Blueberry U-Pick Orchards in Houston area of Texas in 2024, by county

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

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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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Chambers County

• Berryland Farms of Texas - blackberries, blueberries, cucumbers, figs, peppers, plums, summer squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area you may bring your own food
  2877 Fm 1941 Road, Winnie, TX 77665. Phone: 713-551-6360. Email: mikendiana33@yahoo.com. Open: mid-May thru mid July; Tuesday to Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm. Directions: Coming from Houston area on I-10 east, take exit #819 \(Stuckey\'s\), stay on service road 2 12 miles, turn right on N. Pear Orchard Road., travel 5 12 miles to Berryland Farms. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . Coming from Houston area on I-10 east, take exit #819 (Stuckey's), stay on service road 2 1/2 miles, turn right on N. Pear Orchard Road., travel 5 1/2 miles to Berryland Farms. Blackberries ripen in May Blueberries, Tomatoes and other vegetables ripen from June until mid July; Figs ripen around the first of July. Please visit our website for more information. We also have a pumpkin patch, corn maze and other fall activities in the fall! Note: as of 2022, they have discontinued Fall activities. (UPDATED: October 11, 2022, JBS) (UPDATED: April 13, 2018)

Fort Bend County

• Blessington Farms - blackberries, blueberries, flowers, Fresh eggs, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, jumping pillow, ziplines, train rides (train on a track), trike track, pedal kart track, mining for gems, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations
  510 Chisolm Trail, Simonton, TX 77476. Phone: (832) 444-8717. Email: info@blessingtonfarms.com. Open: hours, days and dates. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Blessington Farms Facebook page. . Hours vary; please see our website and/ or Facebook page for current hours. Click here for current open Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. With strawberries grown hydroponically, you can pick standing up, so less bending over and strain on your back. . Farm Funland activities for kids (hay rides, Sand Mountain, barrel train rides, animal encounter with heritage breed chickens, big slides, pedal cars, Fall Festival and more).Pick your own blueberries and thornless blackberries. Pumpkin Patch & Fall Harvest Festival. Fishing in a beautiful pond. Farm Funland: Outside adventures for the entire family including hay rides, giant slides, hay maze, barrel train ride, pedal cars, sand mountain, nature play area, steer roping, pony hops, and animal encounters (including chickens, miniature goats, camels, mini-donkeys and zebu). Shaded picnic areas. The perfect place to visit for school field trips. Blueberries: May to June, Blackberries: June. NEW...we are growing Fall vegetables for our Farmer's Market. Coming September! (UPDATED: August 27, 2020)A visitor writes on March 11, 2013: "Excellent location, farm is great for adults and kids alike! "

Hardin County

• B&M Farms - No pesticides are used, blueberries, corn (sweet), cucumbers, figs, lemons, Muscadines, grapes, melons, oranges, pears, peas, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Other fruit or veg, Honey from hives on the farm, U-pick and already picked, farm market, gift shop, restrooms, picnic area, school tours
  2365 Blueberrypatch, Silsbee, TX 77656. Phone: 409 385-1200. Email: b_mfarms@hotmail.com. Open: season will open on late May 30 through the month of June; from 7 am to 7 pm; always call before you come to check on crop availability. Directions: We do not use pesticides on the . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Alternate Phone: 409 299-2836. Fax:. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. crops. We also have Pure and Sugar Free Blueberry Juice, Blueberry Syrup, Blueberry Jelly, Mayhaw Jelly, Fresh Shelled Pintos, Zipper Cream Purple Hull Peas, Farm Grown Vegetables, watermelons, cantaloupes, and Organic Fertilized Coastal Bermuda Hay. In the Fall, we also have a pumpkin patch-pick in the field, kiddie (mini) corn maze, and tractor-pulled hay rides. No pesticide used. Eat while you pick. 2018 prices: U-Pic 3.00 per lb. Pre Picked 5lb.Box 20.00 During these days you can call and Pre Order Pre-Picked blueberries or join in the fun and pick your own blueberries while we keep you refreshed with our tasty and refreshing Blueberry Lemonade.

Harris County

• Chmielewski's Blueberry Farm - No pesticides are used, blueberries, restrooms
  23810 Bauer Hockley Road, Hockley, TX 77447. Phone: 281-304-0554. Email: dawndc@pdq.net. Open: Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 am to 2 pm, Wednesday from 7:30 am to 1 pm Estimated Season is Late May Through Mid July Check the Website. Directions: From Houston: Take Highway 290 to Becker Road, Turn right on Becker, Go 1 12 miles to Bauer Hockley Road. Turn right on Bauer Hockley. Go approximately 14 of a mile and we are on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover. . . Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 am to 2 pm, Wednesday from 7:30 am to 1 pm Estimated Season is Late May Through Mid July (Check the Website). From Houston: Take Highway 290 to Becker Road, Turn right on Becker, Go 1 1/2 miles to Bauer Hockley Road. Turn right on Bauer Hockley. Go approximately 1/4 of a mile and we are on the left. Estimated Season is late May through Mid July (check the website!) Season varies a bit yearly. We do not use pesticides on the crops. We have 10 different varieties of blueberries. Some will ripen Early Season. some Mid Season & some Late Season. The Early Picker Gets the Best Blueberries! Children Must Stay with their Parents at All Times
• Harvest Season Farm - Blackberries, blueberries, figs, jujube (Asian dates), Asian pears and Asian persimmons (Shizi),
  21110 Bauer Hockley Road, Tomball, TX 77377. Phone: 281-351-7676. Email: info@harvestseasonfarm.com. Open: Saturdays 10AM to 2PM, 10 am to 12 pm on July 4th, Hours change based upon crop availability, Events are by appointment only. Directions: The orchard is approximately 30 miles northwest of Houston off Highway 290, or 7 miles west of Tomball off FM 2920. Key map page 326, section B. From Houston: \(Approximately 30 miles\) Travel northwest on Highway 290 past 1960 \(7.3 miles\) to Mueschke Road. Turn north on Mueschke Road and go 3.2 miles to Bauer Hockley Road. At the Matt Family Orchard sign turn west and proceed 1 mile, through the green pipe gate. Go to the green barn. . Click here for a map and directions. . Alternate Phone: (713) 455-3211. . Saturdays 10AM to 2PM, (10 am to 12 pm on July 4th), Hours change based upon crop availability, Events are by appointment only. The orchard is approximately 30 miles northwest of Houston off Highway 290, or 7 miles west of Tomball off FM 2920. Key map page 326, section B. From Houston: (Approximately 30 miles) Travel northwest on Highway 290 past 1960 (7.3 miles) to Mueschke Road. Turn north on Mueschke Road and go 3.2 miles to Bauer Hockley Road. At the Matt Family Orchard sign turn west and proceed 1 mile, through the green pipe gate. Go to the green barn. Click here for directions and a map. Pick your own fresh fruit ripened on the tree. We are an organic orchard that has seasonal fruit: Blueberries, Blackberries, Asian Pears, Jujube's, Fig's, Very sweet Citrus, Some Pomegranate's, Persimmons, and very rare Mustang Grapes (Vitis mustangensis). We occasionally source organic Strawberries and Raspberries. Due to Covid-19 we have lost some of our labor force and are bouncing back to help take care of your organic fruit needs- Please be patient. We also have picnic facilities, camp fire area with wood and a BBQ pit area. We are only open on Saturdays from 10 am - 2 pm. Sometimes closed for holidays and private events. Groups are encouraged and discounts given. Senior Citizens/Veterans always get a discount. We hope to see you and your family out enjoying the outdoors at our 45 acre Orchard. We have: 1,200 thornless blackberries, 175 fig trees, 70 Asian pear trees, 125 jujube trees and 1,100 Asian persimmon trees. We sale local honey, preserves, spreadable fruit and jams. . Quiet, peaceful and relaxing. Enjoy the fresh country air.Typical harvest dates are (always check their website or call before you go!) Blueberries during April and May; Citrus during September to December; Figs during July to October; Jujubes during June to August; Loquats during March and April; Peach during June to August; Asian Pears during June to September; Asian Persimmon during October to December. Formerly called Matt Family Orchard and Nursery. (UPDATED: June 30, 2020 JBS)

Jasper County

• Brown's Berry Farm - blueberries, blackberries
  Private Road 7022, Bon Wier, TX . Phone: 409-420-0461. Open: Our blueberries are usually available from the end of May through July; PLEASE CALL everytime you want to pick - picking conditions can change day to day. Click here for a map and directions. . Phone: (409) 963-4056. We are a pesticide free Blueberry/Blackberry farm, with 500 blueberry & 100 blackberry bushes. U pick OR We pick. Also organic yard eggs & yummy veggies!!! We sell our "blues" in pints or gallons and you can u-pick them, or we can pick them. PLEASE CALL for up to the day picking conditions. .
• Clegg Blueberry Farm - blueberries
  FM 253, Buna, TX . Phone: 409-994-2549. Directions: East of Buna 3-one half miles on FM 253. . Click here for a map and directions. OR 409-994-3425.

Liberty County

• M@B Trading Co. - blueberries
  506 County Road 2212, Cleveland, TX 77327. Phone: 281-592-0651. Email: mmchaney@aol.com. Open: May, June. Directions: We\'re 7 miles out of Cleveland; please call for directions. If you need to contact me via e-mail, please write in the subject heading to what this would be in reference, so that I\'ll be sure to . Click here for a map and directions. . Fax: 281-592-1993. . We're 7 miles out of Cleveland; please call for directions. If you need to contact me via e-mail, please write in the subject heading to what this would be in reference, so that I'll be sure to open your mail. Thanks! Click here for a map to our farm. We are open Our hours are: Any day, any hour - just call before you come. Two Christmas tree farms are located within a mile.
• Rosewood Acres - Uses natural growing practices, blueberries, U-pick and already picked
  1684 Cr 2060, Hardin, TX 77561. Phone: (832) 407-2564. Email: hardinheads.rosewood@gmail.com. Open: May to June 30; Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . . We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. These are two small fields, a total of 770 bushes. The best time (coolest time) to pick is between 5 Pm - 7:30 PM. Please don't take it personal, but please do not bring your kids or pets. If your significant other is not one of these, they are most welcome, as well. (ADDED: May 23, 2018)

Montgomery County

• Blakelock's Berries - No pesticides are used, blueberries, porta-potties
  15761 Fm 3083, Grangerland, TX 77302. Phone: (281) 685-7225. Email: paul.a.blakelock@hotmail.com. Open: the 2024 season, we are open the following days and times but please see our facebook page for updates; Monday Closed Tuesday from 7 am to 1 Wednesday from 7 am to 1 Thursday from 7 am to 1 Friday Closed Saturday from 7 am to 1 Sunday from 7 am to 1 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, All credit cards. . . Blueberry season normally runs from late May until late June;. We do not use pesticides on the crops. (UPDATED: May 16, 2024)
• Moorhead's Blueberry Farm - blueberries
  19531 Moorhead Road, Conroe, TX . Phone: 281-572-1265. Open: Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm; We anticipate reopening late May; harvest season is June & July. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash or check only.
  Moorhead's Blueberry Farm Facebook page. . 2018 price was $2.50 per pound. No Bank or Credit Cards. Children's groups by appointment only. Twenty varieties of (primarily Tifblue, Premier, Brightwell, Climax, Garden Blue, Becky Blue, Alice Blue and Sharp Blue) on 20 acres. No pesticides are used. No entrance fee; you are charged only for what you pick. Sampling is not deterred. Buckets are provided, as well as picnic tables, rest room facilities. Soft drinks and water are available for purchase.
• Pioneer Berry Farm - No pesticides are used, blueberries
  Pioneer Berries, 2512 Pioneer Lane, Cleveland, TX 77328. Phone: 936-537-0446. Open: UPDATE for 2021: TBD, They have sold the farm and will no longer be selling blueberries. Click here for a map and directions. . We do want to thank all of you that have come out for many, many years. We pray that God bless you and keeps you safe in the days ahead as we face the corona virus as a community. I'm sorry but we do not know if the new owners will continue the berry farm. This land has been in John's family since 1976 and has been a blessing over the years so we pray that it continues to be a blessing for the new owners as well. . Click here for a map. For a story about the farm (from 2015), A visitor writes on June 12, 2016: "Loved it. Best blueberries I've ever had. Organic blueberries. Small family run farm. Friendly people, organized, and well run."
  Comments from a visitor on June 26, 2012: "I've seen a sign go up every year on hwy 105 between June and July"
• The Sanctuary Blueberry Farm - Uses natural growing practices, blueberries, porta-potties
  18430 Kinkaid Road W, Montgomery, TX 77316. Phone: (832) 510-6207. Email: sanctuaryblueberryfarm@gmail.com. Open: Hours vary during the picking season based on the number of berries that are ripe and ready to pick; Please see our Facebook page for current picking days and hours. Directions: From I-45 take the highway 105 FM 2854 exit and go 12 miles west on 2854. Turn left on Kinkaid Road West. you will see a white fence on your right toward the end of the road. That is our farm. At the end of the white fence is our driveway on the right. 18430 is the address on the fence. Drive up and follow the parking signs and if you don\'t see us out in the fields, text or call us. During . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx.
  The Sanctuary Blueberry Farm Facebook page. . From I-45 take the highway 105/ FM 2854 exit and go 12 miles west on 2854. Turn left on Kinkaid Road West. you will see a white fence on your right toward the end of the road. That is our farm. At the end of the white fence is our driveway on the right. 18430 is the address on the fence. Drive up and follow the parking signs and if you don't see us out in the fields, text or call us. During open picking times we are usually out in the fields to greet you. Blueberries are typically ripe in our part of Texas from the last week of May through the end of June and possibly into early July; Plan to come pick with us during this 5 or 6 week season; Once they're gone;;;it will be next year. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. We are a family owned farm that uses all natural and organic practices on our 7300 blueberry plants. We provide buckets for picking, bags to take your delicious berries home, and we will have some water and first aid items available for you if needed, but we encourage you to bring your own as well. PLEASE wear closed toe shoes and please feel free to introduce yourself--we like to get to know our customers as friends! Your blueberry farmers, Tom and Evangeline Reed. Click here to go to the farm's Facebook page (UPDATED: June 04, 2018) (ADDED: May 27, 2018)

Polk County

• Baxter's Blueberry Farm - blueberries
  11837 Menard Chapel Rd, Livingston, TX 77351. Phone: (936) 685-7927. Email: baxterblueberryfarm@dotnet.com. Click here for a map and directions. . . 15 miles south of Livingston on SH 146, turn left on FM 943, go 1-three quarters of a miles, turn left on Mernard Cemetery Road, proceed for 2 miles to the farm on the left.
• Hamilton Berry Farm - Blueberries, Blackberries
  Camp Ruby Road, Livingston, TX . Phone: 936-563-4910. Click here for a map and directions. . East from Livingston 12 miles on US 190, turn right on FM 1276, go 1-one half miles and turn right on Camp Ruby Road, 3 miles to farm.
• Sandy Foot Farm - Blueberries
  Bird Road, Livingston, TX . Phone: 936-327-2744. Click here for a map and directions. . 9-one half miles south of Livingston on SH 146, turn left on Bird Road, 1-three quarters of a miles to farm.

San Jacinto County

• Oakview Blueberry Farm - No pesticides are used, blueberries,
  331 Oakview Lane, Cleveland, TX 77331. Phone: (936) 767-4011. Email: oakview@eastex.net. Open: Wednesday and Thursday from 7 am to 1 pm; Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7 am to 5 pm; Closed Monday and Tuesday. Directions: Farm is in Evergreen, approximately 8 miles West of Coldspring, off of Highway 945 south. From Houston on US 59 just north of Cleveland, turn left on FM 2025 West, go about 6 miles and turn left on FM 945, go about 12 miles and turn left on Oakview Lane. From Coldspring, Hwy 150 West to Evergreen, left on Hwy 945 South toward Cleveland, go 810 mile and turn right on Oakview Lane to Orchard. Blueberry season is typically end of May through middle of July. We do not use pesticides on the . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Oakview Blueberry Farm Facebook page. . Fax: 936-767-8734. . Farm is in Evergreen, approximately 8 miles West of Coldspring, off of Highway 945 south. From Houston on US 59 just north of Cleveland, turn left on FM 2025 West, go about 6 miles and turn left on FM 945, go about 12 miles and turn left on Oakview Lane. From Coldspring, Hwy 150 West to Evergreen, left on Hwy 945 South toward Cleveland, go 8/10 mile and turn right on Oakview Lane to Orchard. Blueberry season is typically end of May through middle of July. We do not use pesticides on the crops. BLUEBERRIES U-PICK - Picking buckets will be available and lined with a plastic bag, or you may bring your own bucket. Hand sanitizer will be available. No bathroom facilities. Cash & Checks only, no bank or credit cards accepted. (UPDATED: June 10, 2023)
  Comments from a visitor on May 24, 2012: "Just wanted to add a recent comment for Oakview Orchard. We went last Saturday and picked blueberries and Sue's bushes are loaded with blueberries making it so easy to pick and they are SO delicious. We picked 27 lbs..yes, 27..making it well worth the 1 1/2 hour drive from our home to get there. We were there in the middle of the day, so it was pretty hot. One suggestion Sue made was to come early the morning when it is not as hot."

Trinity County

• Bluebonnet Berries - blackberries, blueberries and prepicked produce
  10356 South State Hwy 94, Trinity, TX 75862. Phone: 936-594-6473. Email: bjtjwt@msn.com. Open: 7 am to 7 pm; The orchard will now also be open Monday Thru Saturday only closed on Sundays. Directions: From the intersection of Robb street and State hwy 94 in Trinity, go 5&12 miles east on hwy 94. Located on left at the corner of Bluebonnet Ridge road, At the 4 rail white vinyl fence. From Glendale go 1&12 miles west on hwy 94,located on right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . . From the intersection of Robb street and State hwy 94 in Trinity, go 5&1/2 miles east on hwy 94. Located on left at the corner of Bluebonnet Ridge road, At the 4 rail white vinyl fence. From Glendale go 1&1/2 miles west on hwy 94,located on right. Crops are usually available in May, June, July. 7 am to 7 pm; The orchard will now also be open Monday Thru Saturday (only closed on Sundays). Blackberries May 15 to June 07; Blueberries June 01 to July 15.

Tyler County

• The Blueberry Farm - No pesticides are used, blueberries, U-pick and already picked
  3317 Private Road 8480, Warren, TX 77664. Phone: 409-880-1123. Email: bellblueberryfarm@gmail.com. Open: Call or email for their dates and hours, and please ask them to update PickYourOwn. Directions: just north of Warren Texas - 1 mile off of highway 69. Turn EAST on CR 4470 - follow the signs!!. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. The Blueberry Farm Alternate Phone: 713-417-4361. . ORG. Memorial Day thru 4th of July!!. We have fresh but FROZEN 2015 Blueberries for sale. $15.00 for 5 pound bag. Also have an assortment of homemade jams and jellies for sale. $7.00 per jar. Blueberry jam, muscadine jelly and more! Call Mandy for info and appointment at the alternate phone number listed above.

Walker County

• Bius Berry Farms - No pesticides are used, blackberries, blueberries, U-pick and already picked, picnic area you may bring your own food
  Timberwilde Subdivision, Huntsville, TX 77340. Phone: 936-291-7552. Email: info@bnbtex.com. Open: Blueberries should begin to ripen the second week of May; Blackberries should ripen in June; Please, call or email us for days and times to pick your own before you come out. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Bius Berry Farms . . We do not use pesticides on the crops. (ADDED: April 29, 2015)
• Makewood Plantation - Uses integrated pest management practices, blueberries, U-pick and already picked, restrooms
  5241 Fm1374, Hunstville, TX 77340. Phone: (713) 548-4574. Email: info@makewoodplantation.com. Open: Blueberry Season We will start our 2019 blueberry season on Sunday typically in early May until late June or early July; Wednesday to Sunday 7:30am to 7 pm Will be open Monday, Memorial Day 7:30am to 7 pm. Directions: Northbound I-45 Exit 102 At roundabout, take overpass going over I-45 At roundabout, take right onto FeederService Road heading north Left onto FM1374 \(Chevron Gas Station at the intersection\) Head west for about 8 miles Start to slow down at Stubblefield Lake Road Makewood Plantation will be on your right Southbound I-45 Exit 115 Right onto FM1374 \(Texaco and Valero Station at the intersection\) south about 9 miles Makewood Plantation will be on your left *Before Stubblefield Lake Road*. - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards. . . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Northbound I-45 Exit 102 At roundabout, take overpass going over I-45 At roundabout, take right onto Feeder/Service Road heading north Left onto FM1374 (Chevron Gas Station at the intersection) Head west for about 8 miles Start to slow down at Stubblefield Lake Road will be on your right Southbound I-45 Exit 115 Right onto FM1374 (Texaco and Valero Station at the intersection) south about 9 miles will be on your left *Before Stubblefield Lake Road*. Blueberry Season Late April to Late June or Early July. We use integrated pest management practices (IPM). Please Park between the red and green barns. Walk down towards the fields and check in at the white tents. (ADDED: May 03, 2019)

Waller County

• Blessington Farms - blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area you may bring your own food, jumping pillow, pedal kart track, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations, events at your location (call for info)
  510 Chisolm Trail, Simonton, TX 77476. Phone: 832-444-8717. Email: info@blessingtonfarms.com. Open: Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Blessington Farms Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 832-247-8168. . Strawberries December to March, Blackberries and Blueberries May to July. Come slide down a giant slide, feed the camels, pet the goats and even get an amazing pic in our bluebonnet patch. Sooooo much to do and soooooo much fun to be had. Come see us! Field trip or birthday party reservation?? We are booking now for April and May...make yours today. See you soon!! Check the website for additional details and updates BEFORE you make the trip. (UPDATE: April 14, 2018) (ADDED: March 07, 2016)

 

Blueberry

Blueberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Blueberries are one of the easiest fruit to prepare and serve. There's no peeling, pitting, coring or cutting. They have few natural pests, (other than birds), so pesticides are generally unnecessary! This year's crop is fantastic (see related news story), thanks both to the weather and to more farms planting more blueberry bushes due to increased consumer demand over the past few years as more studies proclaim the anti-oxidant and other health properties of blueberries.

Click here to find a local Blueberry Festival (usually held between April and July).

If you are looking for information about a similar berry, the saskatoon (also called the June berry or Serviceberry) see this page about saskatoons.

Picking tips:

Select plump, full blueberries with a light gray-blue color. A berry with any hint of red isn't fully ripened.

Ripening AFTER picking?

First, it is key to know that once picked, blueberries will NOT become any sweeter, nor will the flavor improve. The only change that occurs is the color. They will APPEAR to ripen, but it is only a color change, from white to green to rose to red to pale blue to fully blue. So, white and green colored blueberries will not "ripen" after they are picked; while blueberries that have already turned purple, red or blue-ish usually DO change color after they are picked (if they are kept at room temperature to "ripen").

As the blueberries ripen ON THE BUSH, the flavor goes from tastless to bitter to tasteless tart to tart blueberry flavor to sweet blueberry flavor.

Grocery stores sell blueberries that are tart, not sweet because they had them picked unripe by machine so they are very firm and can handled being bumped around in shipping. They may look good, but are not as tasty as those picked when actually ripe.

So, the key is, PICK ONLY RIPE BERRIES!

How to pick blueberries

Since blueberries hang on the bushes in bunches a but like grapes do, the easiest and fastest way to pick them is hold your bucket under them in one hand and with your other hand, cup a ripe bunch and gently rub them with your fingers. The ripe berries will drop into your bucket, while the unripe ones will remain attached to the bush.

When the bushes are at peak, I can easily pick 2 gallons per hour (if I'm not being distracted by the kids and the sun isn't too hot!). A newbie might do 1 gallon per hour.and at the beginning or end of the season it takes more time as the berries are not as plentiful nor concentrated in clusters.

Tips for storing blueberries after harvesting:

• Once picked, don't place the berries, still warm from the sun, in a closed bag or container. Leave the container open so moisture doesn't form in the container.
• Don't wash berries until just before using, to prevent berries from becoming mushy.
• Chill berries soon after picking to increase shelf life. Store your fresh blueberries in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home, without washing them, in a covered bowl or storage container. If refrigerated, fresh-picked blueberries will keep 10 to 14 days.
• Freeze berries in freezer containers without washing to keep the skins from toughening. Place berries one layer deep. Freeze, then pour the frozen berries into freezer containers. Because unwashed blueberries freeze individually, they can be easily poured from containers in desired amounts. Remember both frozen and fresh berries should be rinsed and drained just before serving. Just before using, wash the berries in cold water.

Blueberry Measurements and Conversions

Keep in mind that blueberries vary considerably in density and moisture content, so these ranges are approximates.

• 1 gallon of blueberries weighs about 7.5 lbs or (4 liters of blueberries is about 3.5 kg)

• 1 pint of fresh blueberries weights about 3/4 of a pound. (1 liter of blueberries is about 700 grams)

• 1 pound of fresh blueberries is usually between about 2 and 3 cups of berries.

• It takes about 4 cups (about of blueberries to make a blueberry pie (see this fantastic and easy blueberry pie recipe)

• A normal batch of blueberry preserves, jam or jelly requires 5 pints of berries.

• Blueberries do come in a variety of sizes from small (190-250 berries per cup) to extra large (<90 berries per cup).

Blueberry Recipes, Canning and Freezing Blueberries

Recipes

• The world's best Blueberry pie, recipe and directions and illustrated!
• Blueberry buckle coffee cake: illustrated directions for this great crumb-topping blueberry coffee cake
• Other easy directions to make blueberry desserts: cobblers, etc.

Canning, freezing and other blueberry recipes:

• How to Freeze Blueberries
• How to Can Blueberries
• How to Make Homemade Blueberry Jam
• How to make blueberry jelly
• How to make and can blueberry syrup (it works for strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, too)
• blueberry pie filling to use later,
• blueberry butter

Baking tips

If you have trouble with blueberries settling to the bottom of muffins and blueberry breads, try one or more of these tips:

• Coat them with flour before adding to the batter. Just gently shake the blueberries in a bag (plastic or paper) with 1/2 cup of flour, then dump them mix in a sieve to remove excess flour.
• It may just be that your batter is too thin. try making the batter a little thicker!
• Fill the muffin cups or baking pan up to 1/4 full with batter (which hasn't had blueberries added to it yet); then stir the blueberries into the remaining batter, and continue to fill the muffin cups or bread pan. The blueberries will start off higher in the mix!

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