2024 London, Essex, Middlesex, Oxford, Elgin, Norfolk areas of Ontario Raspberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Raspberry U-Pick Orchards in London, Essex, Middlesex, Oxford, Elgin, Norfolk areas of Ontario in 2024, by county

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

Not all areas of a province or region have raspberries 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.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather.  See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Elgin (Aylmer, Dutton, Port Stanley, St. Thomas)

• Rush Creek Wines and Orchards - apples, blackberries, blueberries, currants (red and black), other berries, pears, peaches, raspberries (yellow), raspberries (Spring, yellow), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), rhubarb, strawberries, other vegetables, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting
  48995 Jamestown Line, Aylmer, ON N5H 2R2. Phone: 519-773-5432. Email: winemaster@rushcreekwines.com. Open: 7 days a week: Monday to Friday, from 10am to 5pm; and Sundays from 12pm to 5pm. Directions: Exit off Highway 401 to Imperial Road South \(Hwy 73\). Go through the town of Aylmer and watch for Jamestown Line, turn right onto Jamestown Line and we are on the first farm on the left hand side. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  Rush Creek Wines and Orchards Facebook page. Fax: 519-773-5431 Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesExit off Highway 401 to Imperial Road South (Hwy 73). Go through the town of Aylmer and watch for Jamestown Line, turn right onto Jamestown Line and we are on the first farm on the left hand sideCorn Maze is open from August 1st through October 31stOnline ordering available from our website. We can ship our wines anywhere in Canada. Watch for our events!

Middlesex (London area, Ailsa Craig, Dorchester, Glencoe, Melbourne, Strathroy, Thorndale)

• Dave & Georgette Skipper Farm - Raspberries & cabbage,
  3974 Newbiggen Dr, Glencoe, ON . Phone: 519-287-3013. Open: July and September to October on Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. Click here for a map and directions. Pick your own, ready picked and frozen; Year-round frozen.
• Ferguson Produce - Strawberries, Raspberries, pumpkins
  11026 Wellington Road RR#6, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3T1. Phone: 519-631-6589. Email: fergusonberries@on.aibn.com. Click here for a map and directions. Fax: 519-631-2492 Farm Near London. Also: Sweet Corn, Pumpkin festivals (Weekends in October).
• Heeman Strawberry Farm - Uses integrated pest management practices, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, corn, raspberries, U-pick and already picked, farm market, restrooms, school tours
  20422 Nissouri Road, Thames Centre, ON N0M2P0. Phone: 519-461-1416. Open: Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 8 pm; Saturday and Sunday, from 8 am to 5 pm, mid June to early July. Directions: From London, drive east on Dundas St, past Crumlin Side Rd, turn left on Nissouri Road Drive 2 km and find Heeman\'s on right hand side. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  Heeman Strawberry Farm Facebook page. Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesFrom London, drive east on Dundas St, past Crumlin Side Rd, turn left on Nissouri Road Drive 2 km and find Heeman's on right hand sideStrawberries: Late May to Late October, Raspberries from July to October, Cherries from late June to mid July, Blueberries from late July to mid August;. We use integrated pest management practicesGreenhouse, garden centre, sundae booth also available. Strawberries: Middle of May to October, Cherries: July, Raspberries: July to October, Blueberries, Middle of July to Middle of August, Sweet Corn: Middle of July to September
• Kustermans Berry Farm - blueberries, raspberries (Spring, red), gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, farm animals, school tours
  23188 Springwell Road, Mt. Brydges, ON N0L 1W0. Phone: (519) 264-9199. Email: kustermansfarm@berryblue.org. Open: hours, days and dates. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Cheque, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  Kustermans Berry Farm Facebook page. Fax: (519) 264-9973. :mid - July to late August ~ Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30am to 8 pm; Saturday, Sunday 8:30am to 6 pm; Closed Wednesdays. Click here for current open Kustermans' Blueberry Farm is strictly a U-Pick operation. Our goal is to provide you and your family with the opportunity to pick quality blueberries while enjoying a wonderful day at the farm.
  Comments from a visitor on July 28, 2008: "We went on July 26th, 2008 (it was our first time going there) and it was a totally awesome experience!! Signs were easily displayed on the roads to get there when we were close enough to the place. The kids loved the playground and watching the baby goat and llama. Everyone was very helpful and courteous and the other people in attendance were very friendly. There is shelter for those hot days for people who do not want to pick. The outdoor bathrooms were very clean as well. I would highly recommend this place to anyone reading this. Great job guys!!"
• Millar Berry Farms - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, currants (red and black), raspberries (red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (yellow), rhubarb, strawberries,
  7375 Longwoods Road, London, ON N6P 1L2. Phone: (519) 652-2065. Email: millarberryfarms@gmail.com. Open: Please call us for hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Fax: (519) 652-3574Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesWe use integrated pest management practicesPick your own & roadside stand.
• O'Shea's Farm Fresh - Strawberries, Fall Raspberries, pumpkins
  34089 Stonehouse Line, Granton, ON N0M 1V0. Phone: 519-225-2600. Email: osheafarms@quadro.net. Click here for a map and directions. . 15 minutes north of London between Granton & Lucan, on Stonehouse line, 3 km North of #7 highway. Near London. Also: Sweet corn, pickling cukes, tomatoes, peppers, squash, beets, beans. Fall Festivals - 6 weekends before Halloween. Harvest schedule: June: Strawberries and Peas. July to September: Sweet Corn, Green and Yellow beans, Raspberries, Beets, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Peppers, eggplants, Onions, Potatoes, Dill and lots more. September to November: Squash, Pumpkins, Gourds, Indian Corn, Cornstalks, and Fallbearing Raspberries.
• Tountas Orchard - Apples, pears, asparagus, raspberries, plums, rhubarb
  8650 Falconbridge Dr, Mt. Brydges, ON . Phone: 519-264-2962. Open: May to October on Monday to Friday from 8 am to dusk. Click here for a map and directions.

Norfolk (Bookton, Maybee's Corners, Norfolk, Spring Arbour, Waterford, Wilsonville)

• Austins - Strawberries, Raspberries
  RR#1, Waterford, ON N0E 1Y0. Phone: 519-443-5837. Click here for a map and directions. Fax: 519-443-49091 mile south of Bostow on Reg Road #5. Near Simcoe.

Oxford (Blanford-Blemheim, Ingersoll, Tilsonburg, Woodstock, Zorra)

• Brus' Orchards and Winery - apples, raspberries, strawberries
  244263 Airport Road, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 4H1. Phone: 519-842-2262. Open: daily. Click here for a map and directions. ort Road, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 4H1 Sunday noon to 5 pm; Closed in AprilOn Hwy 19 (244263 Airport Rd), 5 km north of Tillsonburg and 15km south of 401 and Ingersoll, across from Coyle's We also have fresh picked apples, cabbage, corn, currants, flowers, peaches, pears, peas, peppers, pumpkins, raspberries, squash, strawberries, tomatoes.
• Prince Greenhouses - Uses natural growing practices, beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, eggplants, flowers, herbs or spices, onions, peas, peppers, raspberries (red), tomatoes,
  687003 highway 2, Princeton, ON N0J 1V0. Phone: 226-802-4519. Email: princegh@silomail.com. Directions: Located right in the town of Princeton, Ontario, highway #2. Visit Google Maps \Prince Greenhouses for detailed directions. ". Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Prince Greenhouses See our Facebook page for up to date info on "what's fresh" and hours of operationLocated right in the town of Princeton, Ontario, highway #2. Visit Google Maps "Prince Greenhouses" for detailed directionsWe use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification
• Southsands Farm - blueberries, raspberries
  846413 Township Road, Bright, ON N0J1B0. Phone: 519 463-5209. Open: 8 am to 7pm daily call for availability. Click here for a map and directions. ship Road, Bright, ON N0J1B0 From Bright -2 miles south of Bright on County road 22 then east on township road 9 first farm on left 846413 From Drumbo or 401 exit go west on Oxford rd 29 to cty rd 22 turn right (towards Bright) then to twp road 9 turn right .5 miles to first farm on the left. Follow signs. We also have fresh picked . (ADDED: June 10, 2014X)

 

Raspberry

Raspberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Raspberries can produce an early summer crop or  a late summer and Fall crop. In the U.S. Spring / Summer raspberries (called florocanes) typically peak during June in the South, and in July in the North. The primocane varieties, which produce raspberries on shoots that come up each Spring are typically read from August until frost.

In addition to the variety a farm plants, the berries are ready at various times depending the local climate, such as which part of the state you are located. See this page for a list of raspberry festivals around the U.S.

And for those of you from the upper midwest through the west and up to Canada, if you are interested in Thimbleberries, see this page.

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 raspberries, 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 raspberries 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 raspberries

1. Raspberry bushes don't have thorns, but they are a pick prickly, so if you want to hold the stem while picking, a pair of lightweight gloves is helpful.

   Raspberries Nutritional Data
   (fresh)

   Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
   Energy	220 kJ (53 kcal)
   Carbohydrates	11.94 g
   Sugars	4.42 g
   Dietary fiber	6.5 g
   Fat	0.65 g
   Protein	1.2 g
   Vitamins
   Thiamine	(3%) 0.032 mg
   Riboflavin2	(3%) 0.038 mg
   Niacin3	(4%) 0.598 mg
   Pantothenic acid5	(7%) 0.329 mg
   Vitamin B6	(4%) 0.055 mg
   Folate9	(5%) 21 μg
   Choline	(3%) 12.3 mg
   Vitamin C	(32%) 26.2 mg
   Vitamin E	(6%) 0.87 mg
   Vitamin K	(7%) 7.8 μg
   Minerals
   Calcium	(3%) 25 mg
   Iron	(5%) 0.69 mg
   Magnesium	(6%) 22 mg
   Manganese	(32%) 0.67 mg
   Phosphorus	(4%) 29 mg
   Potassium	(3%) 151 mg
   Zinc	(4%) 0.42 mg
   Other constituents
   Water	85.8 g
   Units μg = micrograms • mg = milligrams IU = International units
   Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults. Source:

   
   
2. A ripe raspberry is deep color with a plump, soft but firm feel. It will pull free from the plant with only a slight tug. The center will remain on the plant. Keep in mind, raspberries come in many colors: red, yellow, black, purple, so you want to pick the darker shade of whichever it is.
3. Pick only the berries that are fully ripe. 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!
4. I find it helps to hold the stem with one hand, while picking with the other.
5. Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 berries. Repeat the picking process with both hands.
6. Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the berries down. Ideally, the collection containers should be wide so the pberries aren't more than a few deep.
7. Pick berries into a shallow container. If they get piled too deep they will crush each other.
8. 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.

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. DO refrigerate! Right after picking, place raspberries in the fridge. If your fridge tends to dry out produce, lightly cover the container.
3. Raspberries don't store for very long, usually just a few days. The reason the ones from the grocery store last longer is they are covered with fungicides!
4. Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting berries
5. 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) raspberries 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 raspberries (while they are in the fridge)!
6. Even under ideal conditions raspberries will only keep for a week in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible after purchase
7. See this page for illustrated freezing instructions.

Raspberry Recipes

1. Now, get ready to make raspberry jam - It is VERY easy - especially with our free
   raspberry jam directions - very easy! or for a jam with a little kick, try raspberry chipotle jam
2. And if you want to freeze them to use later, see my How to freeze berries page.
3. You can also make your own raspberry vinaigrette,
4. See this page for an easy recipe to make raspberry chipotle sauce

 

Raspberry Facts

• Raspberries are a very healthy food; packed with anthocyanins!
• Raspberries contain more vitamin C than oranges, are super high in fibre, lhave a good amount of folic acid, are high in potassium, vitamin A and calcium.
• The USDA says 1 cup of raspberries has about 62 calories.
• 11 cup of raspberries, not packed down weighs about 140 grams.
• An average raspberry has 100 to 120 seeds.
• Select plump, firm, fully raspberries. Unripe berries will not ripen once picked.
• Raspberries belong to a large group of fruits known as brambles, such as blackberries, in the plant genus Rubus.
• Raspberries come in red, yellow, orange, purple and black colors.
• Yellow raspberries are red raspberries that don't make red pigment.)
• In most areas, raspberries begin to bloom in late May or early June.
• Bumblebees, honeybees, and other wild bees love to visit brambles.
• 60-70 pints of fruits can be harvested from 100 feet row.
  Raspberries can be harvested from early summer through fall, usually right up until a freeze
• The United States is the world's third-largest producer of raspberries (FAOSTAT, 2013).
• Production occurs across much of the country, although most of it is concentrated in California, Oregon and Washington. California leads the nation in both black and red raspberry production (NASS, 2015).
• According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, the United States has 8,052 raspberry farms totaling 23,104 acres (Census of Ag, USDA, 2012).
• U-pick raspberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. A quart equals 1 and 1/4 pounds of fresh berries.
• Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as raspberries 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 raspberry 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