2024 Boston and surrounding counties in Massachusetts Strawberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Strawberry U-Pick Orchards in Boston and surrounding counties in Massachusetts 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.

Essex County

• Boston Hill Farm - U-pick Strawberries, blueberries, peaches, apples and Pumpkins, Hayrides ,
  Route 114, North Andover, MA 01845. Phone: 978-681-8556. Email: bostonhillfarm@verizon.net. Open: Year round from 9 am to 6 pm, Fall Festival is every weekend following Labor Day through and including the last weekend of October. Click here for a map and directions. . Year round from 9 am to 6 pm, Fall Festival is every weekend following Labor Day through (and including) the last weekend of October. Take a hayride to your destination whether it is to scout out the perfect pumpkin or to wander the apple orchard to pick your favorite apple. We have Macintosh, Cortland and Macoun apples to suit everyone's taste and baking needs! We also have peaches. If you are looking for a pumpkin, search our Pumpkin Patch for the very best shaped pumpkin to carve your favorite spooky face or creative holiday designs. Whatever you choose, we're sure you will find the right one for you! We also have Sugar pumpkins which can be purchased at the Farm Store. Hayrides and festivals in the fall with fresh pies and cider donuts. Fresh vegetables and fruit all season in the Farm Store. Facebook page
  Comments from a visitor on October 14, 2008: "We went to Boston Hill this weekend (Oct 13th), and it was perfect for my 9-year-old "Little Sister" from the Big Sister program. The apples were easy picking, since all the trees are dwarf trees, they were absolutely delicious, and the pumpkins were easy to pick out from the field. There was a hay ride for those who didn't want to walk, a playground she absolutely loved, animals to pet and look at, ice cream, and a bakery with home-made apple donuts. We had a good time!"
• Brooksby Farm - apples, blueberries, cherries, flowers, nectarines, peaches, pumpkins, rhubarb, strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info), weddings, Honey from hives on the farm,
  38 Felton St, Peabody, MA 01960. Phone: 978-531-7456. Email: Brooksby@peabody-ma.gov. Open: mid-June to February daily from 9am to 5 pm; Strawberry start in mid June; Apples start September 6; Peach mid Aug. Directions: Rt128 to Rt114 Call for more directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. We have seasonal Pick Your Own Fruits: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches and apples. Our garden vegetables are ready in July and we harvest thru early fall. Then our winter squash and apples carry us thru December. Visit our bakery for delicious cider donuts, hot mulled cider, cold cider and coffee. Make time to browse through our holiday filled farm store and take in the warm, inviting - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. Fax: 9785311631 Rt128 to Rt114 Call for more directionsWe have seasonal Pick Your Own Fruits: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches and apples. Our garden vegetables are ready in July and we harvest thru early fall. Then our winter squash and apples carry us thru December. Visit our bakery for delicious cider donuts, hot mulled cider, cold cider and coffee. Make time to browse through our holiday filled farm store and take in the warm, inviting atmosphere. We have many unique gift ideas, holiday decorations and ornaments, baked goods, soy candles, fudge, candies, and gift baskets. While here visit our barnyard animals, take in the beautiful views, take a deep breath and relax. Weddings at the Felton-Smith Historic Site. The Smith Barn is the perfect setting for your special day. Birthday Parties: Have your birthday party or group activity at. Reservations only. Field Trips: Our field trips are designed for Pre-k to 3rd grade, daycare groups, home schools, and mothers groups. Picnic Tables - Bring a lunch and enjoy your surroundings. Owned by the City of Peabody, is a 270 acre farm and apple/peach orchard located in the heart of Peabody just 20 miles North of Boston. We offer seasonal pick your own fruits, farm store, barnyard animals and our own vegetables See LessCome pick your own fruits seasonally, shop our farm store and visit our barnyard animals.Be good to yourself.. support local farming!The ONLY Autumn pyo crops offered are apples, some fruits in summer, but no pears anymore. (UPDATED: October 07, 2023)
  Comments from a visitor on July 20, 2020: "Keep in mind, this is owned by the city government, so they are going overboard with the COVID paranoia outdoors. Worldwide there are no documented and verified cases of COVID transmission outdoors, so says the CDC. "
  Comments from a visitor on August 18, 2011: "We just visited to pick peaches this morning, August 18, 2011. There were a lot of peaches on the trees, but we had to look carefully to find many that were ripe. A 1/2 peck is $8.00. We weighed ours at home and it comes to about 6 1/4 lbs. Bags need to be purchased at the farm stand before entering the you-pick area."
• Cider Hill Farm - apples, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries.
  45 Fern Avenue, Amesbury, MA . Phone: 978-388-5525. Open: for the season 7 days a week from early May until the day before Thanksgiving. Directions: Interstate 95 to Exit 1 in New Hampshire. Go West 2 miles Route 107 to Route 150. South 2 miles on Route 150, turn left onto Fern Ave. to barn and farm store. Or, Route 495 to exit 54. Turn right at bottom onto Rt.150. Go North through Amesbury. Turn right onto Fern Ave. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Cider Hill Farm Facebook page. Our hours are 8am to 6pm every day until daylight savings ends, and from 8am to 5pm thereafter Facebook page.
  Comments from a visitor on August 05, 2011: "I have taken my family there for about 6 years for apple picking and each year I look forward to going there. They care about the produce they grow first and foremost. The quality of their apples is always excellent and their fields are kept clean and orderly with markings so you can tell what varieties are in which rows. They also have a corn maze, chickens and goats for the kids to feed, and a tractor ride out to the fields. They have a little bakery in a barn that makes and sells different baked goods but try their cinnamon-sugar cider donuts. They are delicious! The only negative I could say is that if you don't go early for the apples you have to hike up the hill and it is steep."
  Comments from a visitor on July 19, 2011: "My boyfriend and I went to this past weekend, and found it as charming and fun and welcoming as our first time last year. The red and black raspberry picking was fantastic, the shop had many tasty treats, and the staff was wonderfully helpful. You pick on the honor system - no one is hovering to make sure you're not sampling. We even enjoyed some refreshing beverages and farm-made treats (cider donuts and strawberry-chocolate muffins - YUUMMMM!!!) in their picnic area before leaving. We intend to return very soon to get more blueberries! We love so much, we decided to come back to this website to give them a good review! ;-)"
  Comments from a visitor on August 06, 2009: "They do both PYO and harvest for others to sell in their barn/store. Peaches, berries, apples.. most of the rest is harvested and sold in the store. Excellent place. They have a great old donut maker and make the BEST fresh donuts; their apple cider is awesome; a bee hive that kids can look at (behind plexiglass with a tube that funnels to the outside. Pretty cool. In the past few years they have installed 3 windmills and solar panels. Re. organic.. I know they spray the berries pre-blossom but not after. Wish they offer more organic. They have a big chicken yard (.50 will buy your child a little cup of chicken feed) and a couple of goats. It's a beautiful place offering some plants in the spring and a great barn seasonally full of all sorts of things. "
  Comments from a visitor on August 28, 2008: "I've been taking my son here for about 10 years and every year is better. Apple picking at the base of the hill for those who can't climb or don't want to take the hayride up. They continually add more types of fresh produce they sell in their store. There are animals and play area for the kids. We've moved about 45 minutes away and still drive to Cider Hill. No one will ever beat their hot cider donuts!"
• Connors Farm - apples, blueberries, peaches, pumpkins, raspberries, strawberries,
  30 Valley Rd rte35, Danvers, MA 01923. Phone: 978-777-1245. Email: info@connorsfarm.com. Open: see our website for current hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard.
  Connors Farm Facebook page. . Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October In June our annual Strawberry Festival Blueberry Picking as well as strawberry picking; Connors Corn Maze is open Saturday Sept 13 to Friday October 31 2008Facebook page. They have vegetable seedlings, perennials, annual flowers, hanging baskets, Vine-ripened tomatoes, lettuce, squash, carrots, beets, herbs and other fresh fruits and vegetables fresh eggs, fresh pasta, jams, jellies, breads, cookies, hot coffees, Homemade Ice Cream, frozen chicken an beef patties, and fruit pies, Apple cider Doughnuts Weekend BQ's Champions BQ team will be serving up the best BQ food Large Groups please contact us ahead of time so that we can schedule a catered lunch. Pony ride will begin every Sat & Sun starting Sept 13th. pick-your-own crops: Strawberries: mid-June to mid-July, Peas: mid-June to mid-July Peaches: mid-July to mid-September Blueberries: mid-July to mid-August Raspberries: early July to frost Cut Flowers: early July to frost Apples: Labor Day to Halloween; Pumpkins: October.
  Comments from a visitor on September 05, 2011: (negative) "We wanted an end of summer farm day and, based on what is in season, looked for a farm with pick your own raspberries AND peaches. in Danvers fit the bill so we headed there. We had to pre-pay for a peach peck bag while the raspberries were to be weighed and paid for afterwrds. And I had to sign a waiver saying I had been warned there were bees at the back of the peach orchard. The girl that helped me told me both were out back behind the pond nad there would be signs. Well, there were no signs at all and only one other group picking peaches. Almost none of the peaches were ripe and if we hadn't pre-paid for the bag, we probably would have left sooner. We willed our bag with the ripest we could find/reach but there were not only bees (they KEEP bees behind the field), but, more annoying, mosquitos everywhere despite it being midday and sunny. Perhaps this is related to the pond which appeared to be completely still. My 6 year old daughter got it worst - she has more than a dozen bites"
  Comments from a visitor on September 27, 2009: (negative) "On 9/26/09, my family & I decided to go apple picking. I wanted some place different. I went on this website and chose Connor's farm in Danvers, MA. It was a beautiful day and I expected it to be busy. If you were there for the corn maize or the family toddler section then it would of been fine. We were there to pick apples. We found the apple tree's by a small sign. There were no markings to say which tree's for which apples. There was no one working out in the fields so we could ask questions. I found the orchard was neglected. Vines and weeds and such were growing over and around the very small trees, sunlight couldn't even get into the apples to ripen. I wanted to leave and get my money back for the pre-paid bag purchase. We were there so, we filled the bag with what we could gather that were worthy apples. I came home and made apple sauce with them. Not worth eating. Next time I will stick to the farms without all the stuff, and good healthy apple tree's for the picking. Brenda C."
• Ingaldsby Farm - apples, raspberries, strawberries, vegetables.
  14 Washington Street, Boxford, MA . Phone: 978-352-2813. Email: ingaldsbyfarm@comcast.net. Open: Stand open 8am to 6:30 pm daily; In season, apple picking on weekends after Labor Day 10am to 6pm. Directions: 1 mile off Route 133 in West Boxford. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Comments from a visitor on June 11, 2009: "Hello. Just to let you know I called Ingalsby farm to get blueberry picking info and was told there was no blueberry picking.
• Leonhard & Eldred Farm - Raspberries, strawberries.
  1000 Dale Street, North Andover, MA . Phone: 978-683-1158. Open: Monday through Friday from 8am to 8pm; weekends 8am to 6pm. Directions: At the end of Dale Street in North Andover, and at the end of Ipswich Road in Boxford, look for U-Pick signs on road. . Click here for a map and directions.
• Long Hill Orchards - apples, strawberries, vegetables
  520 Main Street, Route 113, West Newbury, MA . Phone: 978-363-2170. Open: seven days a week from 9 am to 6 pm, including holidays. Directions: Exit 57 off Route 95. Left off exit, farm is 4 miles on right. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Long Hill Orchards Facebook page. Facebook page
• Maple Crest Farm - blueberries, strawberries, pumpkins, restrooms, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, school tours
  102 Moulton Street, West Newbury, MA 01985. Phone: 508 641-5955. Email: Johnelwell@verizon.net. Open: Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: From I95, exit 56, head west on South Street and veer right on to Moulton Street. Farm entrance is on the right, across from the turn to Brickett Street. If you pass the reservoir on your right, you have gone too far! For a map to our farm, . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Maple Crest Farm Facebook page. Facebook page. Annual strawberry (June) and blueberry (July) picking, pumpkin patch, and Christmas tree pick-your-own event! (UPDATED: July 17, 2016)
• Marini Farm - strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, corn maze, pumpkins, farm market, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, Bouncy castle or moon bounce, birthday parties
  259 Linebrook Road, Ipswich, MA 01938. Phone: 978-356-0430. Email: mjmarini@yahoo.com. Open: May through November 7th 8am to 6pm 7 days a week. Directions: South Merge onto I-95 N toward N.HMAINE Merge onto US-1 N Newburyport turnpike via Exit 50 toward Topsfield Turn Right onto Linebrook road 259 LINEBROOK RD is on the left. South Merge onto I-95 S toward SeabrookBoston \(Portions toll\) \(Crossing into MASSACHUSETTS\) Merge onto MA-133 E via EXIT 54 toward Rowley Turn right onto US-1Newburyport Turnpike. Turn Left onto Linebrook RD Marini Farm is on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx.
  Marini Farm Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 978-356-3899Fax: 978-356-3055 South Merge onto I-95 N toward N.H. / MAINE Merge onto US-1 N / Newburyport turnpike via Exit 50 toward Topsfield Turn Right onto Linebrook road 259 LINEBROOK RD is on the left. South Merge onto I-95 S toward Seabrook/Boston (Portions toll) (Crossing into MASSACHUSETTS) Merge onto MA-133 E via EXIT 54 toward Rowley Turn right onto US-1/Newburyport Turnpike. Turn Left onto Linebrook RD is on the leftCorn maze is open September 11th through November 7th Haunted campfire Stories October 16th Christmas on the Hill opens November 20thJune is Strawberry Month. Our 12 acres of berries begins to produce during the first week of June and we open the fields for picking during the second week of June. There is something so very sweet about Marini strawberries..come see (and taste) for yourself.
  Comments from a visitor on June 19, 2011: "We went to this morning for strawberries and they were just wonderful! Very reasonably priced at $2.39/lb and acres of berries lurking under the healthiest looking leaves I've ever seen. Highly recommended."
  Comments from a visitor on June 17, 2011: "June 17, 2011 We went for the pick your own strawberries today and they were fantastic (acres worth of picking). The cashier was so friendly and my 21 month old son and 4.5 year old daughter had a great time picking. The farm stand was great with tasty looking produce. I would highly recommend this farm."
• Morehouse's Wheeler Brook Farm - Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, vegetables.
  57 Jewett Street, Georgetown, MA . Phone: 978-352-8289. Email: friendsofwheelerbrook@gmail.com. Open: Mid June - Halloween, daily, 9 am- 6 pm in season. Directions: Route I-95 north to Route 133 to Georgetown square, then right on North St.; 1.6 miles to right on Jewett, .6 miles to farm. 30 miles north of Boston. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Morehouse's Wheeler Brook Farm Facebook page. Friends of Wheelerbrook Farm of Georgetown Facebook pageI-95 to exit 54B. Take Rte. 133 approx. 2 miles, turn right on to North Street for 1.6 miles. Bear right at the fork on to Jewett Street. The farm will be about .6 miles down the road on right.Site Notes & Advisories: PYO beets, lettuce, pumpkins, spinach, Christmas trees, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, beans, carrots, peas, radishes,
• Rogers Spring Hill Farm - apples, pumpkins, strawberries, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available, picnic area you may bring your own food, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
  133 Neck Road, Ward Hill, Bradford, MA 01835. Phone: 978-372-4305. Email: info@rogersspringhill.com. Open: Strawberries, Monday to Sunday 8 am to 5 pm Strawberries, Apples and Pumpkins Weekends only 9 am to 5 pm. Directions: 495 to exit 48 \(Route 125 connector\) take a right at the first light onto Shelly Road Take your next two lefts which will put you onto Neck Road . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Rogers Spring Hill Farm Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 978-372-4780Fax: 978-521-9229 495 to exit 48 (Route 125 connector) take a right at the first light onto Shelly Road Take your next two lefts which will put you onto Neck Road Click here for a map and directions for a map and directionsWe offer school tours only for both pick your own apples and pumpkins from the middle of September until the end of October. Starting in June, Strawberry U-Pick. Rogers Spring Hill Garden and Farm Center Facebook page.
• Russell Orchards - apples, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, currants, strawberries and raspberries.
  143 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA . Phone: 978-356-5366. Open: 7 days, 9am to 5pm during picking season; Call for picking dates. Directions: On the road to Cranes Beach-Castle Hill, 3 miles South of Ipswich Center. Off Routes 1A or 133. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Russell Orchards Facebook page. Facebook page. 120 acres of fruit trees, berries, vegetables, fields, animal barns. The farm store with full scratch bakery and winery are housed in our soaring 1800's barn. PYO Opens in June with strawberries, then Raspberries Late June-July. Blueberries July-August. Blackberries July-August. Currants July. Apples Sept-Oct.
  Comments from a visitor on July 22, 2011: "Picked here on July 20, 2011. Place was nice. cost $3 a person to go into the fields, but it was refunded when you returned with your fruit. But the price per pound for the blueberries was $5.50 so for me that was $5 a pint. Too expensive to go back "
• Smolak Farms - apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, peaches, plums, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), strawberries, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, restrooms, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, inflatables or bounce houses, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations
  315 S Bradford St, North Andover, MA 01845. Phone: (978) 682-6332. Email: inform@smolakfarms.com. Open: Fields are open from 9 am to 4 daily; Check our facebook page for the latest crop of the day!. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx.
  Smolak Farms Facebook page. Please visit our website for our Strawberry Festival Information and more information about our farm. Fall Festivals begin September 12 and 13 and run every weekend through October 31; Choose and Cut Christmas trees will be available the first weekend after Thanksgiving. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.

Middlesex County

• Belkin Lookout Farm - Strawberries, Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Asian Pears, Apples, Pumpkins (Fall only) petting zoo, rides, hayride
  89 Pleasant Street, South Natick, MA 01760. Phone: 508-653-0653. Email: chughes@lookoutfarm.com. Open: daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Click here for a map and directions.
  Belkin Lookout Farm Facebook page. . Our fruit is based on availability and costs $2.50 per lb (in 2008) You can pick your own fruit, enjoy our train rides, 2 petting zoos and children's play area! Summer Admission: August 9th - August 31st: $8 Per Person (all Ages) Daily. Fall Admission: September 1st - November 1st: Weekday Rate (Monday thru Friday) - $8 per person (all ages). Weekends (Saturday & Sunday & Columbus Day Holiday) - $14 per adult, $12 for Children under 12 years old and Senior Citizens. Remember Children Under 2 years old are ALWAYS FREE! Also has an organic food store with ice cream. 2020 update, Please note, RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED to enter the orchard for U-pick. No walk-in guests will be allowed. Orchard access will be based per person ages 2 and above. Due to Covid-19, the Barnyard Play Area, Farm Animals and Train Ride will not be available. We look forward to open all of our operations next season. Lookout Farm Facebook page.
  Comments from a visitor on September 05, 2012: "We normally go picking at Belkin Farms and they are WONDERFUL!!!! Very kid friendly, very clean and safe and lots of great amenities. I would strongly recommend them to anyone who is going picking with kids."
  Comments from a visitor on September 04, 2008: "Loved it"
• Carver Hill Orchard - Apples, blueberries, cherries, corn (sweet), flowers, pears, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Christmas trees-you choose and you cut, Precut Christmas trees, Christmas wreaths and boughs, Christmas decorations, saws provided, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, wagon rides
  Brookside Avenue, Stow, MA 01775. Phone: 978-897-6117. Email: cclord@hotmail.com. Open: Mid June to August Monday through Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM. Directions: Take Route 117 to Stow, MA. Take Route 62 South for .2 miles and Brookside Ave is on your left. Follow the road to the end. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard.
  Carver Hill Orchard Facebook page. . Click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October, November, December September through December open 10 AM to 5 PM 7 days a weekKitchen available for hotdogs, chips snacks and Ice Cream! Facebook page.
• Farmer Dave's Main Farm - spinach, strawberries, blueberries, apples, pumpkins, potatoes and more
  437 Parker Rd., Dracut, MA 01826. Phone: (978) 349-1952. Email: farm@farmerdaves.net. Open: you pretty much have to call to find out what they have to pick and when; their website does not provide clear information about that. Click here for a map and directions.
  Farmer Dave's Main Farm Facebook page. A diversified farm north of Boston, offering a CSA which can be picked-up or delivered, farm stands, farmers markets, and pick-your-own strawberries, blueberries, apples, pumpkins, potatoes and more. Farmer Dave's Facebook page. In May, 2021:Spinach Pick-Your-Own this weekend (Saturday through Monday) at Farmer Dave's in Dracut rain or shine! A great outdoor activity for the family - throw on boots and a jacket for this easy picking.
• Kimball Fruit Farm - apples, strawberries, raspberries, pumpkins
  184 Hollis Street, Pepperell, MA . Phone: 978-433-9751. Open: Daily 9am to 7pm. Directions: Exit 5 West off Route 3, North to Route 111 into Pepperell, take right at yellow blinking light, farm is 3 miles on left. . Click here for a map and directions. Containers provided. Picking Mac, Gala, Honeycrisp, Spencer, Cortland, Swiss Gormet, Brock, Jonagold, Blushing Golden, Red Delicious, Cameo, Fuji, Shamrock, and Golden Delicious (UPDATED: June 13, 2021, JBS)
• - Uses integrated pest management practices, Raspberries, strawberries, vegetables.
  Corner of Route 113 & Thorndike, Dunstable, MA . Phone: 978-649-3656. Open: weekdays from 10am until dusk. Directions: From Route 3 take Exit 35. Route 113 West towards Pepperell, one quarter mile on right, look for large old barn. . Click here for a map and directions. . Fresh organic produce and crafts also. Breads and Pies
• Parlee Farms - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, blueberries, cherries, flowers, nectarines, peaches, plums, pumpkins, strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, restrooms, picnic area, petting zoo, farm animals, school tours
  95 Farwell Road, Tyngsboro, MA 01879. Phone: 978-649-3854. Email: info@parleefarms.com. Open: See our website for current hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  Parlee Farms Facebook page. Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesWe use integrated pest management practicesMary's Country Kitchen & Bakery offers fresh fruit desserts made with our own fruit. Customers can watch donuts being made in the farmstand. Donut variety depends upon the season with apple cider, strawberry or blueberry being made. Mary's Country Kitchen offers fresh fruit desserts and ice cream. is a 93-acre pick-your-own farm with a 7500 sq. ft. post and beam farmstand. Annie's Animal Barns house young farm animals for our customers to visit with and feed.
• Shelburne Farm - pyo apples, strawberries, pumpkins, weekend hayrides, hay mazes, pony rides, farm animals
  106 West Acton Road, Stow, MA . Phone: 978-897-9287. Email: office@Shelburnefarm.com. Open: 9 AM - 6 PM seven days a week from Labor Day until early November. Directions: Route 2 West to Route 111. Left at second light. Next block, bear right onto Willow St. Farm is 2. 5 miles on right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: cash, credit cards, ApplePay.
  Shelburne Farm Facebook page. Starts late August, daily from 9 am to 6 pm; Farm store open until Christmas. We have more than 20 flavors of farm-fresh ice cream! Facebook page. Pick your own apples, peaches, and pumpkins. Home Made Warm Cider Donuts every day, and family fun attractions including daily hay rides, weekend pony rides, mini hay maze, hay climbing mountain, pedal tractor, and more. Visit our farm animals goats, sheep, Llama, chickens, guinea fowl, and bunnies
  Comments from a visitor on September 19, 2011: "The cutest farm ever! We picked apples at a different farm, but went to Shelburne for apple cider and donuts. It wasn't crowded and they had a nice apple store. The cider donuts are TO DIE FOR, make sure you buy several dozen :-)"
  Comments from a visitor on June 12, 2011: "The farm seems to keep their u-pick updated daily. First weekend in June '11 open for strawberry u-pick. It is an enjoyable field to pick, not very manicured, and run like a farm not an event maker. No one is monitoring the pickers at all. I picked last year too, and enjoyed, although I was happy to have picked before the school buses rolled up. Prices 6/11 are $4/lb plus a fee for the container, $1.50 for quart or $2 for box. CC accepted. Checkout rounded down my weight. (THANK YOU) An easy-going place that didn't say word one to my kids sticking their hands in to feed the goats, and kindly kept my wallet at the stand. Thanks for the website, it is fabulous. "
  Comments from a visitor on July 01, 2016: "There is also a great store and a little stand where you can buy all sorts of apple related goodies! We live in the area and have tried all the farms locally, and they make the best donuts by far. They also have cooked/frozen pies, cookies, lunch things, hot dogs, fudge and a bunch more. There are restrooms and a bunch of picnic tables spread out all over the farm. It's a beautiful place, with lots of happy families and a wicked friendly staff. It seems like it's mainly run by a younger staff, but the girl who is in charge is always there and ready to answer all questions and help customers with anything. My son touched a wheel of a tractor last year and got mud all over him. She took us back into the kitchen, washed him off, and gave him a chocolate pop shaped like an apple! She also told my wife that they practice IPM, which I guess means they use good bugs to fight bag bugs. There are also hay rides, pony rides, a moon bounce, a hay maze/mountain and an area for kids to ride around on small tractors. They accept credit cards!"
• Sunshine Farm - Apples, Raspberries, strawberries.
  41 Kendall Avenue, Sherborn, MA . Phone: 508- 655-5022. Open: Raspberries on weekends in September, 10am to 4pm; Call ahead for information in June for strawberries. Directions: Off Speen Street, Natick, 3 miles South. Exit 13 off Mass Pike, 2. 5 miles South of Route 9, Natick. Take Speen Street to end, right onto Kendall Ave. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Sunshine Farm Facebook page. Call ahead for pumpkins. Containers provided, children under 10 must be accompanied by adults. Shortcake and ice cream available at our Dairy Bar. Fall raspberries only. Our season kicks off each year in May with our greenhouse bedding plants and Mother's Day baskets. Strawberries follow in June with "pick your own" for the family. Sweet corn, tomatoes, peaches and all your salad greens come in July, followed by U-pick raspberries in Aug-Sept. The fall is ripe with pumpkins, squash, mums and corn stalks. Facebook page.
• Verrill Farm - Flowers, strawberries, strawberry festival, sunflowers, pumpkins, hayrides, Farm Bakery, Farm Kitchen, Farm Stand, Farm market
  11 Wheeler Rd, Concord, MA . Phone: 978-369-4494. Email: info@verrillfarm.com. Open: Call for hours and conditions. Directions: Located between Route 117 and Route 2 on Sudbury Road, or take Route 2W to intersection after 126, left onto Sudbury Road. Mass. Specialty foods, bakery, and kitchen which offers soups, entrees, pies. Restrooms, handicapped accessible, tented area for picnics. New in 2020: New this year: All strawberry pickers over the age of 5 will be required to purchase a $X field pass to enter the strawberry field. Each field pass entitles the holder a single quart container \(about 1.75 lbs\) of pick your - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Verrill Farm Facebook page. . Containers available or bring your ownLocated between Route 117 and Route 2 on Sudbury Road, or take Route 2W to intersection after 126, left onto Sudbury Road. Mass. Specialty foods, bakery, and kitchen which offers soups, entrees, pies. Restrooms, handicapped accessible, tented area for picnics. New in 2020: New this year: All strawberry pickers over the age of 5 will be required to purchase a $X field pass to enter the strawberry field. Each field pass entitles the holder a single quart container (about 1.75 lbs) of pick your own strawberries as well as entrance to the field. After purchasing your field pass, additional individual pick your own quarts will be priced at $X per quart. Facebook page. Our culinary team is making fresh baked goods daily, always from scratch! Pick up a homemade pie, cakes or other delicious baked goods today. Our farm stand is open year round and is stocked with our own seasonal fresh grown produce, farm raised eggs & meats, local dairy products & grocery items. We also grown Our Own Produce, with produce grown on over 200 acres of farmland spread through Concord and Sudbury, Verril Farm offers a bounty of local, fresh harvested, seasonal produce.PYO Sunflowers will be walk-in only on select days, please see their website for more information. Their annual Harvest Festival will be held on Saturday, in mid-October from 11am-3pm. Join us for a fun day of games, activities, hayrides, live music, food and more - all to support Pediatric Care at Emerson Hospital! (UPDATED: September 21, 2023, JBS)
  Comments from a visitor on July 23, 2009: "I went to's strawberry festival on June 19, 2009--great time and great berries. This farm had a fire last September, 2008 and they are operating business as usual with temporary quarters while the new building is under construction"
• Wilson Farm - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, Day neutral strawberries, carving pumpkins, tulips, Local honey from within 50 miles, Fresh eggs, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), bakery, Cell service cell phones work here, restrooms, CSA
  10 Pleasant Street, Lexington, MA 02421. Phone: (781) 862-3900. Email: JessicaM@wilsonfarm.com. Open: Check our website for event dates and times. Directions: From Route 12895 NorthSouth Exit 45A for Route 2 East toward BostonCambridge Exit 130 for Pleasant Street toward Lexington; bear left onto Pleasant Street Wilson Farm is one mile down the road on the right. From Boston Take Route 2 West to Exit 131 \(Rt. 4 & 225\) Bear right at the fork, following signs for MA-2 E Boston Turn right toward signs for LexingtonBedford Wilson Farm is one mile down the road on the right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, All credit cards, ApplePay.
  Wilson Farm Facebook page. Click here for picking updatesFrom Route 128/95 North/South Exit 45A for Route 2 East toward Boston/Cambridge Exit 130 for Pleasant Street toward Lexington; bear left onto Pleasant Street Wilson Farm is one mile down the road on the right. From Boston Take Route 2 West to Exit 131 (Rt. 4 & 225) Bear right at the fork, following signs for MA-2 E Boston Turn right toward signs for Lexington/Bedford Wilson Farm is one mile down the road on the rightWe minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals Click here for our Instagram page. Grown here. Sold here. Can your supermarket say that?. (ADDED: February 26, 2023)

Norfolk County

• Fairmount Fruit Farm - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, apples, strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, farm market, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area, farm animals, school tours
  887 Lincoln St, Franklin, MA 02038. Phone: 508-533-8737. Email: info@fairmountfruit.com. Open: Apples - Sept thru early October weekdays 1pm to 5pm; weekends 10am to 4pm; Strawberries - beginning in May 9am to 5pm daily. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Fairmount Fruit Farm Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 508-533-6158Fax: 508-533-8760 We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicalsFacebook page.
• Jane and Paul's Farm - Blueberries, strawberries.
  33 Fruit Street, Norfolk, MA . Phone: 508-528-0812. Open: June to November call ahead for hours and availability. Click here for a map and directions. Route 115 to Cleveland Street, turn left onto Fruit St.
• Ward's Berry Farm - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, blueberries, peaches, pumpkins, strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, U-pick and already picked, farm market, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
  614 South Main Street, Sharon, MA 02067. Phone: 781-784-3600. Email: info@wardsberryfarm.com. Open: See our website for current hours. Directions: Ward\'s Berry Farm is located at 614 South Main Street in Sharon Massachusetts, We are conveniently located off of Route 95. Take Route 95 to exit 8 and head east toward Sharon, the farm is located on the right hand side after about a 12 mile. If your coming from Cobbs Corner, take Route 27 north to Sharon center, go straight through the intersection on South Main Street. Continue for ~3 miles. Once you\'ve past the farm fields, look for our yellow sign on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Ward's Berry Farm Facebook page. Fax: 781-784-1650 Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesis located at 614 South Main Street in Sharon Massachusetts, We are conveniently located off of Route 95. Take Route 95 to exit 8 and head east toward Sharon, the farm is located on the right hand side after about a 1/2 mile. If your coming from Cobbs Corner, take Route 27 north to Sharon center, go straight through the intersection on South Main Street. Continue for ~3 miles. Once you've past the farm fields, look for our yellow sign on the left Pick your own Strawberries approximately mid June to July 4 and Blueberries July 4 to the end of August; Pick your own peaches starts mid-August; The hay pyramid is available September 1; The Corn Maze opens around mid-September; Pick your own pumpkin hayrides begin around mid-September and run on the weekends through October 30. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. We are very excited to be offering Farmer's Choice Boxes, our own CSA, again this season! Each week from mid-June through late-September farmer Jim Ward will select a variety of local produce (which is picked fresh right here at in Sharon, MA) to fill the boxes. The contents of the boxes vary from week to week as the season progresses, so not only do you get fresh produce, but you also gain a real feel for our local cycle of crops! Please visit our CSA page on our website for more information. During the winter months, we have an organic box buying program. Each week we arrange set boxes of organic fruits and vegetables for pre-ordering by club members. For more information about our Organic Buying Club, click here

 

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