2024 Houston area of Texas Strawberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Strawberry U-Pick Orchards in Houston area of Texas 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.

Brazoria County

• Froberg Vegetable & Fruit Farm - PYO strawberries, citrus and prepicked
  11875 County Road 190, Alvin, TX 77511. Phone: (281) 585-3531. Email: frobergsfarm@frobergsfarm.com. Open: starting in January and going through May from 8 am to 5 pm; 7 days a week, weather permitting so check the website or call before coming out. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, credit, debit, lone star or check.
  Froberg Vegetable & Fruit Farm Facebook page. . We ask that everyone read to our rules before going to the fields to pick for the safety of you and others. You must pick in a Froberg Bucket no outside containers are allowed. The buckets must be purchased for $1.25 CASH before you go pick. The buckets are reusable. In 2021, Strawberries are $3.00 per pound. After you go out and pick the strawberries you come in and we weigh them and place the price on the bucket. Entry is $2 per person ages 2+. Buckets are $1.25 each, they are yours to keep and reuse each time you visit. Please be sure to bring it back each time you come so you don't have to buy a new one. Berry Fun Land (our playground) and the photo area is also included with entry. Check their website for picking days. Our Store and Bakery are open everyday 8 am to 6 pm and is fully stocked. Facebook page. Pick Your Own Citrus, Citrus picking will start in early November, on weekends only (weather permitting), We will have Satsuma's, Texas Naval Oranges, Tangelo's, Grapefruit, Sweet Kumquats, Meyer Lemons. Citrus Picking every Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting) from 9 am to 3:30 p.m. Must take a hayride to the Citrus Fields.
  Comments from a visitor on March 28, 2011: "My 4-year-old daughter and I went strawberry picking at Froberg's this weekend. It was our first time there. I was apprehensive when we arrived, because the parking lot was packed and I could see that there were a lot of people out in the field picking strawberries. I was worried that it might be picked over, especially because we were there on a Sunday so I figured Saturday had been busy too. It turned out to be awesome though. We ended up going out in the part of the field that was furthest away from the store, and I don't think anyone had been there all season. The plants were completely covered with red, ripe, beautiful strawberries. I highly recommend Froberg's, and will definitely be back!"
  Comments from a visitor, March 26, 2008: "(besides the pyo strawberries), They do have a full vegetable stand and a sausage/meat mini-stand next door. They have good celery and greens in season, wonderful tomatoes, and okra. Most of the rest of their produce is shipped to them, including dried beans, live plants, and dried fruit and nuts. They also have canned goods of all descriptions, plus gallons of local honey in glass jars (they were $22 last year).

Grimes County

• Jollisant Farms Strawberry and Vegetable Garden - follows organic methods, strawberries, blackberries, vegetables
  11351 County Road 203, Plantersville, TX 77363. Phone: 936-894-2766. Email: jollisantfarms@gmail.com. Open: year round on Tuesday through Sunday from 8am to 5pm, closed on Monday. Directions: Take highway 105 to Plantersville Turn South on FM 1774, go 1 mile turn Left on County Road 203 go 1.5 miles we are on the Left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
  Jollisant Farms Strawberry and Vegetable Garden Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 936-870-5550. Fax: 936-894-3418. . We are a natural grower. We use organic methods (but we are not certified!) No pesticides or chemicals are used on our vegetables and fruit. Our food is all natural and grown with sunshine, water and care. They have a Pumpkin Patch OPENING the last SATURDAY in SEPTEMBER. Pick a pumpkin fresh off the vine. There is nothing like a truly fresh pumpkin. Our pumpkin patch is always busting over with pumpkins and gourds. Beautiful!!! Just Beautiful!!! Wild Caught Pork - The hogs we trap have thrived off the land without any added antibiotics or hormones. They are truly wild and have a much better flavor than domestically raised pigs. Click here to read more our wild caught pork.Field Trips - Bring your school class, home school group or daycare for a day at the farm. We enjoy educating kids about growing food naturally and life on a family farm. There is plenty to do and see! In order to make the most of your time, you must MAKE A RESERVATION at (936) 894-2766.Fishing (by appointment only) - Spend an afternoon fishing in our stocked pond full of bass, crappie, brim and more! Fishing doesn't get any easier than this and your kids will fall in love with fishing. Just call (936) 894-2766 if you have any questions. Birthday Parties - Celebrate at Jollisant Farm! Let us host your child's next birthday party. There are lots of things to do on our farm. Your guests are sure to have a great time! Call to MAKE A RESERVATION at (936) 894-2766 or click here for pricing.Weddings and Events - Let our farm be the backdrop for your wedding or special event. We have plenty of room for an outdoor event or use our hall inside. We can cater your event or you can bring food in for your guests. Just let us know how we can help make your day extra special.

Harris County

• Atkinson Farm - strawberries and blackberries
  3217 Spring Cypress Road, Spring, TX 77388. Phone: 832-381-8202. Email: atkinsonfarming@yahoo.com. Open: March 1 to October 31; Monday through Friday 10 - 6 and Sunday 10 - 2. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard . . . Just 3 minutes from Old Town Spring. Take I-45 North, Exit FM 2920 - Spring Cypress Road, Go west 2.0 miles on Spring Cypress Rd, Look for sign on the left.
  Comments from a visitor on April 28, 2011: "had a great time picking strawberries with my kids. the ladies in the market were friendly and helpful. good selection of fresh produce."

Montgomery County

• Wood Duck Farm - Uses natural growing practices, strawberries, restrooms
  2270 Pine Valley Rd, Fostoria, TX 77328. Phone: 281-593-3642. Email: mail@woodduckfarm.com. Open: Saturday - Sunday 10:38 am to 3:30 Best to check our Facebook page for current weather conditions and availability; When strawberries are usually in season, March - early May. Directions: From highway 105, continue north and proceed 3.3 miles Turn left onto JAY HAWKER RD. Go 13 mile Turn at your first right onto PINE VALLEY rd GO 13 mile Enter gate and VEER RIGHT GO TO END OF ROAD to Farm house \( about 500 yds.\). . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx.
  Wood Duck Farm Facebook page. . From highway 105, continue north and proceed 3.3 miles Turn left onto JAY HAWKER RD. Go 1/3 mile Turn at your first right onto PINE VALLEY rd GO 1/3 mile Enter gate and VEER RIGHT GO TO END OF ROAD to Farm house ( about 500 yds.). We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. (ADDED: March 27, 2016)

Waller County

 

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