2024 Hernando County, west Florida Blackberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Blackberry U-Pick Orchards in Hernando County, west Florida in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for blackberries that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have blackberries 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.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather.  See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

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Hernando County

• Berry Kingdom, Inc. - CERTIFIED ORGANIC, blackberries, tomatoes, U-pick and already picked
  26596 Erneset Lee Road, Brooksville, FL 34602. Phone: 727-460-2950. Email: berry.kingdom@att.net. Open: for U-pick in 2017. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Berry Kingdom, Inc. Facebook page. UPDATE for 2021-2023; they may not be open this year, their Facebook page still says 'we are not open We are taking a break from blackberry farming due to health reasons and also giving our fields some well needed rest before resuming in a year or two;. While the farm is not active in u-pick, we are doing some experimental growing trials to possibly add some new organic berry cops in a near future ' Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 am to 6 pm; Season starts June 1 to Mid - July We are certified organic for all crops! Berry Kingdom is Certified Organic for Blackberries and tomatoes. We are medium size organic certified and inspected farm that specializes in growing best tasting, thornless, chemical free, CERTIFIED ORGANIC BLACKBERRIES and HEIRLOOM "BERRY TOMATOES". Our berry tomatoes have 5x the nutrients as compared to hybrids. We have two+ acres of berries on our 8 acre farm located in a picturesque Spring Lake area of Hernando County. Berry Kingdom Facebook page. Our berries are grown in this serene, clean environment Our Produce Varies From Year To Year. ALWAYS - GMO and Pesticide Free.
• D&S Blueberries Upicktopia - No pesticides are used, tangerines, beans, beets, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, herbs or spices, onions, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, pumpkins, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, we also have pie pumpkins, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available
  19125 Phillips Rd, Masaryktown, FL 34604. Phone: 352-308-0110. Email: danebbecke@bellsouth.net. Open: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9 am to 5; check their Facebook page for what is currently available to pick. Directions: one mile down Phillips road off Ayers rd. Go east 1.7 miles on Ayers Road to Phillips Road. One mile down Phillips on left at the end of the chain link fence. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
  D&S Blueberries Upicktopia Facebook page. We are a blueberry and u pick farm with over 56 acres of land to grow delicious fruits and vegetables. We started in 1996 as a commercial blueberry farm but we are now morphing into a u pick operation that will have as many different types of fruits and vegetable imaginable. We are building a boutique winery on the farm where our fresh fruit is transformed into wonderful tasting wines. We do not spray pesticides without reason and use the softest thing possible to avoid damage to our bee hives and the environment. We use Integrated Pest Management. We do not use neonics or GMO's on our farm.
• Ergle Farm - blackberries, blueberries, cucumbers, eggplant, onions, peas, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, picnic area, farm animals, school tours
  3325 Treiman Boulevard, Dade City, FL 33523. Phone: (352) 583-3647. Email: ergletrees@gmail.com. Open: every day from 9 am to 4 pm. Directions: Ergle\'s is located 8 miles north of Dade City, Florida directly on U.S. highway 301. From I-75, take exit number 301 at Highway 50. Drive East on Highway 50 for 5 miles and turn South on Highway 301 and drive two miles. The farm is located on directly on Highway 301 on the West side of 301 \(farm is 2 miles south of the Highway 301 and Highway 50 intersection on Highway 301\). . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. Fax: (352) 583-0591. info@ergletrees.com Ergle's is located 8 miles north of Dade City, Florida directly on U.S. highway 301. From I-75, take exit number 301 at Highway 50. Drive East on Highway 50 for 5 miles and turn South on Highway 301 and drive two miles. The farm is located on directly on Highway 301 on the West side of 301 (farm is 2 miles south of the Highway 301 and Highway 50 intersection on Highway 301)PYO is available only when in season; Blueberries in May, Strawberries grown in hydroponic stackers are avabile in November, Thornless Blackberries in June, Pumpkins in October, Christmas trees are sold from the Saturday before Thanksgiving through December 23rd; See our website for additional informationWe also have fruit trees for sale. All varieties are self pollinating, require low chill hours, and are freeze resistant. Beverly Hills Apple Dorsett Golden Apple Gala Apple Gordon Apple 3 n 1 Fruit Salad Spice Zee Nectaplum Eva's Pride Peach Flordaking Peach Flordaprince Peach May Pride Peach Bella Gold Peacturn Weeping Santa Rosa Plum Shinseiki Asian Pear Giant Fuyu Persimmon. We provide what is needed to pick the berries, but please bring your own bags to take these delicious berries home in. There is never an entry fee at Ergle Tree Farm and parking is plentiful. Always call our Berry hotline to check the status of the fields at or (352) 346-2745.
• JG Ranch - broccoli, blackberries, cucumbers, strawberries, tomatoes, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, restrooms, picnic area you may bring your own food, farm animals, school tours
  17200 Wiscon Rd, Brooksville, FL 34601. Phone: 352-799-0556. Email: JCasey898@wildBlue.com. Open: Thursday - Sunday 9 am to 4. Directions: The Farm is located approximately 2 mile east of the Sun Coast Parkway and 2 Miles west of US 41 on Wiscon Road. Please follow the signs to the back of the property. The country road wind through the pasture land, but you will not have to . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, cash, checks, Visa, Discover, American Express, and Master Card.
  JG Ranch Facebook page. Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesopen any gates. Please call if you need more helpPicnic tables on site. The fields are in the back so drive along our country road and enjoy the trees and farm animals. There are no gates to open. Please wear old shoes as the fields may be muddy. (AKA J and G Ranch, JG, J&G, J and G)
  Comments from a visitor on March 19, 2011: "Went today for you-pick strawberries; they had tons of delicious berries. $1 a pound, we got 14 pounds. Kids had a blast. Owner said blueberries will be ready in three weeks. They also had a few peach trees, they thought they'd be ready in a month or so."
  Comments from a visitor on May 30, 2010: "I was just at the J&G Ranch today 5/30/2010 and the blueberries were still very plentiful. (and tasty!) They also have wonderful bi color corn picked fresh daily. "
• Spring Lake Blueberry Farm - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, blackberries, blueberries, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties
  25688 Powell Road, Brooksville, FL 34602. Phone: (352) 754-1700. Email: springlake.blueberry@yahoo.com. Open: Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 6 pm, Closed Mondays, From April 10 to May 20. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . Alternate Phone: (352) 232-0428Fax: 3525441176 Blueberries typically available in April and May, Blackberries typically available in May. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicalsIn 2021, prices are Upick blueberries are $3.75 per pound, already picked $6.00 per pound. . Please wear closed shoes, socks recommended and protect yourself from the sun.(UPDATED: April 10, 2018)
  Comments from a visitor on May 26, 2012: "This is one of the very few blueberry farms that is still open for the 2012 season as of 5/27/2012. The owner told us they got a second crop and will be open for a few more weeks. After making dozens of phone calls, we finally found this place that was still open for u-pick - the warm weather this year has sped the season up. There were still plenty of really nice, really big berries. We also picked goji berries which were a steal at $3.50 lb (about 1/4 of the price for dried berries in the store). I have never seen fresh goji berries anywhere else and it was an exciting opportunity to pick them. The owner was very friendly and helpful. "
• Upicktopia - strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, pumpkins, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, we also have pie pumpkins, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties
  19125 Phillips Road, Masaryktown, FL 34604. Phone: 352-308-0110. Email: danebbecke@bellsouth.net. Open: Friday to Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. Directions: From US 41 take Ayers Road 1.7 miles east. Turn right on Phillips Road. We are 1 mile down Phillips Road on the left. We are in a bend in the road but there is a sign at the gate. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
  Upicktopia Facebook page. Pumpkin patch u pick pumpkins is open October 9 to October 31 Strawberries start November 1 to April 15 Blueberries start April 1 to May 15 Blackberries start May 1 to June 1/Masaryk winery is a place where you can get the freshest local produce possible, enjoy a glass of local wine and chill in a park like atmosphere. We grow strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, a large assortment of vegetables and more. We are now open 9 am to 5 pm Friday Through Sunday for u pick and 10am to 8 pm for the winery. later hours for events

 

Blackberry

Blackberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Blackberries typically peak during June in the South of the U.S., and in July in the north and in Canada. 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 Blackberries, producers depend on ideal spring and early summer weather conditions. See this page for a list of blackberry festivals around the U.S.

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - 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 Blackberries, 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 Blackberries 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 Blackberries

1. There are two types of blackberries to know about: thorny and thornless! Obviously, the thornless are easier to pick, but some people claim the thorny varieties are sweeter. With the thorny plants, you want to reach into the plant in the gaps, so you don't need to touch anything but the berry you're after, avoiding the thorns.
2. A ripe blackberry is deep black with a plump, full feel. It will pull free from the plant with only a slight tug.  If the berry is red or purple, it's not ripe yet.
3. Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 berries. Unlike strawberries, blackberries are usually pretty tough, I dump mine into the bucket. Repeat the picking process with both hands.
4. Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the berries down.

General Picking Tips

Whether you pick Blackberries from your garden or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Pick only the berries that are fully black. Reach in between the stems to grab for hidden berries ready for harvest. Bend down and look up into the plant and you will find loads of berries that other people missed!
2. Avoid placing the picked berries in the sunlight 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. Blackberries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week, 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.

When you get home

1. DON'T wash the berries until you are ready to use them or freeze 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  off the others, drain them and freeze them up! (Unless you're going to make jam right away) Blackberries are less perishable than blueberries or strawberries, but refrigerate them as soon as possible after picking. Temperatures between 34 F and 38 F are best, but, be careful not to freeze the blackberries (while they are in the fridge)!
4. Even under ideal conditions blackberries will only keep for a week in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible after purchase

Blackberry Recipes, Freezing and Jam directions

1. How to make Blackberry jam - It is VERY easy - especially with our free Blackberry jam directions - very easy!
2. How to make Blackberry jelly
3. How to freeze berries
4. Blackberry syrup, make and can it! 
5. Seedless blackberry pie!
6. Blackberry Festivals: Where, When and More to Find an Blackberry Festival Near You this year:

Blackberry Facts and Tips

• Black Raspberries, also known as "black caps" are a very healthy food; packed with anthocyanins!
• The USDA says 1 cup of blackberries has about 62 calories.
• 1 cup of blackberries, not packed down weighs about 140 grams.
• Select plump, firm, fully blackberries. Unripe berries will not ripen once picked.
• Ohio State University's Article Regarding Their Prevention of Cancer
• Oregon Berry Black Raspberry Brochure
• Blackberry tea was said to be a cure for dysentery during the Civil War. During outbreaks of dysentery, temporary truces were declared to allow both Union and Confederate soldiers to "go blackberrying" to forage for blackberries to ward off the disease.
• Blackberries were enjoyed by the ancient Greeks, who believed them to be a cure for diseases of the mouth and throat, as well as a preventative against many ailments, including gout.
• The blackberry leaf was also used as an early hair dye, having been recommended by Culpeper, the English herbalist, to be boiled in a lye solution in order to "maketh the hair black".
• Guide to blackberry varieties
• Researchers have known for quite some time that berries contain antioxidants which help to fight cancer causing free radicals.  A study at the University of Ohio has found that blackberries are the most potent cancer fighting berries of them all, by nearly 40 percent!
• U-pick Blackberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. A quart equals 1 and 1/2 pounds of fresh berries.
• Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as Blackberries 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 go to a blackberry festival? See this page for a list!

 

 

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