2024 Perth-Huron area of Ontario Strawberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Strawberry U-Pick Orchards in Perth-Huron area of Ontario in 2024, by county

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

Not all areas of a province or region have strawberries farms 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.

Huron (Bayfield, Bluewater, Clinton, Goderich, Huron East, Mitchell, Varna, Wingham)

• Bayfield Berry Farm - Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries
  77697 Orchard Line RR1, Bayfield, ON N0M 1G0. Phone: 519-482-1666. Email: berryfarm@hurontel.on.ca. Directions: North of Bayfield on hwy 21, turn east on County Road #3 \(Bayfield Rd\). 1st side road turn north on Orchard Line #77697 on left. Near London. . Click here for a map and directions. Fax: 519-482-8268. North of Bayfield on hwy 21, turn east on County Road #3 (Bayfield Rd). 1st side road turn north on Orchard Line #77697 on left. Near LondonAlso: Apples, currants, Saskatoon berries ( 5 acres), Peaches, Private parties, tearoom, gifts, preserves, bakery on site.
• Te-Em Farm - cucumbers, flowers, peppers, pumpkins, rhubarb, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area
  77688 Orchard Line, Bayfield, ON N0M 1G0. Phone: 519-482-3020. Email: evanderwouden@tcc.on.ca. Open: May, October. Directions: R.R.#1 Take # 21 north of Bayfield to County rd #13 turn right to the first concession, Orchard line turn left and we are a short mile up the road on the right hand side. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. Fax: 1-519-482-1496. Click here for a map. Look forward to seeing you . We are open Our hours are: April daily from 9 am to 6 May to end of Strawberry season, Monday to Friday 8-8 Sat and Sun 9-6 Summer Mon -Saturday from 9-6 Sun 12-5 September Oct. Wednesday to Saturday from 9-6 Sun 12-5 closed Tuesday and WednesdayWe are also a complete garden centre greenhouse operation specializing in beautiful hanging baskets and premium quality geraniums plus other spring crops

Perth District (East Perth, West Perth, St. Mary's, Stratford area)

• Cedar Crest Acres - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, strawberries,
  5321 Road 119, Milverton, ON N0K1M0. Phone: (519) 595-3203. Email: brianandemma@cyg.net. Open: Call for current hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Cheque, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicalsWe have fresh picked berries available in farm market or you can enjoy a day out and do your own picking. Check our website on the timing and availability of the crop! We use as much organic practice as possible (hand weeding, crop rotation, sprays that are organic certified) but we have found that to grow a consistent crop of strawberries each year we do need to use treatment but always stay within the guidelines of the products used. The strawberries we sell are no different than the ones our children pick and eat when we go for an evening stroll to check out the crop. (ADDED: May 21, 2019)
• Megens Family Farm - asparagus, pumpkins, raspberries, winter squash, strawberries, other vegetables, prepicked produce, picnic area, farm animals
  2877 Road 119 (hwy 7) seven minutes south of Stratford, St Marys, ON L8P 1Y8. Phone: 519-284-3199. Email: megens.sereda@quadro.net. Open: Seven days a week 8 am to 8 pm. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Fax: 519 284 1250Pick your own strawberries - June and JulyJoin us for our annual Strawberry Festival - featuring a farmers' market on the farm, live music, locally produced meats on the barbecue, baked goods, farm animals and more.
• Walch Family Strawberries - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, strawberries,
  3557 Road 119, Stratford, ON N5A 6S3. Phone: 519 272 1423. Email: stratfordstrawberries@gmail.com. Open: We are only open during the Strawberry Season, since that is what we specialize in; Open daily from 8am to 7 pm Saturdays from 8am to 5pm Sundays from 10am to 5pm please call in advance, opening hours on Sundays depend on availability. Directions: Going South \(towards London\) on Erie Street we are the first farm located outside the Stratford City Limit on the left hand side, just kiddy corner to Ed\'s Concrete Products. The intersection of Line 29 and Perth Road 119. Please watch for signs. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
  Walch Family Strawberries Facebook page. Fax: 519 272 1354 We are only open during the Strawberry Season, since that is what we specialize in; Open daily from 8am to 7 pm Saturdays from 8am to 5pm Sundays from 10am to 5pm (please call in advance, opening hours on Sundays depend on availability)Going South (towards London) on Erie Street we are the first farm located outside the Stratford City Limit on the left hand side, just kiddy corner to Ed's Concrete Products. The intersection of Line 29 and Perth Road 119. Please watch for signsStrawberries: about mid or end of June until about mid July (depending on the year and weather) Please call in advance to find out when season starts. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicalsWe specialize in Strawberries!

Waterloo (Breslau, Cambridge, Kitchener,North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot, Woolrich)

• Anthony Fay - Strawberries
  RR#2, Breslau, ON . Phone: 519-648-2865. Email: ajdfay@hotmail.com. Click here for a map and directions. Hwy #7 midway between Kitchener & Guelph across from Waterloo Flower. Near Kitchener.
• Herrle's Country Farm Market - Strawberries, Pumpkins
  1243 Erb\'s Road, Street, St. Agatha, ON N0B 2L0. Phone: 519-886-7576. Email: info@herries.com. Open: see their website. Click here for a map and directions. Fax: 519-886-1101 Near Kitchener. Also: Sweet Corn, Peas, Beans, .Bakery, Frozen Yogurt & Market.
  Comments from a visitor on July 11, 2010: "I have taken my own children and my home daycare children to this farm for a few years now, and love it. The only pick your own they have now is the strawberries and they are so worth it! These strawberries practically melt in your mouth and are so sweet! If you missed the early season this year, they do still have some out in baskets inside; all the flavour without all the work of picking it yourself! I have never had a bad experience there. Small and friendly. I'll continue to go back there every year!"
  Comments from a visitor on July 08, 2009: "I have picked strawberries here for two years in a row, and twice already this season. I love this pick your own farm and recommend it. They also have a great market and bakery inside and even a play area for the children. I find the staff to ALWAYS be friendly and helpful."

Wellington (Guelph, Mapleton, Minto, Puslinch, Wellington area)

• Butt's Berry Farm - blueberries, gooseberries, pumpkins, raspberries (red), strawberries, U-pick and already picked, farm market
  5838. 5 Th Line, Rockwood, ON N0B2K0. Phone: (529) 856-0270. Email: robinwithers1@gmail.com. Open: Hours differ daily, so call before coming. Directions: GPS. 5838. 5 th line, Guelph Eramosa. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
  Butt's Berry Farm Facebook page. GPS. 5838. 5 th line, Guelph/ EramosaStrawberry season is usually mid June for 3 weeks; Raspberries follow for 2 weeks; Gooseberries mid July; Blueberry pyo starting July 2020; Pumpkins end of September; (UPDATED: August 05, 2019)
• Marcy's Berries - raspberries (red), raspberries (black), strawberries,
  1747 Valens Road R. R. # 3, Puslinch, ON N0B 2J0. Phone: 519-623-0219. Email: keith.marcy@sympatico.ca. Open: Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 8 pm June and July, Closed Sundays. Directions: 13 kilometres east of Cambridge, 8 kilometres west of Freelton on Regional Road 97 near the Valens Conservation Area. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Cheque, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. Fax: 519-623-4758 (UPDATED: June 05, 2014, by JBS)
• Reroot Organic Farm - ORGANIC, beans, peas, saskatoons, strawberries, tomatoes,
  5642 11th Line, Harriston, ON N0G 1Z0. Phone: 519-820-1891. Email: info@reroot.ca. Open: June 1 to October 31. Directions: RR#4 . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
  Reroot Organic Farm Facebook page. We are certified organic for some crops
• Thatcher Farms - Strawberries, restrooms, concessions or refreshment stand, farm animals
  5727 5th Line of Eramosa, Rockwood, ON N0B 2K0. Phone: . Open: Tuesday to Friday: 7am to 5pm; Saturday: 10am to 5pm; Sunday: 11am to 4pm. Directions: See their website for directions. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard .

 

Strawberry

Strawberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

In the U.S. strawberries typically peak during April in Florida and Texas, May in the deep South, and in early June in middle sections and later June in the far North and Canada. Keep in mind that 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 strawberries, producers depend on ideal spring weather conditions. 

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - strawberries are affected by weather (both rain and cooler temperature) 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 strawberries, 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 strawberries 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 Strawberries

1. Grasp the stem just above the berry between the forefinger and the thumbnail and pull with a slight twisting motion.

2. With the stem broken about one-half inch from the berry, allow it to roll into the palm of your hand.

3. Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 berries. 

4. Carefully place - don't throw - the fruit into your containers. Repeat the picking process with both hands.

5. Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the berries down.

General Picking Tips

Whether you pick strawberries from your garden or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Be careful that your feet and knees do not damage plants or fruit in or along the edge of the row.
   
2. Pick only the berries that are fully red. Part the leaves with your hands to look for hidden berries ready for harvest.
   
3. To help the farmers, also remove from the plants berries showing rot, sunburn, insect injury or other defects and place them between the rows behind you. If they are left in the plants, the rot will quickly spread to other berries.
   
4. Berries to be used immediately may be picked any time, but if you plan to hold the fruit for a few days, try to pick in the early morning or on cool, cloudy days. Berries picked during the heat of the day become soft, are easily bruised and will not keep well.
   
5. Avoid placing the picked berries in the sunshine 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. Strawberries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for two or three, 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.
   
6. For interesting and fun strawberry facts and trivia from the California Strawberry Commission, click here!

When you get home

1. DON'T wash the berries until you are ready to use 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 and cut the caps (green tops) off the others and freeze them up! (Unless you're going to make jam right away) See this page about how to freeze strawberries.
4. If you like the strawberries you picked, ask the farm what variety they planted, and not the weather conditions the week or two before. The flavor of a strawberry is affected by the variety, the weather and the degree of ripeness when picked.
5. Now, get ready to make strawberry jam. It is VERY easy - especially with our free strawberry jam instructions - they're illustrated and easy.

Strawberry Recipes, Canning and Freezing Strawberries

• How to freeze strawberries!
• Strawberry jam (with pectin) (uses less sugar or honey and less cooking)
• Strawberry jam (without pectin) (requires much more sugar and cooking)
• Strawberry (and other berry) jams without sugar
• Strawberry jelly
• Strawberry-rhubarb jam!
• Homemade strawberry ice cream (regular, low fat, nonfat, low sugar, vanilla and even gelato)
• Canning strawberries
• Make gourmet chocolate-covered strawberries
• How to make fruit juice -  strawberry and other berries
• Strawberry pie filling
• Strawberry pie
• Easy Rhubarb-Strawberry pie
• Fig-strawberry jam
• Fig-strawberry jam, made with Jello gelatin

Strawberry Facts, Measurements and Tips

• Picking the best strawberries: Select firm, fully red berries. Strawberries DO NOT continue ripen after they are picked! In the photo, only the berry on the far right is completely ripe.
• Strawberry festivals: Most areas that grow strawberries have a strawberry festival, at which you can taste all kinds of fresh strawberry foods, pies, jams, cakes - and most commonly, fresh strawberry shortcake.  To find out where and when there is one near you, see this page for a list of strawberry festivals, sorted by state!
• Strawberries measurements: government agriculture websites tell us that
  1 quart = 2 pints = 4 cups and is about the same as 1 liter and
  1 quart of fresh strawberries weighs 1 lbs to 1.25 lbs (or 450 to 600 g). Of course, the weight varies on variety and weather conditions. 
  1 quart is normally enough for 4 servings, although I'll admit my son can eat 1 pint by himself!
• How much to pick? In general, 1 quart of fresh, whole, just-picked strawberries = approximately 3.5 cups hulled, whole berries. In other words, removing the caps/hulls and the occasional mushy berry means you lose 1/4 cup to 1/2 (it depends how much fruit you remove with the hull) or about 7 to 12% of every quart you pick.
• One cup of strawberries contains only about 50 calories
• U-pick strawberries are much healthier than store-bought.  Consumer reports says store bought strawberries have so many pesticide and fungicide residues on they, that they don't recommend you eat them at all!
• U-pick strawberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. 1 lbs of fresh strawberries is about 2/3 of a quart.
• It takes about  10 to 15 minutes to pick a quart, if the berries are reasonably plentiful
• The strawberry plant adapts to wide variety of soil conditions, but does not tolerate drought well, and the berries quickly rot if the weather is rainy. For this reason, the plants are usually grown on raised beds through plastic mulch!
• Cultivation of strawberries began in Europe in the 1300's, but the berry only became very popular in the early 1900's in California.
• Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as strawberries 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 grow your own strawberries?  Here's an article about how to: Strawberries are an Excellent Fruit for the Home Garden, HYG-1424-98!
• See this page for many more fun and interesting strawberry facts, nutritional information and trivia

Other weird strawberry facts

• Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside.
• Strawberries were originally called strewberries because the fruit was 'strewn' amongst the leaves of the plant.
• California is king of strawberry productions because: California produces 75 percent of the nation's strawberry crops; one billion pounds of strawberries each year.  If all the strawberries produced in California in one year were laid berry to berry, they would go around the world 15 times. Each acre of land in California in strawberry production produces an average of 21 tons of strawberries annually, with a total of 23,000 acres of strawberries planted in California each year.

More conversions

1 pint (2 cups)  of fresh whole strawberries

• = about 8 oz (1/2 lb) of strawberries
• = 2.25 cups of sliced strawberries
• = 1 cup pureed strawberries
• = 12-14 large strawberries

2 quarts of fresh strawberries are needed for a 9" pie

A 10 oz package of frozen berries is about the same as 1 cup of sliced fresh strawberries

References:

• University of Illinois Extension
• Driscolls
• Ohio State University Extension
• Strawberries-Average retail price per pound and per cup equivalent

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