2024 Macon - Columbus area of Georgia Strawberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Strawberry U-Pick Orchards in Macon - Columbus area of Georgia 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 any state, nor even every state, have strawberries 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.

Bibb County

• Elliott Farms - onions, summer squash, blackberries, strawberries, tomatoes, garlic, Honey from hives on the farm, and prepicked produce, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  4761 Holley Road, Lizella, GA 31052. Phone: 478-935-8180. Email: elliottfarmsga@pstel.net. Open: Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm Sunday 10am to 6pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Elliott Farms . April 01 thru May 31. Crops are usually available in April, May. And now, we have Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream! Cash, Check. Note: they have two locations for picking strawberries: Location 1: 4761 Holley Road, Lizella, GA 31052 Location 2: 9515 Feagin Road, Macon, GA (off hwy 247)
  Comments from a visitor on July 05, 2009: "Love it"

Crawford County

• Dickey Farms - strawberries, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, restrooms, picnic area, school tours, group reservations
  3440 Musella Georgia, Musella, GA 31066. Phone: (478) 836-4362. Email: info@dickeyfarms.com. Open: April 1st - June 1st for strawberries, 9 am to 5 pm on Monday to Saturday and 12 pm to 5 pm on Sunday. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Dickey Farms Facebook page. . is a fifth generation grower and packer of peaches, farming over 1,000+ Acres of Peach Trees including 20+ Varieties since 1897 Don't forget they also grow peaches and pecans (not pick your own), but definitely the best tasting anywhere!. (UPDATED: March 26, 2018) (ADDED: January 19, 2018)

Crisp County

• Hatcher's Patch - Strawberries
  308 North 7th Street, Cordele, GA 31015. Phone: 229-273-2737. Click here for a map and directions. .
• Hatcher's Patch Old Albany - Strawberries
  280 West & Old Albany Highway, Cordele, GA . Phone: 229-273-2737. Click here for a map and directions. .

Dodge County

• Greene Acres Farm (also called Tom Sawyer Farm) - strawberries, blackberries, onions, peaches
  952 Empire-Chester Highway, Cochran, GA 31014. Phone: (478)-230-4124. Email: admin@tsfgreeneacres.com. Open: Normally April-July; Call before you come to verify availability! Bring your own containers to take home what you pick. Click here for a map and directions. . Phone: 478-934-7584. . We also have fresh peach ice cream! Greene Acres Farm specializes in U-Pick strawberries from March 15th - May 31st (always depending on crop production and availability). We have over three acres of strawberries for you! And our most popular item is our fresh, homemade strawberry ice cream - made daily during open hours! We currently have about 2,500 peach trees and offer U-Pick when availability of peaches is plentiful. Peaches are available June 15th - July 31st (and always depends on immediate availability of the crop). Blackberries are available every year beginning June 1st until about the middle of July. As always, crops are depending on production and weather. We do offer U-Pick blackberries for our customers. Blueberries are another popular U-Pick option at the farm. Blueberries are ready around June 15th until the the beginning of August. Georgia Grown member. (UPDATED: May 20, 2022, JBS)

Harris County

• Cook Family Farm - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, beans, broad beans, broccoli, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, melons, onions, peas, peppers, summer squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, watermelons, Fresh eggs, concessions or refreshment stand
  2621 Hudson Mill Road, Hamilton, GA 31811. Phone: (706) 457-4684. Email: cookfamilyfarmga@gmail.com. Open: In 2021, U-Pick is by reservation only, and pre-picked berries will be available in the online farm store, Monday, from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm; Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm, April 14 to October 31. Directions: From I-185, exit 19, take GA 315 east to just beyond #9 mile marker. Turn left on Hudson Mill Rd, go 2.5 miles, farm on right. From US 27 heading north from Columbus, turn left on GA 315 west. Turn right on Hudson Mill Road \(first paved road on right past mile marker #10\), go 2.5 miles, farm on right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  Cook Family Farm Facebook page. . . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. From I-185, exit 19, take GA 315 east to just beyond #9 mile marker. Turn left on Hudson Mill Rd, go 2.5 miles, farm on right. From US 27 heading north from Columbus, turn left on GA 315 west. Turn right on Hudson Mill Road (first paved road on right past mile marker #10), go 2.5 miles, farm on right. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. (ADDED: March 19, 2018)

Houston County

• Moore Berries - strawberries, farm market
  204 Piney Grove Road, Kathleen, GA 31047. Phone: (229) 947-7075. Email: doublerunduo@hotmail.com. Open: 9 am to 6 pm daily in season typically April and May. Directions: From 247, come to Kathleen and turn on Piney Grove Road. From Old Perry Road, turn on Piney Grove Road beside Veterans High. From Hwy 96, go to 247 \(see above\). Our farm store will also be . Click here for a map and directions. . 9 am to 6 pm daily in season (typically April and May). We're a strawberry farm and food stand in Kathleen, Georgia. Hope to see you soon! From 247, come to Kathleen and turn on Piney Grove Road. From Old Perry Road, turn on Piney Grove Road beside Veterans High. From Hwy 96, go to 247 (see above). Our farm store will also be open 9-6!! As of now, we will have jam, jellies, syrups, honey, T-shirts, goats milk soap, eggs, olive oils, Oliver Oils, and fresh strawberries! Please bare with us as we grow our inventory!! We will have fresh produce starting next week!! You can always pick your own strawberries at our field on Piney Grove Road!

Laurens County

• Smith's Farm, Berries and More - summer squash, strawberries, prepicked produce, restrooms, petting zoo, farm animals, school tours
  2813 Old Eastman Road, Cadwell, GA 31009. Phone: (478) 697-1159. Email: GSmith_9091@yahoo.com. Open: Monday through Saturday: 9 am to 6 pm, Closed on Sunday . Directions: From intersection of highways 117 and 126 in Cadwell travel east on highway 126 about one half mile, turn right on Old Eastman Road field is on right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . . Crops are usually available in April, May. Come on out and enjoy delicious fresh strawberries, homemade strawberry ice cream and more! In 2021, U-pick $3/lb. Pre-picked $3.50/lb. (UPDATED: April 15, 2020)

Marion County

• Strawberry Hill - Strawberries,
  Johnstonville Rd, Forsyth, GA . Phone: . Open: Call for for hours and availability. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
• Twin Oaks Fun Farm - pumpkins, strawberries, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, petting zoo, birthday parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  1946 Johnstonville Road, Forsyth, GA 31029. Phone: 678-544-0756. Open: UPDATE for 2021, it looks like they closed until next year 2022 - see comments on their Facebook page. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. 84701/Twin Oaks Fun Farm UPDATE for 2021, it looks like they closed until next year (2022 - see comments on their Facebook page). Monday through Saturday 9am to 6pm, Sunday 12pm to 6pm. Strawberries April 15 through June 10; Corn Maze September 18th through October 31st.

Monroe County

• Hamlin Hills Farm - Uses natural growing practices, strawberries, corn maze, pumpkins, concessions or refreshment stand, inflatables or bounce houses, farm animals, school tours, group reservations, events at your location (call for info)
  4477 Dames Ferry Road, Forsyth, GA 31029. Phone: (844) 386-3276. Email: familyfun@theamazingcornmaze.com. Open: in December; Check website or facebook for opening dates. Directions: 477 Dames Ferry Road Forsyth, GA 31029 I-75, EXIT 185 Right off the interstate. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Hamlin Hills Farm Facebook page. . . We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Click here for our Facebook page. In the spring Hamlin Hills offers fresh strawberry picking for the kids while offering a craft wine selection for the parents. During the summer, the farm offers fireworks along with fresh local produce and has a display every year for the Fourth of July. As fall approaches and the weather starts to cool down,has a corn maze and evening frights for the whole family. Once you are done with the maze, the farm has a pick your own pumpkin patch. During the winter months and Christmas season, Hamlin Hills has a festive display for the season along with live Christmas trees to pick from in all shapes and sizes. Fall Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze, Antiques, farm zoo, BBQ, peaches, boiled peanuts, produce, jams, wines and more!is your one stop for agritourism! Family Fun Farm located in Forsyth, GA off of I-75 exit 185.

Peach County

• Lane Southern Orchards - strawberries, corn maze, pumpkins, blueberries and blackberries
  50 Lane Road, Fort Valley, GA 31030. Phone: 478-825-3362. Email: wendybarton@southernorchards.com. Open: daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm; Memorial Day through September, daily from 9 am to 7 pm; the six-acre, you-pick, we-pick strawberry patch is open the second week of April through May. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. . Alternate phone: 800-27PEACH. . click here for a map. Southern hospitality will greet you at , where Georgia's most famous product is being harvested and processed only 5 short minutes from I-75. From I-75, take Exit 142 Georgia Hwy 96 and go west. Lane Packing Company is only 5 minutes away. Formerly called Lane Packing Company. Facebook page. There also already picked (not U-pick) crops, like peaches, and pecans. We grow over 10,000 acres of peaches and pecans! Our Roadside Market has fresh produce, gourmet items, craft beers and wine! While you're here, enjoy lunch at our Peachtree Cafe. is dedicated to planting, growing and harvesting the best-tasting peaches and pecans in Georgia. Around here, that's something to be proud of. To keep things friendly, we give each crop the same amount of special attention. The farm has grown over the years to include 5,000 acres of peaches, 5,000 acres of pecans and 5 acres of strawberries.

Taylor County

• Taylor Orchards Strawberry Patch - strawberries, prepicked produce, gift shop, restrooms, school tours
  41 Racetrack Road, Reynolds, GA 31076. Phone: (478) 847-4186. Email: customerservice@taylororchards.com. Open: Daily: 9 am to 6 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Taylor Orchards Strawberry Patch Facebook page. . . or gafruit@pstel.net. Strawberries are usual;ly available April 1 through May 15, U Pick or We Pick Strawberries. Peaches are harvested May 15 through August 31. Taylor Orchards began with 200 acres of peaches and today grows over 3600 acres of sweet Georgia peaches. Taylor Orchards Country Store offers home made peach ice cream, peach bread & fritters, jams, jellies, preserves, salsa's, BBQ sauces & so much more. Family owned and operated strawberry patch in Reynolds, GA. Fresh strawberries are picked daily along with home-made strawberry ice cream, strawberry fritters and so much more! Very kid friendly and clean restrooms!

Upson County

• Sweet South Strawberry Farm - strawberries
  955 W. Moores Crossing Road, Thomaston, GA . Phone: 706-656-0965. Email: sweetsouthstrawberryfarm@hotmail.com. Open: May through June; Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday from 1 pm to 6 pm. Click here for a map and directions. . . Tell them you saw their information on PickYourOwn.org! (UPDATED: April 16, 2018, JBS)
• The Rock Ranch - blackberries, blueberries, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, herbs or spices, muscadine grapes, other berries, raspberries (red), summer squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, inflatables or bounce houses, jumping pillow, ziplines, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations, events at your location (call for info)
  5020 Barnesville Highway, The Rock, GA 30285. Phone: 706-647-6374. Email: info@therockranch.com. Open: UPDATE for 2021, Their website says they are closed until next year 2022. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  The Rock Ranch Facebook page. . UPDATE for 2021, Their website says they are closed until next year (2022). After much thought and consideration,our team has made the very difficult decision to suspend operation for the time being. We will miss seeing each of you, but our highest priority is the safety of our guests and our team. If you have a specific question, please email Check the Website for availability. (ADDED: February 24, 2015) A visitor writes on October 29, 2013: "This farm offers all sorts of special events for families. They have a locomotive train, pony rides, paddle boats, pedal carts, a giant jumping pillow, Tiny Town (a children's playhouse village), zip lines, a corn maze, a pumpkin cannon and more. You can camp in a covered wagon. Their produce stand and U-pick area is great with awesome strawberry ice cream and a free playground and tree fort area. This place is awesome for company picnics, family outings, school field trips, senior bus tours, camping outings and more. "

Wilcox County

• Copeland Farms (Hwy 280) - Strawberries
  Highway 280 West, Rochelle, GA 31079. Phone: 229-365-7405. Open: Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 7 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 7 pm. Click here for a map and directions.
  Copeland Farms (Hwy 280) Facebook page. . Alternate phone: 229-365-7391. Picking containers are furnished. family owned farm grows delicious each spring for your family to enjoy. In season, we've got the sweetest, juiciest, ruby red and the best strawberry ice cream anywhere around. Pick you own berries or buy berries that we've already picked fresh from the vines. Make strawberry jam, or a pie, or milk shakes using Copeland for a delicious treat. In addition to , Copeland Farms produces sweet onions, green beans, and delicious melons. Copeland Farms Facebook page. Contact: Stanley & Tillie Copeland.
• Copeland Farms (Hwy 300) - Strawberries
  Hwy 300 next to Striplings, Rochelle, GA 31079. Phone: 229-365-7405. Open: Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 7 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 7 pm. Click here for a map and directions.
  Copeland Farms (Hwy 300) Facebook page. . Alternate phone: 229-365-7391. Picking containers are furnished. family owned farm grows delicious each spring for your family to enjoy. In season, we've got the sweetest, juiciest, ruby red and the best strawberry ice cream anywhere around. Pick you own berries or buy berries that we've already picked fresh from the vines. Make strawberry jam, or a pie, or milk shakes using Copeland for a delicious treat. In addition to , Copeland Farms produces sweet onions, green beans, and delicious melons. Copeland Farms Facebook page. Contact: Stanley & Tillie Copeland.

 

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