2024 the St. Louis area of Missouri Gooseberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Gooseberry U-Pick Orchards in the St. Louis area of Missouri in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for gooseberries that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have gooseberries orchards 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.

Warren County

• Thierbach Orchards & Berry Farm - Apples, blackberries, blueberries, peaches, pumpkins, strawberries, tart cherries, gooseberries, child-sized haybale maze, and prepicked produce, gift shop, tractor-pulled hay rides, petting zoo
  85 Town Branch Road, Marthasville, MO 63357. Phone: 636-433-2299. Open: Please call for berry picking dates and times. Directions: Our berry patch is located at 85 Town Branch Road, just off Hwy 47 at Marthasville across from the Ag Center. Our store, Thierbach\'s Market, is four miles north of Marthasville on Hwy 47. The apple orchard is on the same farm as the market. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Our market accepts cash, check, credit, and debit; our berry patch accepts cash and check only. . Apple Junction phone number 636-433-2757. Our berry patch is located at 85 Town Branch Road, just off Hwy 47 at Marthasville across from the Ag Center. Our store, Thierbach's Market, is four miles north of Marthasville on Hwy 47. The apple orchard is on the same farm as the market. Click here for a map to our farm. Crops are usually available in May, June, July, August, September, October. Our market is open daily July-October. Monday through Saturday 9-6, 11-6 on Sundays. Strawberries ripen in mid-May, Blueberries in early-June, Blackberries are usually ripe around Father's Day. Peaches ripen in July, and you can pick apples weekends in September and early October. Please call for specific ripening and picking details. Our garden produce is available at the market. Located near the beautiful Katy Trail in Marthasville, we are just over an hour west of St. Louis. We also grow garden vegetables and pumpkins. If you are looking for a great outdoor activity, we offer many opportunities for you to pick your own fruit. Our berry patch is set up exclusively as Pick Your Own, you can pick your own peaches in July through early August, and kids of all ages can pick their own apples on weekends in September and early October. A visitor writes: "We had a wonderful time. We parked at the market and then we were taken, by hay ride, over to the picking site (orchard). They run every five minutes, so you knew you were not stranded. The trees are still small enough to pick some great fruit while standing on the ground (a six-foot orchard ladder was provided to pick from the taller trees). Our 14 month old son even got to pick an apple with very little help. The market has a covered picnic area so you can pick fruit in the morning, have lunch on site (B.Y.O.L.-Bring Your Own Lunch) and still get home at a reasonable hour. This facility is definitely family friendly, except for a lack of a modern bathroom (Johnny on the Spot outside market). Apple picking the way I remember, worth a trip with or without the kids."

 

gooseberries

Gooseberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

If you are about to pick Gooseberries either directly from a tree, or from a local orchard or market, here's what you need to know to pick the best Gooseberries.

Gooseberries are a fairly early crop, flowering soon after the last frosts in April and May, setting fruit in June, usually at the same time as strawberries in most areas (but check your area's harvest calendar and call the farm or orchard you are planning to go to a few weeks ahead).

Gooseberry picking tips

Here are tips and instructions on how to pick Gooseberries:

What type

See this page for gooseberry varieties.

When

• Timing is Key: Gooseberries are typically ready for picking in the summer, usually from June to July, depending on the variety and your location.
• Always check with the farm before you go; conditions can change dramatically from day to day.

Preparation

• Use Clean Hands: Make sure your hands are clean before you start picking to avoid transferring dirt or contaminants to the berries.
• Bring Containers: Use shallow containers, baskets, or colanders to collect the berries. This prevents them from being crushed under their own weight. .

How to Choose and Pick Gooseberries

• Look for Color and Size: Choose gooseberries that are fully ripe and have reached their full color. The color varies depending on the variety and can range from green to red or even purple.  See this page for description sof each of the varieties of gooseberries.
• Test for Ripeness: Gently squeeze the gooseberries. Ripe ones should be slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. They should give a little when pressed.
• Be Gentle with Berries: Gooseberries are delicate and can bruise easily. Handle them with care to maintain their quality.
• Avoid Underripe Berries: Leave berries that are hard and unyielding on the bush, as they are not yet ripe.
• Check the Softness: Be cautious of berries that are overly soft, as they might be overripe and prone to bruising.
• Mind the Thorns: Gooseberry bushes can have thorns, so wear gloves and long sleeves to protect your hands and arms while picking.
• Use Gentle Pressure: Hold the gooseberry gently between your thumb and forefinger, and twist it slightly to detach it from the stem.
• Harvest Clusters: Gooseberries often grow in clusters. You can pick entire clusters by gently holding the branch and detaching the whole group at once.
• Inspect for Pests: While picking, keep an eye out for any pests that might be hiding in the foliage or on the berries.
• Avoid Removing Leaves: Try to avoid pulling off leaves or damaging the bush while picking. Leaves provide energy to the plant.

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After Harvesting

• Cool: Get them into the shade as soon as possible.
• Separate Unripe and Ripe Berries: As you pick, separate underripe berries from ripe ones to ensure even ripening and better quality.
• Store Properly: After picking, gently transfer the gooseberries into shallow containers or bags. Store them in the refrigerator as soon as possible to maintain freshness.
  
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Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - Gooseberries are affected by weather (especially rain and cooler temperatures) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first! Always call before you go to the farm - Gooseberries are affected by weather (especially rain and cooler temperatures) 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 Gooseberries, 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 Gooseberries more than 3 inches deep will smush the lower Gooseberries. 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.

When you get home

1. DON'T wash the Gooseberries until you are ready to use them. Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
2. Keep them cool: Temperatures between 34 F and 38 F are best, but, be careful not to freeze Gooseberries! (Fresh Gooseberries are highly prone to freeze damage).
3. Sort again: Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting Gooseberries
4. Freeze: Gooseberries can also be frozen for longer storage.
5. Use Quickly: Gooseberries have a relatively short shelf life. Plan to use or preserve them within a few days of picking.
6. Consider Usage: Gooseberries can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, such as jams, pies, sauces, and even pickles
7. Use or freeze quickly: Even under ideal conditions Gooseberries will only keep for a week or two in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, consume or freeze them as soon as possible after purchase.
8. See my How to freeze berries page. (Unless you're going to make jam right away)
9. Now, get ready to make Gooseberries jam - It is VERY easy

Gooseberries Recipes, Canning, Jam, Jelly, and related resources

• Gooseberry jelly
• Gooseberry festivals
• Gooseberry  facts - useful, interesting and fun facts

 

 

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