2024 Southeastern North Carolina Strawberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org
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Strawberry U-Pick Orchards in Southeastern North Carolina 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.
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Brunswick County
Indigo Farms - Asparagus, Blackberry, Blueberries, Corn, Flowers, Greens, Muscadines, grapes, Peaches, Pumpkins, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Vegetables, Watermelon 1542 Hickman Road NW, Calabash, NC 28467. Phone: (910) 287-6794. Open: For pick your own it is best to call as it may vary with crops and temperatures. Directions: Located 15 miles couth of Shallotte, turn off US 17 south at Brunswick Plantation & Golf Links onto Hickman Road, go 4 more miles straight to NCSC state line. The market is on the right, highly visible. . Click here for a map and directions. Indigo Farms Facebook page. . Other Phone: (910) 287-6403. click here for a map to the farm. Hay Rides, Tours Monday to Saturday 8 am to 5:30 pm (Varies with season). Typical harvest dates: Strawberries - February to May & Thanksgiving-New Year Asparagus - March-May Blueberries & Blackberries - May-August Persimmons & Pumpkin - Fall Figs - July-September Grapes - September Melon, Tomatoes, Sweet Corn -June-August Lettuce & Greens Jan-May. Special Services: Farm Heritage Day - 1st Saturday in October, Pumpkin Day - 3rd Saturday in October, Farm Market, Garden Center, Florist & Produce, Bakery & Farm tours as well as hayridesLocated 15 miles couth of Shallotte, turn off US 17 south at Brunswick Plantation & Golf Links onto Hickman Road, go 4 more miles straight to NC/SC state line. The market is on the right, highly visibleMarket Facebook page. The Farm, which is in both NC and SC, has many different activities during the year. The spring starts with Pick-Your-Own (PYO) strawberries, followed by PYO blueberries and blackberries in the summer. Educational tours of the farm are available for groups by reservation. October is full of family fun with Pumpkin Patch hayrides, pig races, and the Haymaze. Bonfires and night-time hayrides are available by reservation in October and November. Don't forget to come out for our event days the first and third Saturdays in October!
Lively Grove Farms - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, school tours 720 Danford Road SE, Bolivia, NC 28422. Phone: (910) 408-2316. Email: info@livelygrovefarms.com. Open: Typical season is from April through July; in season, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm, Be sure to check social media for up to date information. Directions: Lively Grove Farms is located between Highway 17 and 87, approximately 15 minutes from both Leland and Oak Island. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa. Lively Grove Farms Facebook page. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification Click here for our Instagram page. Lively Grove Farms is a small, family owned pick your own berry farm established in 2018. At the heart of Lively Grove Farms is the dedication to sustainable and organic practices. (ADDED: June 13, 2023)
Columbus County
Betty Strickland - Strawberries PO Box 31, Cerro Gordo, NC 28430. Phone: (910) 654-3646. Open: Monday, Wednesday & Friday Call for hours of operation. Directions: Located 2 miles south of Cerro Gordo, NC, County Road 1410, one quarter mile from Cedar Grove Baptist Church. . Click here for a map and directions. Monday, Wednesday & Friday (Call for hours of operation.). Crop availability: - April-May.
Coval L. Formy-Duval - Cantaloupe, Corn, Greens, Onions, Pumpkins, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Watermelon, Collards 22766 New Britton Hwy 130 East, Whiteville, NC 28472. Phone: (910) 642-5323. Open: 7 am to 8 pm; April-June Call for days of operation. Directions: Take New Bdritton Hwy 130 east 2.7 miles from Whiteville to tobacco barn on left. . Click here for a map and directions. 7 am to 8 pm; April-June (Call for days of operation.). Crop availability: Strawberries - April-June Sweet Corn - June-July Pumpkins - September-October Peas - August-September Collards - December-January Watermelon, Cantaloupe & Tomatoes - June-September Okra - June-October Onions - March-May.
Grady Strickland - Greenhouse Vegetables, Strawberries 3040 Cedar Grove Road, Cerro Gordo, NC 28430. Phone: (910) 654-3976. Open: Monday to Saturday; April-June Call for hours. Directions: Located at 1410 & 1412 intersections, 3 miles east of Cerro Gordo, NC on Cedar Grove Church Road. . Click here for a map and directions. Monday to Saturday; April-June (Call for hours.). Crop availability: Strawberries - April-May Meal (corn) - anytime Green Peanuts - August-October. Greenhouse - March-September
Cumberland County
Bunce Brothers Farm, Inc - strawberries, restrooms, handicapped accessible. 6267 Blake Road, Stedman, NC 28391. Phone: (910) 483-5007. Email: tmb81235@aol.com. Open: Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm; Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm. Click here for a map and directions. Bunce Brothers Farm, Inc Also, the following prepicked vegetables are available in season: pumpkins, greens, tomatoes, watermelons, and cantaloupes.
McNeill Strawberries - Strawberries 1471 Clifton McNeill Road, Hope Mills, NC 28348. Phone: 910-425-7354. Email: mcneillfarm@earlthlink.net. Open: Monday to Saturday; April 15- early June Call for hours of operation. Directions: Located 1. Click here for a map and directions. or Phone: (910) 486-1563. Monday to Saturday; April 15- early June (Call for hours of operation.) McNeill Strawberry Farm is .5 miles southeast of I-95, exit 41 on Chicken Foot Road.
Duplin County
Cottle Farms - Strawberries 2496 US -117S, Goldsboro, NC 28341. Phone: (910) 267-4531. Open: Sunday to Saturday; April 15-June 1Call for hours of operation. Directions: at our MarMac stand. Our 2021 pick prices are $12 a bucket; $7 a basket; & $5 a quart. Payment: cash, card, or EBTPEBT. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: cash, card, or EBT/PEBT. Cottle Farms Facebook page. Sunday to Saturday; April 15-June 1(Call for hours of operation.)at our MarMac stand. Our 2021 pick prices are $12 a bucket; $7 a basket; & $5 a quartCottleFarms Facebook page.
Max's Strawberries - Beans, Cantaloupe, Cucumber, Potatoes, Squash, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Watermelon, Vegetables 911 N. Railroad Street, Wallace, NC 28466. Phone: (910) 285-2184. Open: Monday to Saturday 7 am to 7 pm; April 1-August 31. Directions: Located on 911 North Railroad Street behind Wal-Mart. . Click here for a map and directions. Crop availability: Strawberries - April-May Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Squash, Pole beans, Okra, Potatoes, Watermelon & Cantaloupes - June-August
New Hanover County
Lewis Nursery & Farms, Inc. - Blackberry, Blueberries, Strawberries 6509 Gordon Road, Wilmington, NC . Phone: 910-452-9659. Email: info@lewisfarms.com. Open: Sunday 1 pm to 6 pm, Monday to Saturday 8 am to 6 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Lewis Nursery & Farms, Inc. Facebook page. . Other Phone: (910) 762-5065 info@lewisfarms click here for a map to the farm. Typical harvest dates: Strawberries & Blueberries - mid May-June Seasonal Vegetables - April-June Blackberries - June1 mile off Market Street. Click here for our Facebook page. Lewis ia a seasonal U-Pick location open from the end of March to the first week of July. Strawberries are ready to pick in April, blueberries in May, & blackberries in June. We also have delicious homemade ice cream & a shade house filled with perennials, annuals, herbs, ferns, vegetable plants, & hanging baskets.
Onslow County
Mike's Farm - pumpkins, strawberries, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours 1600 Haw Branch Road, Beulaville, NC 28518. Phone: 910-324-3422. Email: mikesfarmandrestaurant@yahoo.com. Open: Hours of Operation varies; Please call or visit our website for current, up - to - date information. Directions: from Wilmington take I-40 West to exit 385, turn right onto NC-41 East. Follow to NC-111 South, fork off to right and continue 10 to 12 miles to Haw Branch Road. Turn left, entrance 2 miles on left. From Raleigh take I-40 East to exit 373, turn left onto NC-903, continue to NC-24 East 16 to 18 miles to Haw Branch Road. Turn right, entrance 4 miles on right. From Jacksonville take NC-24 West to NC-111 North, travel 7 to 8 miles to Haw Branch Road. Turn right, entrance 2 miles on left. Strawberrie - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. Mike's Farm Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 888-820-FARMFax: 910-324-1571 Christmas trees: Friday after Thanksgiving; Christmas hayride begins Thanksgiving night; Private Christmas parties Sunday through Wednesday after Thanksgiving; Call or visit the website for more informationFacebook page. We offer educational school tours mid-April to mid-May, and the months of October, November and December. is a family oriented business and is open to the general public. Agri-Tourism, which is our specialty,includes hayrides, Christmas trees, pumpkin picking and a variety of other crops. We also host different eventsthroughout the year such as group cookouts, birthday parties, Dinner Shows, etc.
Pender County
Carol Sue Farms - blueberries, strawberries, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties 19874 Hwy 17, Hampstead, NC 28443. Phone: (910) 520-6629. Email: morrishous@aol.com. Open: Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12:30 pm to 4pm. Directions: We\'re located on Highway 17 in Hampstead. Coming from Wilmington, we are located around 5 miles north from the Food LionCVSPNC corner. The field will be on the left hand side of the road. Coming from the Holly Ridge, Sneads Ferry and Jacksonville area, we are located about 5 miles south from the Lowes Home Improvement in Surf City. The field will be located on the right hand side of the road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. Carol Sue Farms Facebook page. We will have already picked strawberries around March 30th; We will also have our flowers, hanging baskets and other plants availableWe're located on Highway 17 in Hampstead. Coming from Wilmington, we are located around 5 miles north from the Food Lion/CVS/PNC corner. The field will be on the left hand side of the road. Coming from the Holly Ridge, Sneads Ferry and Jacksonville area, we are located about 5 miles south from the Lowes Home Improvement in Surf City. The field will be located on the right hand side of the roadStrawberry season typically begins April 1st to end of May Blueberry season typically begins Mid May to late Jue/early JulyCarol Sure Farms Facebook page. (UPDATED: March 20, 2018)
Jerome Lanier Farms - Strawberries 308 North Bickett Street, Burgaw, NC 28425. Phone: (910) 259-2008. Directions: Roadside Market - Located on Hwy 117 by-pass in Burgaw. Pick-Your-Own & Roadside Market - Located on Hwy 53, 3.5 miles west of Burgaw. . Click here for a map and directions. Monday to Saturday 8 am to 'til sold out. Crop availability: - April 15-June 10.
Sweet Carolina Farms - Strawberries , Blueberries 15538 Hwy 210, Rocky Point, NC 28457. Phone: (910) 675-9971. Open: Sunday to Saturday 8 am to 6 pm. Click here for a map and directions. . Other Phone: (910) 395-6406. Click here for a map to the farmOpen Typical harvest dates: Strawberries , in-season Blueberries - late June-early AugustFrom I-40, take Exit 408, turn onto Hwy 210 toward Rocky Point, go one quarter mile, farm on right.
Robeson County
Bo's Berry Patch - Corn, Onions, Pumpkins, Strawberries, Watermelon, Flowers 903 Ashpole Church Road, Rowland, NC 28383. Phone: (910) 422-8659. Email: psfarms@carolina.net. Open: Monday to Friday 8 am to 6 pm, Saturday 8 am to 4 pm; mid April thru mid June. Directions: Located at 2190 Ashpole Church Road, Rowland, NC. . Click here for a map and directions. Bo's Berry Patch Phone: (910) 422-0715 Crop availability: Strawberries & Sweet Onions - mid April-May Sweet Corn - June Watermelon - July Pumpkins & Mums - October.
Floyd Farms Strawberries - Cabbage, Cucumber, Onions, Squash, Strawberries 5043 Stone Road, Fairmont, NC 28340. Phone: (910) 628-0401. Open: Monday to Saturday 7 am to 7 pm. Directions: Located on Stone Road off Iona Church Road one mile west of Fairmont. . Click here for a map and directions. . Phone: (910) 628-7622 Crop availability: Strawberries, Onions, Cabbage, Squash & Cucumbers - April-June.
Jack Pait Strawberry Farms - Blueberries, Strawberries 1325 Deep Branch Road, Lumberton, NC 28359. Phone: (910) 738-9275. Open: Monday to Saturday 7 am to 7 pm; April thru June 30. Directions: Located 3 miles from Lumberton city limits on 211 East, turn left at Caution Light Road 1002 behind Old Allenton School. . Click here for a map and directions. 8">Jack Pait Strawberry Farms Alternate Phone: (910) 738-6199. Open Typical harvest dates: Strawberries & Blueberries - April thru June 30click here for a map to the farm. (UPDATED: May 14, 2010)
Locklear Farms - strawberries, fresh picked seasonal produce 9840 Deep Branch Rd, Pembroke, NC 28372. Phone: (910) 521-4323. Email: locklear.farms@yahoo.com. Open: April, May, see their Facebook page. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: cash, credit cards, EBT cards. Best family-owned produce farm in Robeson County certified as a Roadside Farm Market. Offering strawberries, variety of farm fresh vegetables, bedding plants and hanging baskets, vegetable plants.Member of: NC Farm Fresh.
Powers Strawberries - Strawberries, Cucumber, Onions, Potatoes, Squash, Corn, Vegetables 711 Barker Church Road, Lumberton, NC 28358. Phone: 910-738-9782. Email: powersfarmmtk@gmail.com. Open: Monday to Saturday 7 am to 8 pm. Directions: From Lumberton take B.T. Road 6 miles, turn right on Barker Church Road and go one mile. Farm is on the left. Look for signs. . Click here for a map and directions. Crop availability: Strawberries - April-mid June Sweet Onions, Irish Potatoes, Squash, Cucumber & Sweet Corn - May-June Sweet Peas - May.
Sampson County
Jackson Farming Company - Strawberries, Cabbage, Cantaloupe, Cucumber, Greens, Onions, Pumpkins, Squash, Watermelon, Zucchini, Potatoes 2905 Ernest Williams Road, Autryville, NC 28318. Phone: (910) 567-2202. Open: Monday to Friday 8 am to 6 pm, Saturday 8 am to 1 pm; April thru December 1. Directions: From Fayetteville, take Hwy 24 east to Maxwell Road, turn left on Maxwell, go approx. 9 miles and turn right, go 2 miles to Ernest Williams Road and turn left, farm located 2 miles on right. From Dunn, take Pope Road \(exit 72 off I-95\) southeast to Hwy 13 go straight to Maxwell Road turn right and go 12 mile, turn left on Howard Road, go 3 miles and turn right on to Ernest Williams Road, farm one half mile on left. . Click here for a map and directions. Jackson Farming Company Facebook page. . Phone: (910) 590-6041From Fayetteville, take Hwy 24 east to Maxwell Road, turn left on Maxwell, go approx. 9 miles and turn right, go 2 miles to Ernest Williams Road and turn left, farm located 2 miles on right. From Dunn, take Pope Road (exit 72 off I-95) southeast to Hwy 13 go straight to Maxwell Road turn right and go 1/2 mile, turn left on Howard Road, go 3 miles and turn right on to Ernest Williams Road, farm one half mile on left Crop availability: Strawberries - April-June Spring Onions & Cabbage - April-May Yellow Squash, Zucchini & Red Potatoes - May-June Cucumbers - May-June & September to October Cantaloupe - June-September Watermelon (seedless & seeded) - Year-round Pumpkins - September to October Greens - October to June
Parker Farms - Beans, Cabbage, Collards, Greenhouse Tomatoes, Onions, Potatoes, Squash, Strawberries, Tomatoes 157 Farm Tree Lane, Clinton, NC 28328. Phone: (910) 564-4396. Open: Monday to Saturday 7 am to 7 pm; April-July & October to December . Directions: Located 8 miles north of Clinton on Hwy 421 \(on dirt road behind old Sampson Technical Institute\). . Click here for a map and directions. Located 8 miles north of Clinton on Hwy 421 (on dirt road behind old Sampson Technical Institute) Crop availability: Strawberries, Cabbage & Greenhouse Tomatoes - April & May Onions (Salad & Vidalia) & Squash - April-June Field Grown Tomatoes - June-July Red Potatoes - May-July Garden Peas & String Beans - May-June Field Peas - July Collards - October to December .
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:
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!
Leave
early. On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
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.
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
Grasp the stem just above the berry between the
forefinger and the thumbnail and pull with a slight twisting motion.
With the stem broken about one-half inch from
the berry, allow it to roll into the palm of your hand.
Repeat these operations using both hands until
each holds 3 or 4 berries.
Carefully place - don't throw - the fruit into
your containers. Repeat the picking process with both hands.
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:
Be careful that your feet and knees do not
damage plants or fruit in or along the edge of the row.
Pick only the berries that are fully red. Part
the leaves with your hands to look for hidden berries ready for harvest.
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.
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.
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.
For interesting and fun strawberry facts and
trivia from the California Strawberry Commission,
click
here!
When you get home
DON'T wash the berries until you are ready to use them. Washing
makes them more prone to spoiling.
Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting
berries
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.
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.
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.
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