few days of picking.
6. Consider Usage: Gooseberries can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, such as jams, pies, sauces, and even pickles
7. Use or freeze quickly: Even under ideal conditions Gooseberries will only keep for a week or two in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, consume or freeze them as soon as possible after purchase.
8. See my How to freeze berries page. (Unless you're going to make jam right away)
9. Now, get ready to make Gooseberries jam - It is VERY easy

Gooseberries Recipes, Canning, Jam, Jelly, and related resources

• Gooseberry jelly
• Gooseberry festivals
• Gooseberry  facts - useful, interesting and fun facts

 

 

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