Find a local pick your own farm here!

Strawberry U-Pick Orchards in Northeastern Pennsylvania 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 state 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.

Carbon County

Lackawanna County

  • LaCoe's Berry Nice Farm - blackberries, blueberries, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), rhubarb, strawberries, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available
    10038 Valley View Drive, Clarks Summit, PA 18411. Phone: (570) 561-4031. Email: lacoesberrynicefarm@gmail.com. Open: Berry picking begins in early June and lasts until late August; U-Pick berries throughout the summer. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Alternate Phone: (570) 587-3599Berries grown include strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, black raspberry, and blackberries. Berry picking begins in early June. Follow our Facebook page for the most up to date hours and to find out what berries are in season (ADDED: May 26, 2017)
  • LaCoe's Berry Nice Farm - blackberries, blueberries, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), rhubarb, strawberries, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available
    10038 Valley View Drive, Clarks Summit, PA 18411. Phone: (570) 561-4031. Email: lacoesberrynicefarm@gmail.com. Open: Berry picking begins in early June and lasts until late August; U-Pick berries throughout the summer. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Alternate Phone: (570) 587-3599Berries grown include strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, black raspberry, and blackberries. Berry picking begins in early June. Follow our Facebook page for the most up to date hours and to find out what berries are in season (ADDED: May 26, 2017)
  • Lakeland Orchard and Cidery - apples, strawberries, vegetables, sunflowers
    1649 Lakeland Drive, Scott Township, PA 18433. Phone: (570) 254-6038. Email: info@lakelandorchard.com. Open: starting in mid-June with strawberries, through October with apples. Click here for a map and directions.
    Lakeland Orchard and Cidery Facebook page. They've added lots of new vegetables and fruits available for guests to pick themselves! Some of our new crops include eggplant (pictured blooming), watermelon, cantaloupe, sweet corn, three kinds of beans, a variety of winter squash, and so many more! Facebook page. Catch a wagon ride to their ever 3-acre field of strawberries. Strawberry Festival in June. Come out to Lakeland Orchard to pick the freshest and best tasting veggies. This year's offerings include, but are not limited to, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, beans, zucchini & squash, cucumbers, and potatoes! The vegetable garden will open mid July with tomatoes & peppers and stay open through October with potatoes & sweet potatoes. Vegetable availability will change each week so be sure to follow our social media channels for updates. Apples: They currently have over 20,000 trees growing more than 30 different kinds of apples! They take great care to prioritize the taste and quality of the apples that They grow and sell. While you're here, be sure to stop by our flower fields and take home a bucket of blooms while they last! Their varieties of apples ripen from Labor Day Weekend through the end of October. They will put out weekly updates on social about what varieties are ready that week. Even an Apple Harvest Festival!. (ADDED: April 9, 2021, JBS)
  • Lakeland Orchard and Cidery - apples, strawberries, vegetables, sunflowers
    1649 Lakeland Drive, Scott Township, PA 18433. Phone: (570) 254-6038. Email: info@lakelandorchard.com. Open: starting in mid-June with strawberries, through October with apples. Click here for a map and directions.
    Lakeland Orchard and Cidery Facebook page. They've added lots of new vegetables and fruits available for guests to pick themselves! Some of our new crops include eggplant (pictured blooming), watermelon, cantaloupe, sweet corn, three kinds of beans, a variety of winter squash, and so many more! Facebook page. Catch a wagon ride to their ever 3-acre field of strawberries. Strawberry Festival in June. Come out to Lakeland Orchard to pick the freshest and best tasting veggies. This year's offerings include, but are not limited to, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, beans, zucchini & squash, cucumbers, and potatoes! The vegetable garden will open mid July with tomatoes & peppers and stay open through October with potatoes & sweet potatoes. Vegetable availability will change each week so be sure to follow our social media channels for updates. Apples: They currently have over 20,000 trees growing more than 30 different kinds of apples! They take great care to prioritize the taste and quality of the apples that They grow and sell. While you're here, be sure to stop by our flower fields and take home a bucket of blooms while they last! Their varieties of apples ripen from Labor Day Weekend through the end of October. They will put out weekly updates on social about what varieties are ready that week. Even an Apple Harvest Festival!. (ADDED: April 9, 2021, JBS)
  • Pallman Farms - strawberries, restrooms, tractor-pulled hayrides
    1511 Summit Lake Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411. Phone: 570-587-3258. Open: 8 am during picking season, Mid June through the Fourth of July U-Pick and fresh already picked strawberries. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Map it , Get directions. Restrooms available at the barn at the pick-up / drop off location. Fresh produce farm market. In the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday Season they have Fresh Turkey and Capons. Make your next holiday meal complete with a fresh dressed Pallman turkey or capon!
    Comments from a visitor on September 14, 2011: "It is a fairly large operation - tractors take the pickers out to the fields. Buckets can be purchased at the barn. There is fresh produce available at the weigh-in station as well."
  • Pallman Farms - strawberries, restrooms, tractor-pulled hayrides
    1511 Summit Lake Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411. Phone: 570-587-3258. Open: 8 am during picking season, Mid June through the Fourth of July U-Pick and fresh already picked strawberries. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Map it , Get directions. Restrooms available at the barn at the pick-up / drop off location. Fresh produce farm market. In the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday Season they have Fresh Turkey and Capons. Make your next holiday meal complete with a fresh dressed Pallman turkey or capon!
    Comments from a visitor on September 14, 2011: "It is a fairly large operation - tractors take the pickers out to the fields. Buckets can be purchased at the barn. There is fresh produce available at the weigh-in station as well."

Luzerne County

  • Pumpkin Hill - strawberries, cucumbers, peppers, green beans
    250 Wapwallopen Road, Nescopeck, PA 18635. Phone: 570-379-2106. Open: call for hours. Directions: They are on route 239 2 miles north of route 93 in Nescopeck Township. They are well known for our yellow somborka peppers, people travel from New York City just for our somborka peppers. Call them for availability of our yellow peppers or other varieties of peppers. Yellow peppers and other peppers are in season from mid-August until frost. They have been told that they have the best strawberries in the county! They are up to 8 acres of pick-your-own strawberries; bring your own containers. Lat - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions. They are on route 239 2 miles north of route 93 in Nescopeck Township. They are well known for our yellow somborka peppers, people travel from New York City just for our somborka peppers. Call them for availability of our yellow peppers or other varieties of peppers. Yellow peppers and other peppers are in season from mid-August until frost. They have been told that they have the best strawberries in the county! They are up to 8 acres of pick-your-own strawberries; bring your own containers. Later pick your own peppers! Hot and sweet somborka's, sweet Italian, cubanelles, bells, anchos, jalapenos, hot banana, cherry peppers and thai hot peppers...pretty soon Carolina reapers. It's a 50lbs minimum picking your own. Mix and match. Even pick your own green string beans and pickling cucumbers. Facebook page.
    Comments from a visitor on June 06, 2010: "My family and I have been picking strawberries at this farm since I was a child. I have many happy memories there and continue to make new memories there with my friends and family. And the strawberries are fantastic!!"
  • Pumpkin Hill - strawberries, cucumbers, peppers, green beans
    250 Wapwallopen Road, Nescopeck, PA 18635. Phone: 570-379-2106. Open: call for hours. Directions: They are on route 239 2 miles north of route 93 in Nescopeck Township. They are well known for our yellow somborka peppers, people travel from New York City just for our somborka peppers. Call them for availability of our yellow peppers or other varieties of peppers. Yellow peppers and other peppers are in season from mid-August until frost. They have been told that they have the best strawberries in the county! They are up to 8 acres of pick-your-own strawberries; bring your own containers. Lat - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions. They are on route 239 2 miles north of route 93 in Nescopeck Township. They are well known for our yellow somborka peppers, people travel from New York City just for our somborka peppers. Call them for availability of our yellow peppers or other varieties of peppers. Yellow peppers and other peppers are in season from mid-August until frost. They have been told that they have the best strawberries in the county! They are up to 8 acres of pick-your-own strawberries; bring your own containers. Later pick your own peppers! Hot and sweet somborka's, sweet Italian, cubanelles, bells, anchos, jalapenos, hot banana, cherry peppers and thai hot peppers...pretty soon Carolina reapers. It's a 50lbs minimum picking your own. Mix and match. Even pick your own green string beans and pickling cucumbers. Facebook page.
    Comments from a visitor on June 06, 2010: "My family and I have been picking strawberries at this farm since I was a child. I have many happy memories there and continue to make new memories there with my friends and family. And the strawberries are fantastic!!"

Monroe County

  • Gould's Produce and Farm Market - strawberries,
    Frable Road, Brodheadsville, PA 18322. Phone: 570-992-5615. Open: Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 9am to 5pm. Directions: For a map to our farm, . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, WIC Vouchers.
    Gould's Produce and Farm Market Facebook page. Fax: 570-992-1928 They also offer (in season) fresh-picked peas, sweet corn, string beans, cucumbers, peaches, apples and much more. Keep checking their website for what's in season. Goulds Produce and Farm Market Facebook page
  • Gould's Produce and Farm Market - strawberries,
    Frable Road, Brodheadsville, PA 18322. Phone: 570-992-5615. Open: Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 9am to 5pm. Directions: For a map to our farm, . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, WIC Vouchers.
    Gould's Produce and Farm Market Facebook page. Fax: 570-992-1928 They also offer (in season) fresh-picked peas, sweet corn, string beans, cucumbers, peaches, apples and much more. Keep checking their website for what's in season. Goulds Produce and Farm Market Facebook page

Northampton County

  • Filchner's Plants and Produce - strawberries, pumpkins
    548 Monocacy Drive, Bath, PA 18014. Phone: 610-837-9582. Email: filchners@aol.com. Click here for a map and directions. Filchner's Plants and Produce . Monday: 9 am to 7 pm Tuesday: 9 am to 7 pm Wednesday: 9 am to 7 pm Thursday: 9 am to 7 pm Friday: 9 am to 7 pm Saturday: 9 am to 7 pm Sunday: 9 am to 7 pm Season: March 20th, Spring - December 25th Exceptions: Closed November 2nd-24th .
  • Filchner's Plants and Produce - strawberries, pumpkins
    548 Monocacy Drive, Bath, PA 18014. Phone: 610-837-9582. Email: filchners@aol.com. Click here for a map and directions. Filchner's Plants and Produce . Monday: 9 am to 7 pm Tuesday: 9 am to 7 pm Wednesday: 9 am to 7 pm Thursday: 9 am to 7 pm Friday: 9 am to 7 pm Saturday: 9 am to 7 pm Sunday: 9 am to 7 pm Season: March 20th, Spring - December 25th Exceptions: Closed November 2nd-24th .
  • Seiple Farms - pumpkins, strawberries, peas, snap peas, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, school tours, Christmas trees
    5761 Nor- Bath Blvd., Bath, PA 18014. Phone: 610-837-6282. Email: seiplefarms@yahoo.com. Open: Pick your own strawberries and peas starting early June 2021; Please see Seiple Farms Facebook page for exact opening date; Monday to Friday 9 am to 7 pm, Saturday 9 am to 4 pm, Sunday 9 am to 2 pm. Directions: From route 22, take Airport Road North \(Route 987\) for approximately 3.2 miles. Turn left on Nor-Bath Blvd. The farm will be on your right hand side!. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
    Seiple Farms Facebook page. They may not be OPEN every day due to Customer harvest, condition of the crops and weather; which they have no control. During the month of June you can pick your own strawberries, shelling peas, sugar snap peas, and snow peas. All of October, Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays 12 noon to 5 pmFrom route 22, take Airport Road North (Route 987) for approximately 3.2 miles. Turn left on Nor-Bath Blvd. The farm will be on your right hand side!Pumpkin season is the best at! Seiple's is open every weekend in October; The Crayola Factory corn maze, pick your own pumpkins, hayride, amusements, food vendors, farm animals and our haunted house; Amazing fun for the entire family!During the month of June you can pick your own strawberries, shelling peas, sugar snap peas, and snow peas. also has fresh rhubarb for sale. Great for strawberry rhubarb pies, jams and jellies! In 1982, pick your own strawberries was started on one acre and has grown to four acres today. Only a few years later, pick your own pumpkins was started on a quarter acre and has successfully increased to thirty acres of pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, squash and other fall harvest. Today, pumpkins, strawberries, hay, field corn, soy beans, and trees are the primary produce of the farm. Starting in 2011, began offering Christmas trees.
  • Seiple Farms - pumpkins, strawberries, peas, snap peas, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, school tours, Christmas trees
    5761 Nor- Bath Blvd., Bath, PA 18014. Phone: 610-837-6282. Email: seiplefarms@yahoo.com. Open: Pick your own strawberries and peas starting early June 2021; Please see Seiple Farms Facebook page for exact opening date; Monday to Friday 9 am to 7 pm, Saturday 9 am to 4 pm, Sunday 9 am to 2 pm. Directions: From route 22, take Airport Road North \(Route 987\) for approximately 3.2 miles. Turn left on Nor-Bath Blvd. The farm will be on your right hand side!. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
    Seiple Farms Facebook page. They may not be OPEN every day due to Customer harvest, condition of the crops and weather; which they have no control. During the month of June you can pick your own strawberries, shelling peas, sugar snap peas, and snow peas. All of October, Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays 12 noon to 5 pmFrom route 22, take Airport Road North (Route 987) for approximately 3.2 miles. Turn left on Nor-Bath Blvd. The farm will be on your right hand side!Pumpkin season is the best at! Seiple's is open every weekend in October; The Crayola Factory corn maze, pick your own pumpkins, hayride, amusements, food vendors, farm animals and our haunted house; Amazing fun for the entire family!During the month of June you can pick your own strawberries, shelling peas, sugar snap peas, and snow peas. also has fresh rhubarb for sale. Great for strawberry rhubarb pies, jams and jellies! In 1982, pick your own strawberries was started on one acre and has grown to four acres today. Only a few years later, pick your own pumpkins was started on a quarter acre and has successfully increased to thirty acres of pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, squash and other fall harvest. Today, pumpkins, strawberries, hay, field corn, soy beans, and trees are the primary produce of the farm. Starting in 2011, began offering Christmas trees.
  • Valley Fruits and Veggies - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, U-pick and already picked, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, picnic area, school tours, group reservations
    5309 Colony Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18017. Phone: (414) 212-1417. Email: valleyfv@gmail.com. Open: Typical season is late May to late June; Visit their website for the most up - to - date information on how our berries are growing! When the berries are ripe, they are open 7 days a week: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm. Directions: Our farm is located on the corner of Colony Drive and Weaversville Road in Bethlehem \(north of the airport approximately 3 miles\). NOTE: Farm entrance is off of Colony Drive only - across from Bicentennial Park. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
    Valley Fruits and Veggies Facebook page. Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesOur farm is located on the corner of Colony Drive and Weaversville Road in Bethlehem (north of the airport approximately 3 miles). NOTE: Farm entrance is off of Colony Drive only - across from Bicentennial ParkStrawberries are typically ready during the last week of May From there, they have a 21 to 28 day season of awesome berries. They minimize use of pesticides and other chemicalsWhile you pick, enjoy our homemade strawberry shortcake and strawberry milkshakes! Things to remember: - Cash only - Bring the family - They have picking boxes ready for you. (ADDED: April 14, 2019)
  • Valley Fruits and Veggies - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, U-pick and already picked, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, picnic area, school tours, group reservations
    5309 Colony Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18017. Phone: (414) 212-1417. Email: valleyfv@gmail.com. Open: Typical season is late May to late June; Visit their website for the most up - to - date information on how our berries are growing! When the berries are ripe, they are open 7 days a week: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm. Directions: Our farm is located on the corner of Colony Drive and Weaversville Road in Bethlehem \(north of the airport approximately 3 miles\). NOTE: Farm entrance is off of Colony Drive only - across from Bicentennial Park. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
    Valley Fruits and Veggies Facebook page. Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesOur farm is located on the corner of Colony Drive and Weaversville Road in Bethlehem (north of the airport approximately 3 miles). NOTE: Farm entrance is off of Colony Drive only - across from Bicentennial ParkStrawberries are typically ready during the last week of May From there, they have a 21 to 28 day season of awesome berries. They minimize use of pesticides and other chemicalsWhile you pick, enjoy our homemade strawberry shortcake and strawberry milkshakes! Things to remember: - Cash only - Bring the family - They have picking boxes ready for you. (ADDED: April 14, 2019)

Susquehanna County

  • DeHaven Family Farm - apples, blueberries, pumpkins, raspberries (red), strawberries, U-pick and already picked, gift shop, porta-potties are available, picnic area, petting zoo, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations
    6898 State Route 171, Union Dale, PA 18470. Phone: 570-679-2554. Email: chris@dehavenfamilyfarm.com. Open: seven days, 10 am to 6pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
    DeHaven Family Farm Facebook page. In the fall they have a petting zoo and family orientated attractions, including farm tours. Our animals include Nigerian Dwarf goats, KuneKune pigs, and three different breeds of rabbits. (ADDED: October 31, 2015)
  • DeHaven Family Farm - apples, blueberries, pumpkins, raspberries (red), strawberries, U-pick and already picked, gift shop, porta-potties are available, picnic area, petting zoo, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations
    6898 State Route 171, Union Dale, PA 18470. Phone: 570-679-2554. Email: chris@dehavenfamilyfarm.com. Open: seven days, 10 am to 6pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
    DeHaven Family Farm Facebook page. In the fall they have a petting zoo and family orientated attractions, including farm tours. Our animals include Nigerian Dwarf goats, KuneKune pigs, and three different breeds of rabbits. (ADDED: October 31, 2015)

Wyoming County

  • Whistle Pig Pumpkin Patch - pumpkins, raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (black), strawberries, school tours
    3369 Sr 29 South, Noxen, PA 18636. Phone: 570 298 0962. Email: InfoSeek@WhistlePigPumpkin.com. Open: to the public and Group Outings. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
    Whistle Pig Pumpkin Patch Facebook page. . PYO Strawberries in June 7 am to 7 pm PYO Raspberries in July and late August/September 8 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm Our summer business is all about Pick-Your-Own! They offer a relaxed picking environment where children are always welcome. They mostly grow small fruits, but have branched into PYO tomatoes and peppers as well. Facebook page. Below are approximate dates for each crop they offer. Note that timing is very weather dependent.- Strawberries - 2nd week of June to 1st week of July- Rhubarb - early June for about three weeks- Red Raspberries - late June until first killing frost in Oct.- Black Raspberries - very late June for two weeks- Blueberries - mid-July through early September- Blackberries - late august for three weeks - ***None in 2018 ***- Tomatoes & peppers - late august for about four weeksHours hours vary based on the crops that they are picking. Always check their website or call 570-298-0962 to check specific hours.- Strawberries, they are generally open every day but Monday, 7 Am to 6 Pm- Raspberries and blueberries, they are open every day but Monday and Thursday, 8 Am to 1 Pm with some extended hours**** Heavy rains or crop conditions can cause them to close on short notice sometimes. Please call 570-298-0962 to check conditions before coming out.They have Group Outings which include hayrides, campfire and pumpkin picking. They also have a four acre corn maze open strawberries, summer and fall red raspberries, black raspberries, blackberries, pumpkins, and gourds. In the fall, there are hayrides, a corn maze, and rustic campfire outings in our wooded picnic areas
  • Whistle Pig Pumpkin Patch - pumpkins, raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (black), strawberries, school tours
    3369 Sr 29 South, Noxen, PA 18636. Phone: 570 298 0962. Email: InfoSeek@WhistlePigPumpkin.com. Open: to the public and Group Outings. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
    Whistle Pig Pumpkin Patch Facebook page. . PYO Strawberries in June 7 am to 7 pm PYO Raspberries in July and late August/September 8 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm Our summer business is all about Pick-Your-Own! They offer a relaxed picking environment where children are always welcome. They mostly grow small fruits, but have branched into PYO tomatoes and peppers as well. Facebook page. Below are approximate dates for each crop they offer. Note that timing is very weather dependent.- Strawberries - 2nd week of June to 1st week of July- Rhubarb - early June for about three weeks- Red Raspberries - late June until first killing frost in Oct.- Black Raspberries - very late June for two weeks- Blueberries - mid-July through early September- Blackberries - late august for three weeks - ***None in 2018 ***- Tomatoes & peppers - late august for about four weeksHours hours vary based on the crops that they are picking. Always check their website or call 570-298-0962 to check specific hours.- Strawberries, they are generally open every day but Monday, 7 Am to 6 Pm- Raspberries and blueberries, they are open every day but Monday and Thursday, 8 Am to 1 Pm with some extended hours**** Heavy rains or crop conditions can cause them to close on short notice sometimes. Please call 570-298-0962 to check conditions before coming out.They have Group Outings which include hayrides, campfire and pumpkin picking. They also have a four acre corn maze open strawberries, summer and fall red raspberries, black raspberries, blackberries, pumpkins, and gourds. In the fall, there are hayrides, a corn maze, and rustic campfire outings in our wooded picnic areas

 

Strawberry

Strawberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

strawberry pick-your-own field

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. strawberry picking bucket from Washington FarmsMost 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.


    strawberries, just picked from the fieldIf 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.Sttawberry bush with ripe strawberries, up close

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.how to pick strawberries

  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

close-up of the rows in a strawberry patch at at PYO strawberry fieldWhether 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

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 onstrawberries shown in different stages of ripeness 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.crowded parking at a Strawberry u-pick field
  • 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:

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)