2024 Windsor, Chatham, Southwest Ontario Strawberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Strawberry U-Pick Orchards in Windsor, Chatham, Southwest 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.

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

Chatham-Kent (Bothwell, Chatham-Kent, Dresden, Glencoe)

• Boley Farms - pumpkins, raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes
  6607 Riverview Line, Chatham, ON N7M 5T1. Phone: 519-351-6786. Click here for a map and directions. UPDATE for 2020, Their website 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 meFollow Hwy. 401 to exit 81, Bloomfield Rd. approx. midway between London and Windsor. Go left/north 6 km to Riverview, then left/west 6 km to #6604 on left. We also have fresh picked cucumber, currants, gooseberries, pumpkins, raspberries, squash, strawberries, tomatoes. (ADDED: June 10, 2014X)
• Pardo's Berrie Farm - beans, blackberries, blueberries, peas, peaches, peppers, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), strawberries, farm market
  7951 Talbot Trail, Blenheim, ON N0P 1A0. Phone: 519-676-2008. Email: rpardo@ciaccess.com. Open: Monday to Thursday from 8am to 8pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday 8am to 6pm. Directions: 4 KM West of Cedar Springs on Talbot Trail. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Cheque. Fax: 519-676-4419 Strawberries: June 15 to July 15 Raspberries: July 10 to August 10 Blueberries: July 15 to September 10 Blackberries August 15 to September 20 Peaches August 05 to September 5
• Sno-Berries c/o Brad Snobelen Farms - raspberries, strawberries, and prepicked produce
  12272 McKays Line, East of McKays Corners, Kent Bridge, ON N0P 1V0. Phone: 519-674-0504. Email: snobelen@ciaccess.com. Open: June, July, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 8 am to 5 pm. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Strawberries : June 15 -June 30 Raspberries : July 1 - July 25 From 401, take the Ridgetown exit north towards Thamesville .At Mckays Line, turn left, about 2 k, farm on left hand side . We are in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, from McKays Corners, east on Mckays Line 3 K

Essex (Essex, Kingsville, Lakeshore, Lasalle, Leamington, Windsor)

• Arrow Farms - strawberries
  951 9th Concession, Maidstone, ON N0R 1K0. Phone: 519-727-6418. Open: Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm. Directions: Located on the right. Click here for a map and directions. From Windsor, take County Road #42 east to the 9th Concession of Maidstone Twp. (1.5 km east of Manning Rd). Turn south and continue for 3 km. The farm is . We also have fresh picked beans, beets, cabbage, corn, cucumber, eggplants, onions, peppers, , tomatoes.
• Clarkson's Roadstand - strawberries, porta-potties are available
  492 County Road 34 W, Essex, ON N8M 2X5. Phone: 519-839-5553. Email: cclarkson7@cogeco.ca. Open: Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm and Saturday and Sunday 8am to 7pm. Directions: Please click on Google maps to locate us. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Come out and enjoy the big sweet June berries the best in the county.
• Meleg's Lakeview Orchard - apples, blackberries, cherries, peaches, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), strawberries, Other fruit or veg, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), U-pick and already picked, restrooms
  158 Arner Townline, Kingsville, ON N9Y 2E6. Phone: 519 733-4857. Email: tmeleg@xplornet.com. Open: Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 6. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Picking updates: Click here for picking updates Other fruits: plums, peaches, pears, nectarine, melons, honeydew, watermelons, pumpkins Vegetables: bean, potatoes, pickles, onions, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet corn Other products: paprika spice, apple cider vinegar, jams, local honey. (UPDATED: June 21, 2019, JBS)
• Raymont's Berries - strawberries, farmstand
  445E County Road 14, Cottam, ON N0R 1N0. Phone: :519 839-5422. Email: raymontsberries@live.com. Open: Farm market open daily from 9 am to 6 pm and pick your own when is season. Directions: Located on County road 14, east of Cottam, 7 km from County road 27. Click here for a map and directions. .

Lambton (Algonac, Petrolia, Plympton-Wyoming, Sarnia, Warwick)

• Around the Bend Berry Farm - blueberries, strawberries,
  8591 Goosemarsh Line, Grand Bend, ON N0M 1T0. Phone: 519 243 3009. Open: Sunday to Sunday from 8 to 8 while berries are in season. Directions: One kilometre south of the Pinery Provincial Park Entrance on Highway 21. Left on Jenna Road. Right on Goosemarsh Line. 8591 Goosemarsh Line. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. (ADDED: June 07, 2015)
• Meleg's Lakeview Orchard and Cider Mil - apples, blueberries, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, currants, gooseberries, blackberries pears, plums
  166 Arner Townline, Kingsville, ON N9Y 2E6. Phone: 519-733-4857. Email: melegsorchard@yahoo.com. Open: Open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, closed on Saturdays, Their season starts with haskaps followed by strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, currants, gooseberries, blackberries pears, plums & apples. Click here for a map and directions. Both red and black currants! The berry season is short so enjoy whole you can! They also have ready picked homegrown fruits and local veggies! Note: In 2022, Arner bridge is closed so there is 5 min detour. Directions if you are coming from Kingsville. Or from Windsor Costco. (ADDED: July 15, 2022, JBS)
• Mr. D's Produce - strawberries and raspberries, Farmers Market
  1000 Dolson, Harrow, ON N0R 1G0. Phone: 226-757-0067. Email: dennismeleg@gmail.com. Open: see their page. Click here for a map and directions. . Pick your own strawberries and raspberries when in season. Fresh produce grown on our farm available at Amherstburg Farmers' Market every Saturday from 8:30am to 1:30pm. DM on Facebook for availability. They have pick your own raspberries and strawberries, including an exceptionally late strawberry variety in early July(ADDED: July 15, 2022, JBS)
• Zekveld's Garden Market - Strawberries, Raspberries,
  4622 London line, Wyoming, ON N0N 1T0. Phone: 519-845-3482. Email: jzekveld@xcelo.on.ca. Open: call or see their website for hours and availability. Click here for a map and directions. Fax: 519-845-1079 one quarter mile east of Reeces Corners. Take #21 south Wyoming off 402. Near Sarnia. Also: Peppers, Apples

 

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