2024 Southeastern Virginia, Virginia Beach Strawberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Strawberry U-Pick Orchards in Southeastern Virginia, Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach City

• Brookdale Farm & Market - Pick-your-own strawberries, pumpkins
  2060 Vaughan Road, Virginia Beach, VA . Phone: 757-721-0558. Email: brookdalefarm.va@gmail.com. Open: 8-6 Monday - Saturday and 8-5 Sunday; These hours depend on weather and if we have been picked out. Directions: South on Princess Anne Road from the Nimmo ChurchRed Mill Commons area or east on Indian River Road to the stoplight in \downtown\" Pungo \(Princess Anne Road-Indian River Road intersection\)". Click here for a map and directions. then south on Princess Anne Road \(Virginia Route 615\) for 4 miles. Or from the Municipal Center area
• Cromwell's Produce - strawberries, Christmas trees
  3116 New Bridge Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Phone: 757-721-6226. Email: cromwellsproduce@gmail.com. Directions: Only minutes away from Redmill and Sandbridge Beach!. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. Cromwell's Produce . Strawberries - May, Peanuts - October/November. (ADDED: February 23, 2015)
• Cullipher Berry Patch and Pumpkin Patch - strawberries, pumpkins, Honey from hives on the farm
  772 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Phone: (757) 721-7456. Email: cullfarm@msn.com. Open: Daily 8 am to 6 pm for strawberries, pumpkins in their seasons. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  Cullipher Berry Patch and Pumpkin Patch Facebook page. . Crops are usually available in April, May, June. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Our Fall U-Pick seasons is highlighted by our pumpkins and apples. We plant over 30 different types of pumpkins ranging from small to large, bumpy or flat, with a variety of colors .
• Cullipher Farm Market - Uses integrated pest management practices, strawberries, apples, pumpkins, flowers, Honey from hives on the farm
  1444 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Phone: (757) 721-7456. Email: cullfarm@msn.com. Open: Late April to early September, various hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  Cullipher Farm Market Facebook page. . Crops are usually available in April, May, June. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Farm is located atop the fertile Pungo Ridge in southern Virginia Beach. The farm is family owned and operated by fourth and fifth generation Culliphers. We are proud to grow over 250 varieties of the highest quality fruits and vegetables specializing in strawberries, sweet corn and tomatoes. You can enjoy our produce by visiting our roadside stand,picking in our fields,going to satellite farmers' markets, or by signing up for one of our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs. Cullipher Farm is located atop the fertile Pungo Ridge in southern Virginia Beach. The farm is family owned and operated by fourth and fifth generation Culliphers. We are proud to grow over 250 varieties of the highest quality fruits and vegetables specializing in strawberries, sweet corn and tomatoes. You can enjoy our produce by visiting our roadside stand, satellite farmers' markets, or by signing up for one of our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs. Our Fall U-Pick seasons is highlighted by our pumpkins and apples.In 2015 we planted our first high density apples. These apples are planted and grow on a trellis system and top out at around 10 feet. They will be ready to pick in 2017! In addition to our 8 varieties of apples we plant over 30 different types of pumpkins ranging from small to large, bumpy or flat, with a variety of colors. Click here for a link to our Facebook page The Cullipher family uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM) which emphasizes sustainable and ecological growing practices. IPM means the use of multiple methods, including biological, cultural, genetic and chemicals to control pests. Crop rotation is a key component in our pest management. We do not use any genetically modified organisms (GMO's) on our farm
  Comments from a visitor on June 26, 2011: "Great people, only organic strawberry patch in Va. Great berries, they are open early for organic strawberries, so get on their email list. Lots of other things also."
• Flanagan Farm - pumpkins, strawberries, Turkeys, Honey from hives on the farm, U-pick and already picked, farm market, porta-potties are available
  Corner Of Princess Anne And N. Muddy Creek Roads, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Phone: 757-426-5585. Email: flanagan_farm@msn.com. Open: Strawberries: Late April to early June 7am to 7pm everyday. Directions: One half a mile South of the Pungo stoplight on the corner of Princess Anne and N. Muddy Creek Roads. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. 23">Flanagan Farm . Click here for our Facebook page.Flanagan Farm, offering U-pick strawberries, pumpkins and farm fresh veggies with a smile!!!! Welcome to. is a fourth generation farm specializing in strawberries, pumpkins, turkeys and seasonal fruits and veggies. We are located n the heart of Pungo, Virginia on the corner of Princess Anne and N. Muddy Creek Roads. If you want a fun, wholesome family outing we are the farm for you. Bring your kids, yur neighbor, or the man down the street and come on out to!
• Henley Farm and Henley Farm Market - Strawberries, blackberries, sweet corn, tomatoes, kale, potatoes, beans, pumpkins, collards, Christmas trees.
  3513 Charity Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Phone: (757) 426-7501. Email: barbarahenley@cox.net. Open: see their website for current hours. Directions: East on Indian River Road to Muddy Creek Road. Turn left, go 14 mile, turn right on Charity Neck Road. Farm 1 mile. 7 am to 7 pm, daily, spring and summer; 9 am to 5 pm, daily fall and winter. All of our small fruits \(strawberries, blackberries, etc.\) and vegetables \(cabbage, broccoli, pumpkins, etc.\) are available on a "Pick Your Own" basis. Remember to bring your own buckets!Pick your own at our farm or buy already picked at our market in downtown Pungo. Hayrides, too! For over fifty years, Henley Farm has been providing fresh \'pick-your-own\' fruits and vegetables at fair prices in the Pungo section of Virginia Beach, VA. Henley Farm is truly a family farm, not only for our family but also for the many families who have enjoyed the farm. Many of our customers were children when they visited Henley Farm with their parents, and now bring their children to enjoy the experience of picking their own berries and vegetables. FamilyAt the farm, located at 3484 Charity Neck Road, you can \'pick your own\' fruits and vegetables, or even select your own . Click here for a map and directions. Henley Farm and Henley Farm Market Phone: ; FAX (757) 426-0072. . East on Indian River Road to Muddy Creek Road. Turn left, go 1/4 mile, turn right on Charity Neck Road. Farm 1 mile. 7 am to 7 pm, daily, spring and summer; 9 am to 5 pm, daily fall and winter. All of our small fruits (strawberries, blackberries, etc.) and vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, pumpkins, etc.) are available on a "Pick Your Own" basis. Remember to bring your own buckets!Pick your own at our farm or buy already picked at our market in downtown Pungo. Hayrides, too! For over fifty years, Henley Farm has been providing fresh 'pick-your-own' fruits and vegetables at fair prices in the Pungo section of Virginia Beach, VA. Henley Farm is truly a family farm, not only for our family but also for the many families who have enjoyed the farm. Many of our customers were children when they visited Henley Farm with their parents, and now bring their children to enjoy the experience of picking their own berries and vegetables. FamilyAt the farm, located at 3484 Charity Neck Road, you can 'pick your own' fruits and vegetables, or even select your own Christmas tree. We also have a farm market located on the farm, so you have the option of picking your own or buying your fruits and vegetables already picked.
  Comments from a visitor on July 09, 2011: "Tons of huge, sweet, thornless blackberries. Corn, oh yeah! Good times, good people."
  Comments from a visitor on June 26, 2011: ""This place also has u-pick broccoli, cabbage, May peas, Romaine lettuce too. Great place, couldn't say enough about them and the availability of picking
  Comments from a visitor on May 10, 2009: "I have been going to Henleys for 20 years and it is a family run farm and they are all very friendly and caring and if you ever get the opportunity to meet any of them you will know what I mean especially the older Mrs. Henley very sweet old lady just like her husband not saying that Stormy isnt sweet but Mrs Henley has a few years on her.LOL. Make sure you go all the way down to the farm and not just to the farm stand Not saying the farm stand isnt good but the extra mile is well worth the trip for the harvest. All year long if they have a growing season for something they have it growing. Hours are always subject to change to call first. They take most form of payment including credit cards. They have portajohns for those emergency stops. In the fall they have a hayride to the pumpkin patch and on mother's day they have hanging flowers at reasonable prices for gifts. You can also buy some bedding plants or veggie plants for your own garden. "
• Lilley Farms and Nursery, Inc. - Pick-your-own and fresh-picked strawberries.
  2800 Tyre Neck Road, Chesapeake, VA 23321. Phone: 757-484-3448. Email: info@lilleyfarms.com. Open: Variable usually daily - CALL AHEAD. Directions: From I-664, take exit 10 \(Pughsville Road\) and go east. Turn right onto Taylor Road. Turn left on Bruce Road. Strawberry fields on left. . Click here for a map and directions. . FAX: 757-483-3245. . From I-664, take exit 10 (Pughsville Road) and go east. Turn right onto Taylor Road. Turn left on Bruce Road. Strawberry fields on left. Variable (usually daily) - CALL AHEAD.
• Munden Farm - Pick your own strawberries.
  1377 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23457. Phone: 757 426-2747. Email: mundenfarm@gmail.com. Open: Monday to Saturday from 8 AM to 6 PM, closed on Sunday. Directions: Munden Farm is located exactly three miles south of the Pungo stoplight at 1377 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA. We are currently . Click here for a map and directions.
  Munden Farm Facebook page. . . For updates on produce availability, please call. open for pick your own strawberries Monday-Saturday from 8AM-6PM and closed Sunday. PLEASE NOTE: We will not have asparagus, sweet corn, cantaloupes, melons or pumpkins in 2017 while the owner is recuperating from surgery. . (ADDED: May 26, 2017, JBS)
• Salem Berry Farm - Strawberries
  1763 Salem Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Phone: 757 818-3156. Email: salemberryfarm@gmail.com. Open: call or email for hours and availability. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. . Pick-Your-Own . Other fresh fruits and vegetables are available at these locations throughout the season.
• Skipper Farms - Uses natural growing practices, pumpkins, strawberries, Turkeys (organic, not-hormone-fed), Fresh eggs, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, farm animals, school tours
  3640 Dam Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23453. Phone: 757-368-0355. Email: skip1418@aol.com. Open: Monday to Saturday, from 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm, also Christmas trees from Thanksgiving until Christmas eve. Directions: see web site. . Click here for a map and directions. . We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, SFMNP Vouchers A visitor writes on July 25, 2014: "I love visiting this market all year round! You can always find the freshest stuff around and it is truly "fresh from the farm" and not a warehouse. Nothing compares to the prices or quality, especially in the summer time! One visit and you will be hooked on it. The kids enjoy going all the time. :-) "
• The Flip Flop Farmer - strawberries
  3244 New Bridge Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Phone: 757 426-9908. Email: flipflopfarmer@yahoo.com. Open: 7 am-7 pm, Monday-Saturday; 8 am-6 pm, Sunday. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. . Pick-your-own and pre-picked . Other crops during the year include sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, potatoes, cantaloupes, watermelons, blackberries, and snap beans.
• Vaughan Farm's Produce - Uses natural growing practices, strawberries, Other fruit or veg, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, school tours
  1258 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23457. Phone: 757-615-4888. Email: vaughanfarmsproduce@yahoo.com. Open: Everyday 8 am to around 6pm, call 6154888 to verify if open on rainy days. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Strawberries: end of April to early June, Sweet Corn: June to August, Other crops: see website, Feel free to call 6154888 to verify availability. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Check out our website or call for specials and questions. Thank you!
  Comments from a visitor on June 26, 2011: "This place is wonderful! Kale, Swiss chard, dill, lots of different things to pick and the people are outstanding. You get personal attention from them."

Chesapeake City

• Brookdale Farm - strawberries, pumpkins, porta-potties
  2133 Mt. Pleasant Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23457. Phone: (757) 721-0558. Email: brookdalefarm.va@gmail.com. Directions: Special Directions: Located at 2133 Mount Pleasant Road, 14 mile west of the former Bergey\'s Dairy Farm. From Battlefield Boulevard in downtown Great Bridge, go east on Mount Pleasant Road \(Virginia Route 165\) approximately 534 miles. Look for sign on the right. From Virginia Beach Municipal Center area, go southwest on North Landing Road \(Virginia Route 165\). Crossing the Intracoastal Waterway , North Landing Road becomes Mount Pleasant Road. Continue approximately 3 miles from the drawbridge and look for sign on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  Brookdale Farm Facebook page. . Monday to Saturday 9 am to 6 Sunday 12 pm to 5 late April thru May Date/times depending on weather and strawberry availability; Check Facebook for times. Special Located at 2133 Mount Pleasant Road, 1/4 mile west of the former Bergey's Dairy Farm. From Battlefield Boulevard in downtown Great Bridge, go east on Mount Pleasant Road (Virginia Route 165) approximately 53/4 miles. Look for sign on the right. From Virginia Beach Municipal Center area, go southwest on North Landing Road (Virginia Route 165). Crossing the Intracoastal Waterway , North Landing Road becomes Mount Pleasant Road. Continue approximately 3 miles from the drawbridge and look for sign on the left. Strawberries normally late April until June; That can change depending on the winter, please check Facebook or website for availability;.Clean, weed-free strawberry field. Pick-your-own containers available or bring your own. Children welcome (remember your camera!). No pets in the field, please. Toilets and hand washing facilities. Homestyle jams and salsas season-long. They have two u-pick locations, 2133 Mt. Pleasant Rd Chesapeake ) and 2060 Vaughan Rd Virginia Beach (Pungo - 4 miles south of the light at Indian River & Princess Anne), We grow the Chandler variety which is known for it's great taste and forgiveness for not being picked totally ripe. We also have Ruby Junes again this year, they have great size and taste.
• Greenbrier Farms - Uses natural growing practices, apples, asparagus, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, flowers, nectarines, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, inflatables or bounce houses, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations
  225 Sign Pine Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322. Phone: (757) 421-2141. Email: torib@greenbrierfarms.info. Open: Times change seasonally Call for Details. Directions: Take exit 8A from VA-168 South. Take Hillcrest Parkway to Edinburg Parkway. Turn left on Street Brides Road, then turn left on Sign Pine Road. Greenbrier Farms is at the end of Sign Pine Road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Greenbrier Farms Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: (757) 421-4550. . We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. is a working farm with more than 300 acres of plants, trees, fruits and vegetables. Our popuar pick-your-own strawberry field is a favorite for families throughout the Hampton Roads and Northeast North Carolina area. We have great fields, with plenty of berries to pick from! While you're here, the kids can play on the playground, visit our animal petting area, see ducks, chickens and Millie the pig, see antique tractors and generally enjoy running around the farm. (UPDATED: March 25, 2019)
• Hickory Ridge Farm - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, pumpkins, strawberries, Fresh eggs, porta-potties, picnic area you may bring your own food, face painting, inflatables or bounce houses, pony rides, farm animals, birthday parties, group reservations
  2928 S. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23322. Phone: (757) 560-6763. Email: jrpx2@msn.com. Open: Check Facebook for times Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: Take the second Hillcrest Parkway Exit \(the last exit before the toll\) off of the 168 bypass. At the intersection of Hillcrest and Battlefield, take a right. We are 2.5 miles heading south on Battlefield. Once you see the ruritan club, we are another mile, also on the right had side. Strawberries will be ready mid-April and generally end early June; Children\'s corn maze is in October; Hayrides, barrel train, pony rides and food vendors availability varies depending upon events at the farm; Check Facebook or call 757 to 568 to 6763 for info;. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Hickory Ridge Farm Facebook page. . Take the second Hillcrest Parkway Exit (the last exit before the toll) off of the 168 bypass. At the intersection of Hillcrest and Battlefield, take a right. We are 2.5 miles heading south on Battlefield. Once you see the ruritan club, we are another mile, also on the right had side. Strawberries will be ready mid-April and generally end early June; Children's corn maze is in October; Hayrides, barrel train, pony rides and food vendors availability varies depending upon events at the farm; Check Facebook or call 757 to 568 to 6763 for info;. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. is family owned and operated. When you visit the farm, you will most likely meet farmer John and most likely other family members. We are open from May through October. (UPDATED: March 21, 2018)
• Lilley Farms and Nursery - Strawberries, already-picked produce, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, school tours
  2800 Tyre Neck Road, Chesapeake, VA 23321. Phone: 757-483-9880. Email: carolyn.lilley@yahoo.com. Open: call ahead to confirm hours; The weather and field conditions are a factor to our times of operation, but for the most part their hours 8 am to 7 pm and Monday to Saturday and on Sunday our hours are 10 am to 4 pm. Directions: From I-664, take exit 10 \(Pughsville Road\) and go east. Turn right onto Taylor Road. Turn left on Bruce Road. Once you make a left on Bruce Road you go up 2 lights. At the second light you make a right onto Tyre Neck Rd & your first left onto Bruce Road. The strawberry patch is directly on the right of Bruce Road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Fax (757) 483-3245. . Fresh picked berries are available at both locations while supplies last. From I-664, take exit 10 (Pughsville Road) and go east. Turn right onto Taylor Road. Turn left on Bruce Road. Once you make a left on Bruce Road you go up 2 lights. At the second light you make a right onto Tyre Neck Rd & your first left onto Bruce Road. The strawberry patch is directly on the right of Bruce Road. See this page for more directions. Click here for a map. Also Click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available in April, May, June. Variable; open most days. Please call ahead to verify. Strawberry seasonal hotline is. Strawberries: late April to early June.
• Mount Pleasant Farms - beans, blackberries, cucumbers, eggplant, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Fresh eggs, gift shop, porta-potties, restrooms, picnic area, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
  2201 Mount Pleasant Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322. Phone: (757) 482-0739. Email: info@mountpleasantfarms.com. Open: U - pick Season: Monday through Saturday 8 am to 6 pm, Sundays 8 am to 5 pm; Fall: Monday through Saturday 10 am to 6 pm, Sundays 12 pm to 5 pm; Off Season: Wednesdays 3 pm to 6 pm, Fridays 10 am to 6 pm, Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Mount Pleasant Farms Facebook page. . We use integrated pest management practices (IPM). (UPDATED: May 17, 2018) A visitor writes on May 24, 2013: "You can feed the chickens. there is talk of having soap making classes. The people are friendly and their apples are great. PEACH season is almost here! "
• Poor John's Farm - Strawberries
  914 Dominion Blvd. S, Chesapeake, VA 23323. Phone: 757 485-7743. Open: call for hours and availability. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. . Pick -your-own and pre-picked . Other crops during the year include tomatoes, peppers, corn, butterbeans, green beans, okra, melons, cantaloupes, cucumbers, squash, onions, potatoes, eggplant, greens and pumpkins. (UPDATED: May 12, 2014, from VAG)
• Powers Produce - Pick-your-own strawberries
  395 Ballahack Road, Chesapeake, Va 23322. Phone: 757 619-3292. Email: jessicathompson4@cox.net. Open: April to October; Sunday and Saturday from 7am to 7pm. Click here for a map and directions. . as well as other crops (already harvested) during certain times of the year including May peas, sweet potatoes, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, collards,broccoli and many other various vegetables. (ADDED: May 26, 2017, JBS)

Franklin City

• Goose Hill Farm - Strawberries
  22090 Bethel Road, Franklin, VA 23851. Phone: 757 569-8453. Email: goosehillfarmva@gmail.com. Open: Hours and days vary; Please call ahead. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. . Pick-your-own and fresh-picked and sweet corn.

Isle of Wight County

• Browder's Fresh Pickins - strawberries,
  14489 Bethel Church Lane, Smithfield, VA 23430. Phone: . Email: browdersfreshpickins@gmail.com. Open: Typical season is from middle of April through early June; hours of operation vary based on picking conditions; please see our website or Facebook page for days and hours of operation. Directions: less than 5 miles from downtown Smithfield. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Browder's Fresh Pickins Facebook page. . Pick your own strawberries on the honor system. Pick as much as you'd like. There is a black box near the corner of the fence by the gate (where you grab your buckets) for your cash or checks (made out to 'Browder's Fresh Pickins'). Please e-mail us if you have any question or if you'd like to be added to our e-mail list for farm updates. (UPDATED: August 20, 2022). (ADDED: May 09, 2018, JBS)

James City County

• Millfarm Christmas Trees & Berry farm - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries,
  4900 Fenton Mill Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188. Phone: 757-566-2035. Open: May Tuesday to Sunday 8am to 7pm for Strawberries July Tuesday to Sunday 8am to 7pm for Blueberries and Blackberries. Directions: I-64 east or west take exit 231 B Croaker exits Turn right onto Fenton Mill rd, Williamsburg VA 23188 Farm is 1.5 miles on the left. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Payment: Cash, Check. Can come tag . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Alternate Phone: 757-879-4666. Christmas trees starting on October 31st. Bring something with you to use as a tag. Open every weekend from Thanksgiving to Christmas, for cutting trees. Pick Your Own.. Strawberries (May) Blueberries (June & July) Blackberries (July)Fresh picked Peaches July & August (ADDED: July 10, 2015)

Suffolk City

• Faith Farms - strawberries and berries.
  3259 Lake Prince Drive, Suffolk, VA 23434. Phone: 757 620-8677. Email: faith_farms@verizon.net. Open: Monday - Saturday: 7am to 7pm; Closed on Sundays. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. . Pick-Your-Own
• Greene's Strawberry Farm - Strawberries
  123 Raleigh Drive, Suffolk, VA . Phone: 757 620-8677. Open: Call for hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. . Pick your own and pre pick .

Surry County

• Drewry Farms - blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, organically grown strawberries, Galloway Grass Fed Beef, Mangalitsa Pork, Produce, Turkeys
  541 Strawberry Lane, Wakefield, VA 23888. Phone: (757) 899-3636. Email: michael_drewry@yahoo.com. Open: 7 am to until dark, Tuesday to Sunday; closed on Monday, approximately June 30-August 31. Directions: Located approximately 3.5 miles north of Wakefield on Route 31. Look for farm sign. 3 miles North of Wakefield, Virginia on Route 31. The blueberry picking season kicks off at our Blueberry Jam Festival in late June. We have been growing blueberries for over 20 years and thought is was time to evolve. In addition to our classic berries, we have many exciting new additions! Literally, Drewry Farms is growing by leaps and bounds. Last fall we planted 12,000 strawberry plants. We picked our first crop April 18 and sold them at the Smithfield Farmer\'s Market. Additionally, we have added hundreds of blackberry and raspberry vines for our u-pick operation. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Drewry Farms Facebook page. . Fax: (757) 899-8175. . Located approximately 3.5 miles north of Wakefield on Route 31. Look for farm sign. 3 miles North of Wakefield, Virginia on Route 31. The blueberry picking season kicks off at our Blueberry Jam Festival in late June. We have been growing blueberries for over 20 years and thought is was time to evolve. In addition to our classic berries, we have many exciting new additions! Literally, is growing by leaps and bounds. Last fall we planted 12,000 strawberry plants. We picked our first crop April 18 and sold them at the Smithfield Farmer's Market. Additionally, we have added hundreds of blackberry and raspberry vines for our u-pick operation. Click here for our Facebook page.

 

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