2025 Southern Vermont Blueberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Find a pick-your-own farm near you! Then learn to can and freeze! Since 2002! We update continuously; Beware the copycat websites!

Find a local pick your own farm here!

Blueberry U-Pick Orchards in Southern Vermont in 2025, by county

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

Not all areas of a 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.

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.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Bennington County

  • Apple Barn and Country Bake Shop - strawberries, blueberries, Fall red raspberries,
    Rt 7 South, Bennington, VT 05201. Phone: (888) 827-7537. Email: customerservice@theapplebarn.com. Open: Call for PYO hours and availability; it looks like they continue to reduce and limit the U-pick at the farm to just a few days a year; their website is just a shopping cart now. Click here for a map and directions. See their facebook page for real information. . The Local Farm Market is Daily, May through November from 8:30 am to 5 pm Monday to Sunday. In 2025 their facebook page says, Friday, July 19, 2025 is a full day of sweet summer fun at The Apple Barn! We're talking free blueberry picking, food trucks, games, local vendors, and our famous Blueberry Bake-Off (with a $150 prize + a year of free donuts). Pick Your Own, Weather Permitting; Everbearing Strawberries - Mid June until October; Blueberries - Early July - Early August; Red Raspberries - Mid August to late September. (UPDATED: July 1, 2025, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Merck Forest and Farmland Center - blueberries, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, Fresh eggs, gift shop, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
    3270 Route 315, Rupert, VT 05768. Phone: 802-394-7836. Email: info@merckforest.org. Open: Call ahead for berry availability, The farm offers pick-your-own blueberries and raspberries during the summer and into the fall as the season allows; You-Pick hours are 9 am - 3:30 pm during the season. Directions: From Manchester, Vermont, travel north on Route 30 for 8 miles. Turn left on Route 315 for 2 miles. At the top of the hill, turn left into the Merck Forest access road. From New York travel on Washington County Route 22 to Salem, New York. Turn east on route 153. In Rupert, continue straight on route 315 for 2 miles. At the top of the hill, turn right into the Merck Forest access road. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, WIC Vouchers.
    Merck Forest and Farmland Center Facebook page. Berries are sold by the pound. Bring your own containers or stop by the Visitor Center to borrow a pint or quart container. Grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk; Visitor Center is open daily from 9am to 4pm excepting major holidays. Turn left on Route 315 for 2 miles. At the top of the hill, turn left into the Merck Forest access road. From New York travel on Washington County Route 22 to Salem, New York. Turn east on route 153. In Rupert, continue straight on route 315 for 2 miles. At the top of the hill, turn right into the Merck Forest access road. In March, our annual maple festival breakfast is famous throughout the area. In July, our Sheep Dog Trial draws the nation's top competitors. We offer camping in our popular "walk-in" cabins, hiking on 30 miles of trails, skiing, snowshoeing and special programs. (UPDATED: July 1, 2025, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • The Blueberry House, Apple Hill Orchards - No pesticides are used apples, blueberries, picnic area you may bring your own food, school tours
    589 Apple Hill Road, Bennington, VT 05201. Phone: . Email: theblueberryhouse589@gmail.com. Open: See our Facebook page. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Late June through AugustWe do not use pesticides on the crops(ADDED: April 21, 2019) [ ] (UPDATED: July 1, 2025, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Wildwood Berry Farm - No pesticides are used, blueberries, Honey from hives on the farm, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area you may bring your own food, school tours, group reservations
    2977 Mad Tom Rd, East Dorset, VT 05253. Phone: 802 362 9805. Email: Mrblueberry@wildwoodberryfarm.com. Open: Everyday 9 am to 5:30 pm. Directions: 6 miles north of Manchester, Vermont off Route 7, 3 miles up Mad Tom Road. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
    Wildwood Berry Farm Facebook page. . Blueberries from early July to late August. . We do not use pesticides on the crops. Enjoy spectacular Vermont views while picking from over 2000 blueberry bushes and 1000 raspberry bushes. (UPDATED: July 1, 2025, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

Rutland County

Windham County

  • Blueberry Haus - blueberries
    809 Guilford Center Road, Guilford, VT 05301. Phone: 802-257-0068. Email: brenda@blueberryhaus.com. Open: Tuesday to Saturday from 3:30-9:00, Sunday 1:00-9:00. Click here for a map and directions. Ice cream stand, crafts, homemade beauty products (BCNaturals.com), homemade jams and some pre-picked fruits and vegetables. I think they are open from Memorial day to Labor day, 10-9 Tuesday through Sunday. (UPDATED: July 1, 2025, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Boyd Family Farm - Uses natural growing practices, blueberries, raspberries, pumpkins, Honey from hives on the farm, picnic area, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties
    125 East Dover Road, Wilmington, VT 05363. Phone: 802-464-5618. Email: boydfarm@sover.net. Open: 7 Days a Week 9am to 5pm. Directions: At the light in the center of Wilmington, VT follow Route 100 North 4 miles. Take a right on East Dover Road and travel 610\\\'s of a mile the Farm Entrance sign is on the right. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. (UPDATED: July 1, 2025, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Dutton Berry Farm and Farm Stand - - blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, vegetables, pumpkins, apples, peaches,
    407 VT Route 30, Newfane, VT . Phone: 802-365-4168. Email: duttonbf@sover.net. Open: year round. Directions: See their page. \\[ . Click here for a map and directions. Pick your own blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, pumpkins, vegetables, apples, peaches. . [ ] (UPDATED: July 1, 2025, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Dwight Miller Orchards - ORGANIC, apples, blueberries, peaches, strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), and prepicked produce, gift shop
    511 Miller Road, E. Dummerston, VT 05346. Phone: 802-254-9635. Open: Seasonally, open during business hours. Directions: Take Exit 3 on 91, continue north on Route 5. Turn left on Schoolhouse Rd and continue about 2 miles to Miller Road, a steep hill on the right. Follow signs. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. September thru Christmas, open everyday from 9am to 5pm. Strawberries: June to mid-July, Blueberries: mid-July thru August, Peaches: mid-July thru August, Apples: September thru Columbus Day. Turn left on Schoolhouse Rd and continue about 2 miles to Miller Road, a steep hill on the right. Follow signs. . Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October. We are certified organic for all crops! We grow rhubarb, strawberries, blueberries, sour cherries, plums, cherry plums, peaches, pears, apricots, grapes, fall raspberries, apples, spinach, mesclun, tomatoes, green beans, squash, pumpkins, and harvest our own honey. We offer a variety of jams and fruit butters made from our own organic fruits, as well as our own violet and natural mint jellies. We produce pure maple syrup, maple candy, sweet apple cider and apple cider vinegar which we sell in bulk. We sell Vermont-made wines at our giftshop made from our rhubarb and apples. (UPDA..
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Green Mountain Orchards - Blueberries, pumpkins, apples, peaches, plums, raspberries,
    Putney, VT. Phone: 802-387-5851. Mail: PO Box 225, Putney, VT 05346. Phone: 802-387-5851. Email: mail@greenmtorchards.com. Open: daily, 8 am to 6 pm, Mid July - March. Directions: Exit 4 off I-91, North on Route 5 for 12 mile, left at Putney General Store, left after 1 mile on West Hill Road, 34 mile on right. Blueberries, pumpkins, apples from July 20 - March. Also cider, jams and jellies, sweet corn, . Click here for a map and directions. Blueberries, pumpkins, apples from July 20 - March. Also cider, jams and jellies, sweet corn, Christmas wreaths and trees, reindeer, mums, wagon rides, wedding site and other VT. Crafts and products in our farmstand or through our online store. Come get fresh donuts and pies. We welcome folks to hike, snowshoe, picnic. TYPICAL PYO SCHEDULE: Blueberries: Mid July through late September; Apples: Late August through the end of October; Peaches: August. Since 1914 the Darrow family has been growing fruit at Green Mountain Orchards. We are one of Vermont's largest, oldest and most easily accessed orchards. The orchard is best known for our delicious fruits, beautiful scenery and famous baked goods​. TYPICAL PYO SCHEDULE: Blueberries: Mid July through late September; Apples: Late August through the end of October; Peaches: August. (UPDATED: July 1, 2025, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Harlow's Sugar House - Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, apples
    556 Bellows Falls Rd, Putney, VT . Phone: 802-387-5832. Email: harlows@sover.net. Open: March - December. Directions: I-91, Exit 4, 3 mi north of Putney Village on US Rte 5. McIntosh, Cortland, Empire, Red Delicious, Family owned and operated for over 90 years now!! Get your favorite maple products, that are made in house, along with lots of Vermont made treats and souvenirs!! . Click here for a map and directions.
    Harlow's Sugar House Facebook page. McIntosh, Cortland, Empire, Red Delicious, Family owned and operated for over 90 years now!! Get your favorite maple products, that are made in house, along with lots of Vermont made treats and souvenirs!! . (UPDATED: July 1, 2025, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Morning Star Perennials - apples, raspberries, blueberries, and kiwi, other berries, pears, and prepicked produce
    221 Darby Hill Road, Rockingham, VT 05101. Phone: 802-463-3433. Email: info@morningstarflowers.com. Directions: Exit 6 of Route 91, head south on Route 5 and look for signs to farm. See the . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organicc. Over 500 varieties of Vermont hardy, potted perennial flowers, trees, vines and shrubs. (UPDATED: July 1, 2025, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Scott Farm Orchards - blueberries, Raspberries, Grapes, Peaches, Plums, Pears, Pumpkins, apples
    707 Kipling Road, Dummerston, VT 05301. Phone: 802-254-6868. Email: erin@scottfarmvermont.com. Open: mid-July through October. Click here for a map and directions. Our PYO orchards offer you a family friendly activity in a picturesque setting and the freshest fruit imaginable. Scott Farm now also has two public Chargepoint EV charging stations right at the farm so you can charge your vehicle while you’re in the orchard. Support the local food system and sustainable energy when you drive your EV to the farm. The Old PYO Orchard has McIntosh, Cortland, Jonagold, Macoun, and Spigold apples. Some fruits grown at Scott Farm, such as plums, cherries, grapes, peaches, or pears, are widely grown in the Northeast; other fruits like paw paws, quince, persimmons, or medlars are more unusual. The New PYO Orchard, across the brook from the Farm Market, has Contender and Red Haven peaches for the Labor Day weekend, followed by Gala, McIntosh, Red Cortland, Macoun, and Honeycrisp apples for September picking. Empire, Shizuka, and Grimes Golden apples follow in October. All rows are labeled with signs as they become ripe enough for picking. This pick your o..
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Whetstone Ledges Farm - blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, vegetables, Maple Syrup, Flowers, farm-fresh eggs, maple syrup,
    PO Box 30, Marlboro, VT 05344. Phone: 802-257-7328. Email: dmacarthur@igc.org. Open: July 1-September 15. Directions: 1 mile off Route 9 on MacArthur Road, Marlboro. U-pick blueberries, raspberries, vegetables. Click here for a map and directions.
    Whetstone Ledges Farm Facebook page. U-pick blueberries, raspberries, vegetables. . We grow raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and a wide variety of vegetables sustainably without the use of pesticides or toxic sprays. Our stand is self-serve, and the berries are open for pick-your-own on most days throughout the summer season. The farm stand opens in mid/late June and runs through October. For more info and updates, please call. Also home-made jams, pestos & pickles, gourmet cakes and tarts made by Jillian Hulme, organic, free-range & locally grown chicken and beef from Brian McNeice, Bonvue Farm. (UPDATED: July 1, 2025, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

Windsor County

  • Baker Road Blueberry Farm - No pesticides are used, blueberries,
    107 Baker Road, Springfield, VT 05156. Phone: (802) 886-1241. Email: mnwiese@comcast.net. Open: UPDATE for 2025: Call before you go, I have not had any updates from them in quite a while, Does anyone have current information? If so, please write me; last reported hours were 8 am to 7 pm, daily during the season. Directions: If using Mapquest or Google use French Meadow Road, North Springfield, Vermont as your ending destination. Baker Road is the first road on your right at the top of the hill. Baker Road is a dirt road on the right just after French Meadow Road turns to dirt. Baker Road Blueberry Farm is the third house on the right and the blueberry patch is in back of the house. Follow the drive way around the house and park in the field. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Baker Road is the first road on your right at the top of the hill. Baker Road is a dirt road on the right just after French Meadow Road turns to dirt. is the third house on the right and the blueberry patch is in back of the house. Follow the drive way around the house and park in the field. . We do not use pesticides on the crops.
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Blueberry Hill Farm - blueberries, raspberries
    401 Gates Road, Andover, VT 05143. Phone: 802-875-2239. Email: hillfarm@hotmail.com. Open: July 15 to October 5. Directions: off Route 11, 8 miles west of Chester Village. U-pick blueberries, raspberries. \\[ . Click here for a map and directions. U-pick . (UPDATED: July 1, 2025, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Goulden Ridge Farm - blueberries, Christmas trees
    1462 Goulden Ridge Road, Weathersfield, VT 05156. Phone: 802-558-2082. Email: rene@gouldenridgefarm.com. Open: for Christmas Trees from the day after Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve from 10 am to 5 pm. Directions: Exit 8 off I-91 Go west 14 mile on Route 131 to Goulden Ridge Road look for the signs. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. TWe grow pick your own blueberries and cut your own Christmas Trees. Blueberry season starts mid July and runs until late August. Christmas Tree season starts the day after Thanksgiving and runs until the last few days before Christmas. Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 9-4. This year we will also have a wide selection of pre cut Christmas Trees. (UPDATED: June 30, 2016) (UPDATED: July 1, 2025, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Kibbe's Vermountain Farm - Blueberries
    Saxtons River, VT. Phone: 802-869-2892. Mail to: PO Box 437, Saxtons River, VT 05154. Phone: 802-869-2892. Email: kibbe@sover.net. Open: July-August. Click here for a map and directions. . They have ZERO online presence, except for the coments from others that I have linked to, so you must call or email them to find out when they have anything to pick; if you have any current information, please write me.
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Moore's Orchard - apples, blueberries, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), U-pick and already pickedd
    Corners Of Johnson Road And Pomfret Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053. Phone: 802-457-2994. Email: mooresorchard@gmail.com. Open: Farmstand and picking hours and dates depend on season, Please call ahead. Directions: Orchard for Pick-your-own is located at the corner of Pomfret and Johnson Roads. Farmstand is located at the corner of Howe Hill and Pomfret Roads. Please call ahead for directions. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Farmstand is located at the corner of Howe Hill and Pomfret Roads. Please call ahead for directions. . Sour cherries early July, Blueberries July and August, Apples September. Maple Syrup, Apples, Blueberries, Annual and Perennial plant sales, Registered Angus cattle.Squash, pumpkins, maple candy, mums, gourds and other fall goodies available at our farmstand. AKA, Sherburne Farm. (UPDATED: July 1, 2025, JBS)
    Comments from a visitor on July 02, 2016: "The sour cherries are quite a walk up the hill, but the kids loved the ladders in the trees, down below are the blueberry bushes for later in the season. We did not see any "farm stand", but the owner has a cherry pitter available set up on a table, and the kids had great fun turning the handle. Does not seem to be open all the time, just at the peak picking times. No signs outside, unless they are open and have unlocked the gate. Just a cash deal for each bucket, no restrooms or anything else. Also ve..
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Northside Blueberry Farm - blueberries, U-pick and already picked
    952 McMillan Rd, West Halifax, VT 05342. Phone: 802-368-7905. Email: brownmcmillan802@gmail.com. Open: UPDATE for 2025: Call before you go, I assume they have closed, Does anyone have current information? If so, please write me; last reported hours were In season, Monday to Saturday 10am - 6pn Closed Sundays Call ahead to check crop. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. (UPATEED: May 25, 2015) (ADDED: May 24, 2015)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Reading Greenhouse Farm Market - blueberries, farm market,
    786 Route 106, Reading, VT 05062. Phone: (802) 484-7272. Email: readinggreenhouse@hotmail.com. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
    Reading Greenhouse Farm Market Facebook page. A farmers market; produce, meat, cheese, wine, beer, and so much more, 7 greenhouse with annuals, perennials, seasonal flowers and houseplants, large and small animal feed and suppliesFarm Market with PRODUCE, DAIRY products, MEAT, Chicken, Pork, Lamb and Sausage; PANTRY items (pasta, rice, sauces/marinades, crackers, chips, olive oil, jam, cookies, etc.) Craft BEER/WINE/CIDERFresh Brewed Coffee or Tea and Pastries.All market items are sourced locally and from VT first when availableFeed and Supply Complete feed and supplies for your feathers and fur; large and small animals..Green Mountain Organic and Poulin Grain Distributor(ADDED: June 29, 2021) (UPDATED: July 1, 2025, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Smokeshire Hilltop Farms - Blueberries, Raspberries, Horse drawn hay rides and sleigh rides.
    262 Cemetery Rd, Chester, VT 05143. Phone: (802) 875-4916. Email: smokeshire@vermontel.net. Click here for a map and directions.
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Sunshine Valley Berry Farm - Certified Organic, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (Spring, yellow), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), Honey from hives on the farm, restrooms, picnic area
    129 Ranger Road, Rochester, VT 05767. Phone: 802-767-3989. Email: rob@VermontBerries.com. Open: Every day, from 10 am to 6 pm, July Fourth through Labor Day, and on good weather days in September and October until first frost. Directions: we are 2 miles north of Rochester, VT, on Route 100, turn in at the Forest Service Ranger Station, go straight ahead. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
    Sunshine Valley Berry Farm Facebook page. . We are certified organic for all crops! . used to be known as Blair's Berry Farm. Since 2007 we are under new management. Please call the farm to get the latest word on picking conditions -- our recorded message is updated every day during the season. We will tell you what is in season and if we will be open in bad weather (we usually stay open unless the rain is constant or thunderstorms are being called for). The harvest usually starts soon after Fourth of July (with raspberries) and ends with the first hard frost of the Fall in late September or early October. Therefore, we usually open the farm on or around July Fourth and remain open until Columbus Day. We will generally be open for sales of jam, honey, syrup, books, and coffee between the above dates, even if it is before or after the harvest/picking season. We are a PYO farm but usually have pre-picked berries available in our farm store. Picnics and..
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Wellwood Orchards - apples, Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, sweet Cherries, sour Cherries, Peaches, Nectarines, Pears and Plums,
    529 Wellwood Orchard Road, Springfield, VT 05156. Phone: (802)263-5200. Email: wellwood@sover.net. Open: permanently closed. Directions: From Springfield VT: take Valley Street past Crown Point Golf Country Club, then first left; From Ascutney Vt: take Route 131 west, go about 2 miles, take left onto Center Road. Click here for a map and directions. We provide 2 acres of PYO blueberries, 60 acres of PYO apples, 3 acres of PYO peaches, 1 acre of PYO plums, 6 acres of PYO pumpkins, and 4 acres of PYO winter squash. The store also holds our fresh cider, cider doughnuts, maple syrup, honey, fudge, Grafton cheese, a variety of jams, relishes, and gift items. Enjoy the haunted house inside the store that is open September first through November first. We have a spooky Hollow ride that begins the first Friday in October through and including Halloween night. Enjoy a spooky ride and scary stories by the fire Friday and Saturday nights by reservation. Call ahead for weather conditions. Witch Hazel awaits! There is a petting zoo with an assortment of farm animals that vary from year to year, open September to mid-October. in addition to the petting animals we have birds, chickens, peacocks, rabbits, deer and many more to look at. (UPDATED: July 1, 2025, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

 

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

Canning, freezing and other blueberry recipes:

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)

McSunley Stainless Steel 21QT Canner, Any Stovetop

Pressure Canners for all stovetops

Looking for canning equipment and supplies?

Water bath canner with a jar rack

Electric pressure canner

Pressure canners for gas, electric and induction stoves: Presto 23Qt or T-fal 22Qt

Canning scoop (this one is PERFECT)

Ball Blue book (most recent version)

Jars: 8oz canning jars for jams

Lids: Regular canning lids

Wide mouth canning lids

 


Find Other types of farms:

Easter egg hunts

Children's consignment sales

Farm markets and roadside stands

Road trips and camping resources

Local Honey, apiaries, beekeepers

Local Meat, Milk and Eggs

Consumer fraud and scams information

Home canning supplies at the best prices on the internet!

Maple Syrup Farms, sugarworks, maple syrup festivals

Environmental information and resources

Farms For Your Event for birthday parties, weddings, receptions, business meetings, retreats, etc.

Festivals - local fruit and vegetable festivals

Pumpkin patches and corn mazes

Christmas Tree Farms and lots


Get the
most recent version of
the Ball Blue Book


 

 

With this Presto 23 quart pressure canner and pressure cooker, you can "can" everything, fruits, vegetables, jams, jellies, salsa, applesauce, pickles, even meats, soups, stews. Model 01781
Pressure Canners for all stovetops  

You can make jams, jellies, can fruit, applesauce, salsa and pickles with water bath canners, like this Granite Ware 12-Piece Canner Kit, Jar Rack, Blancher, Colander and 5 piece Canning Tool Set
McSunley Stainless Steel 21QT Water Cath Canner, Any Stovetop