2024 North-Central Tennessee Strawberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org
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Strawberry U-Pick Orchards in North-Central Tennessee 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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Dekalb County
WeDoFarm - strawberries, pumpkins corn maze 1230 Bethel Road, Smithville, TN 37166. Phone: (615) 597-1864. Email: wedofarm@mail.com. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. High tunnel for Vegetable production, Maze, Geo Tracking. We also have picked Strawberries, Beets, Carrots, Cucumbers, Lettuce, Mustard Greens, Okra, Peppers, Pumpkins, Squash, Winter Squash, Tomatoes, Turnips. (ADDED: May 09, 2015, JBS)
Fentress County
Plateau Breeze Farm - Strawberries, 4511 South York Highway, Jamestown, TN 38556. Phone: 706-512-7977. Email: rsnowak07@att.net. Open: U-Pick strawberries Monday to Saturday 7 am to 6 pm, closed on Sunday. Click here for a map and directions. . (ADDED: February 13, 2020, JBS)
Macon County
Lone Hickory Blueberry Farm - blueberries, strawberries, pumpkins, flowers, chrysanthemums, 1800 Tanyard Road, Lafayette, TN 37083. Phone: 615-666-7167. Email: mdlazarou@yahoo.com. Open: Tuesday to Saturday, from 7 am to 7 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Blueberries: July 14th through the end of AugustYou pick Blueberries, You pick CutFlowers, You pick Pumpkins, You pick Strawberries,
Smith County
Bussell's Berries - Grapes, Strawberries, Corn, Pumpkins 3 Rogers Lane, Carthage, TN 37030. Phone: (615) 735-9193. Click here for a map and directions.
Trousdale County
Kelley's Berry Farm - Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Peaches, Farm Market, Blueberry Jam 50 Riverview Lane, Castalian Springs, TN 37031. Phone: 615-633-7447. Email: kelleysberryfarm@hotmail.com. Open: 7 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week during strawberry season. Click here for a map and directions. Kelley's Berry Farm . After strawberry season is over we are closed on Sunday for the remainder of the berry seasons. It is always best to call just before you come to see how the crops are lookingStrawberries May-JuneBlackberries June-JulyBlueberries July-AugustPeaches JulyRaspberries August-September. Call for directions. From the months of May until September we sell berries at farmer's markets throughout the Nashville area. We love for people to come out and pick their own berries at our farm. This is a great way to see exactly where the berries are coming from and how they are grown. Our farming practices include cover crops in the winter, crop rotations, and integrated pest management. We use horse manure on our berry plants for organic matter. (UPDATED: February 13, 2020, JBS) Comments from a visitor on May 08, 2010: "We love Kelley's Berry Farm and make the drive over from Nashville every season. They are friendly and make you feel very welcome. This is a true 'pick-your-own' which means bring containers for carrying your berries home with you. They do have plastic bags, but berries can be squished if you carry them home that way."
Warren County
Rainbow Hill Farm - broad beans, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplants, melons, onions, peas, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, 93 Bailey Road, McMinnville, TN 37110. Phone: 931-939-3117. Email: wroe@blomand.net. Open: call for dates. Directions: check website. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Crops are usually available in May, June, July, August, September, October
Randall Walker Farms - blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, Pumpkins 8240 Manchester Hwy., Morrison, TN 37357. Phone: (931) 635-9535. Email: rwalkerfarms@blomand.net. Directions: Located on I-24 off of Exit 111 in Manchester, Tennessee. Click here for a map and directions. Fax: (931) 635-9536 We offer Pick Your Own, Wholesale and also participate in the local Farmers Market. During the fall, in addition to our pumpkins we offer corn stalks and indian corn. We are . Go east on Hwy 55, 14 miles to Morrison, TN. The Community Farm Market is located on the left 1 mile past Comer Air Conditioning. From I-40, take Exit 288, Hwy 111 toward Sparta Road which changes to 70 to McMinnville Road It then changes to 55 toward Manchester. Our Farm Market is on the right approximately 12 miles from McMinnville. We have just added raspberries this season to our pick your own. We grow fresh sweet corn, cantalope, watermelon, half runner green beans, squash, cucumbers, pumpkins, corn stalks at our farm when they are in season
White County
Amazin' Acres of Fun - strawberries, pumpkins, Honey from hives on the farm, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info) 2857 Old Kentucky Road North, Sparta, TN 38583. Phone: 931-761-2971. Email: holdairy@blomand.net. Open: Strawberry picking on the farm usually runs from April 20 through June 10; These dates are subject to change depending upon the weather We are open throughout the season from 8 am till 4 pm Please call if you have a long drive for picking information. Directions: Call for additional directions. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Amazin' Acres of Fun Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 931-808-4051 Strawberry picking on the farm usually runs from April 20 through June 10; (These dates are subject to change depending upon the weather) We are open throughout the season from 8 am till 4 pm Please call if you have a long drive for picking informationStrawberries April 20 to June 10 Corn maze and pumpkin patch September 22 to November 3is open seasonally in the Spring for the Spring Farm Adventure and in the Fall for the Fall Farm Adventure. We'd like to invite you to "create unforgettable memories, here on our farm!. (ADDED: May 09, 2015, JBS) Comments from a visitor on April 29, 2012: "My family visited the Amazing Acres of Fun on April 29,2012 to pick your own strawberries and if you are looking for a WONDERFUL tasting strawberry and wonderful people (as well as a great family outing) you really need to visit the Amazing Acres of Fun!!!! We are new to TN and look forward to family outings like this. Strawberries are all over the place (at least at the time of this posting). Very reasonable on their pricing and great if you are looking for a day out with the family picking your own. Make sure you bring your camera for those Kodak moments! Good people running the place and they are there to help! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!!!!!!"
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