Find a local pick your own farm here!

Strawberry U-Pick Orchards in Middle Tennessee, Including Nashville in 2025, by county

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

Not all areas of a state have strawberries farms 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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Cheatham County

Davidson County

  • Green Door Gourmet - strawberries
    7011 River Road Pike, Nashville, TN 37209. Phone: (615) 942-7169. Email: info@greendoorgourmet.com. Open: call for availability. Click here for a map and directions. They are primarily a CSA, but they offer pick your own . There is a $10 per person charge for both that includes a quart of "you pick" and entertainment. You can pick more berries if you want (for an extra charge). If you wish to pick berries, please arrive as close to 5 pm as possible to pick before sunset! Can't make it to one of our Pickin' Parties? U-Pick are open on Saturday mornings from 9am to 1pm throughout May! (UPDATED: May 08, 2019, JBS) (ADDED: May 09, 2015, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

Robertson County

  • Blocker Farms - strawberries, farm market, delivery
    3405 Anderson Road, Cedar Hill, TN 37032. Phone: 615-681-3107. Email: blockerfarms616@gmail.com. Directions: Located in Cedar Hill, Tennessee, and pride ourselves on providing our valued customers with service and products that are tailored to their specific needs. Click here for a map and directions.
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  • Busy Bee Farm - No pesticides are used, blueberries, strawberries, zinnias, picnic area you may bring your own food
    2450 Bowie Road, Greenbrier, TN 37073. Phone: 615-542-9120. Email: busybeetrader@msn.com. Open: We have six varieties of blueberries that ripen from mid - June through mid - August; Please call or email to find out availability and days and hours open or visit our Facebook page for updates. Directions: Just 15 minutes north of Nashville. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: cash, check, Venmo and PayPal. . We do not use pesticides on the crops. . Visit our scenic Tennessee Century Farm and we had our our 200th Anniversary in 2015! We are the 8th generation to work this land, and look forward to your visit. Our manicured blueberry patch is on a Tennessee Century Farm just north of Nashville. We have six varieties of blueberries that ripen June through August. (ADDED: February 05, 2015)
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  • Cole Farms - strawberries
    Exit 117 of I-65 (Portland), Cottontown, TN 37048. Phone: (615) 325-0031. Directions: Located on your right just a few hundred yards from the Interstate. Click here for a map and directions.
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  • Heads Farm - strawberries, vegetables, pumpkins
    3422 Kinneys Road, Cedar Hill, TN 37032. Phone: (615) 573-2401. Email: mhead0511@gmail.com. Open: Hours are 8 am to 6 pm, call before you come to confirm what we have. Click here for a map and directions. Pick-your-own or we will pick for you. Strawberries to start, but we may have U-pick tomatoes, squash etc and also have hopefully u pick pumpkins. (ADDED: May 11, 2015, JBS)
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  • Milldale Farm - blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, walnuts,
    4721 Woodrow Wilson Rd, Cross Plains, TN 37049. Phone: 615-681-2124. Email: kennyswann@gmail.com. Open: Call for hours. Directions: Nashville I-65 north to exit 112, west on state highway 25 for 7 miles to Woodrow Wilson Road; left on Woodrow Wilson rd arriving at 4721 Woodrow Wilson road. Springfield highway 49 east from Springfield for 9 miles to highway 25 and highway 49 junction. east on highway 25 for 3 miles to Woodrow Wilson Road right on Woodrow Wilson Road arriving at 4721 Woodrow Wilson rd. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Springfield highway 49 east from Springfield for 9 miles to highway 25 and highway 49 junction. east on highway 25 for 3 miles to Woodrow Wilson Road right on Woodrow Wilson Road arriving at 4721 Woodrow Wilson rd. .
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  • Rabbit Circle - blueberries,strawberries, raspberries, peaches, plums, vegetables
    4769 South Qualls Road, Adams, TN 37010. Phone: (971) 400-6420. Email: BalanceAlaska@gmail.com. Click here for a map and directions.
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  • Sunbright Farm - No pesticides are used, blackberries, raspberries (red), raspberries (black), strawberries, asparagus, collard greens, garlic, kale, lettuce or salad greens, snap peas (edible pod), rhubarb, Swiss chard, other vegetables, Other vegetables, Mint, Thyme, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, farm animals
    4575 Goodman Road, Adams, TN 37010. Phone: (931) 216-3648. Email: johngoodman061076@gmail.com. Open: daily 8 am to 6 pm. Directions: call for directions. Going from Springfield, TN on highway 41, go through Cedar Hill, continuing on highway 41 to Adams, TN, take a left onto highway 76 at the light, turn left at the "T" intersection onto highway 256, go approximately 5 miles then watch on the right for Port Royal Road turn right, follow to the "T" intersection then turn left onto Goodman Road, go straight down a steep hill around a right sharp curve, and i\\\'m the second drive on the left. Stra - truncated. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Going from Springfield, TN on highway 41, go through Cedar Hill, continuing on highway 41 to Adams, TN, take a left onto highway 76 at the light, turn left at the "T" intersection onto highway 256, go approximately 5 miles then watch on the right for Port Royal Road turn right, follow to the "T" intersection then turn left onto Goodman Road, go straight down a steep hill around a right sharp curve, and i'm the second drive on the left. Strawberries May 15 to June 30, raspberries June 1 to July 15, corn June 30, asparagus May 1 to August 1. We do not use pesticides on the crops. have numerous veggies not listed including spinach, call for more details. thank you and have a great day. (ADDED: May 16, 2022)
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  • The Orchard at Cross Plains - apples, blackberries, broccoli, corn (sweet), cucumbers, melons, other berries, peaches, peppers, plums, summer squash, strawberries, tomatoes, porta-potties are available, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties
    6900 Blackberry Lane, Cross Plains, TN 37049. Phone: 615-654-9227. Email: theorchard13@yahoo.com. Open: Monday to Thursday from 8AM to 5PM, Friday 8AM to 4PM, Saturday 8AM to 4PM, closed on Sunday. Directions: i65n left or west on s25 6 mi to orchard sign. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Monday - Saturday 8 am to 4. . always call before coming for availability. We offer blackberries (pre-picked and you-pick, mid-June), apples (pre-picked, beginning late July), peaches (pre-picked, July-August), and seasonal vegetables. Spring, Summer and Fall. Picnic areas are available; call for information. Call first for availability. (ADDED May 10, 2008)
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  • Woodall's Strawberries - strawberries, blueberries
    4452 Kinneys School Road, Cedar Hill, TN 37032. Phone: (615) 513-4439. Click here for a map and directions.
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Rutherford County

  • Batey's Berries - strawberries
    3250 Wilkinson Pike, Murfreesboro, TN 37129. Phone: (615) 848-4178. Open: Season is generally late April started April 20th in 2019 to June for Pick-your-own strawberries with limited prepicked berries available on a first come, first serve basis; Regular hours are Tuesday-Friday 8-6pm Saturday 8-4pm and Sundayfrom 1 pm to 5 pm. Click here for a map and directions. Times are ALWAYS dependent upon weather and berry availability. Berries are sold by the pound. Please call before you come to assure strawberry availability and operating hours. (UPDATED: May 08, 2019, JBS) (ADDED: May 09, 2015, JBS)
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  • Bloomsbury Farm - Certified Organic, strawberries, Farm Tours, Summer Camps, B&B, On Farm Lodging, CSA, On Farm Sale, Retail, Wholesale, Event Venue,
    9398 Del Thomas Road, Smyrna, TN 37167. Phone: 615-355-8525. Email: info@bloomsburyfarms.com. Open: see their website. Click here for a map and directions. is nestled in the hills between Smyrna and Nolensville, TN. Our greenhouse grows all the sprouts, wheatgrass and microgreens year round. Vegetables, fruits and herbs are also a large part of the operation, which are grown from March through November. We believe that when people eat natural, organic food, they can taste the difference. It's a chain of goodness that begins with healthy soil, and finishes with healthy animals and people. We sell year round to the Franklin market and seasonally at our own farm stand on Friday's. It is important for us to get to meet our local community and support the buy local movement. We are OG and GAP certified. We also have a certified education program. We offer our local community the chance to share in seasonal living by signing up for one of our CSA basket options. From our organic farm to your kitchen, we fill our baskets with fresh fruits, vegetables and farm eggs. There are Spring, Summer, and Fall memberships available. Please ..
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  • Lucky Ladd Farms - strawberries, tulips, sunflowers, pumpkins, pony rides, petting zoo, bakery, barrel train, kids activities, Event Venue
    4306 Rocky Glade Road, Eagleville, TN 37060. Phone: 615-274-3786. Email: fun@luckyladdfarms.com. Open: see their website. Directions: Located half-way between Franklin and Murfreesboro, 30 minutes south of Nashville. Click here for a map and directions. is home to Tennessee's largest petting farm. Enjoy acres of excitement including 50+ activities for all ages. Farm animals, wagon rides, acres of playgrounds, mega slides, a tractor train, splash pad, nature trail, games, mazes and more are only a few of the unique hands-on attractions for you to explore. Now open spring, summer and fall. Visit our website for seasonal hours and complete details. Corporate picnics, family reunions, birthday parties, school field trips and private events are also available by reservation. is conveniently . They also offer already-picked Agriculture Festivals, Corn and Hay Mazes, Farm Animals for petting, Hay Rides, Pumpkin Patches, Summer Camps, Farm Tours, School Tours, Wagon Rides, Strawberries, Watermelons, Pumpkins, Corn, Cucumbers, Squash Summer, Squash Winter, Tomatoes, Vegetable Others, Gourds, Eggs, Corn Stalks, Decoration, Gourds, ..
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  • P and P Farms - strawberries
    2841 East Jefferson Pike, Lascassas, TN 37085. Phone: 615-812-8788. Email: shucknshack@yahoo.com. Open: Picking Season Starts May 1st. Click here for a map and directions. thru the 2nd week of June; call for hours and availability. Our are $11.00 per gallon. . A visitor reports on May 17, 2008: "They provide baskets to keep. If your basket is level with , the price is $10 per basket. If you pile them up the basket costs you $13. I got three baskets today and the berries were amazing and ripe!" (ADDED May 10, 2008)
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  • Vaughn's Farm - apples, strawberries, pumpkins, pumpkin patch, tractor rides
    7340 Lebanon Road, Walter Hill, TN . Phone: 615-893-2189. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: cash only.
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Sumner County

  • Bottom View Farm - apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, corn (sweet), grapes, pumpkins, strawberries, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, petting zoo, farm animals, weddings and wedding parties, events at your location (call for info)
    185 Wilkerson Lane., Portland, TN 37148. Phone: (615)-325-7017. Email: bottomviewfarm@yahoo.com. Open: UPDATE for 2021: Their website says no strawberries in 2021;and apparently no other berries ; the note simply says "see you in the Fall"; Months shown are approximate, Please call first to insure we still have the fruit or berries you want, We normally have strawberries in April, May and June, Blueberries and Blackberries during July, Apples in July and August, Gala Apples in August, Pick-your-own on most items or we-pick-for-you; We entertain school children during the week and are op - truncated. . Directions: from Portland 1. From the intersection of TN 52 and TN 109, go south on TN 109 for 2 miles. 2. Turn right at the traffic light onto TN 76. 3. Go 2 miles to Wilkinson Lane. 4. Turn right on Wilkinson Lane. 5. Go 0.7 miles. 6. Bottom View Farm is at the end of the road. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
    Bottom View Farm Facebook page. Pumpkins: July 15 to October 31 Blackberries, Blueberries, Apples, Grapes, And Cherries: July Fall Fest: the whole month of October. From the intersection of TN 52 and TN 109, go south on TN 109 for 2 miles. 2. Turn right at the traffic light onto TN 76. 3. Go 2 miles to Wilkinson Lane. 4. Turn right on Wilkinson Lane. 5. Go 0.7 miles. 6. is at the end of the road. Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October. We are an actually farm, so other crops would include wheat, corn (sweet and field), alfalfa hay, grain, and other crops used to feed our cattle. We also have a cow that is being hand milked for customers and guests to be witnesses to. . Typical harvest dates are: (Months shown are approximate. Please call first to insure we still have the fruit or berries you want.) Strawberries in April, May and June. Blueberries and Blackberries during July. Apples in July and August. Gala Apples in August. Pick-y..
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  • Brad's Produce - strawberries
    156 Opossum Road, Portland, TN 37148. Phone: (615) 888-2837. Click here for a map and directions.
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  • Bradley Kountry Acres - Blackberries, Strawberries, Pumpkins, Tomatoes.
    650 Jake Link Road, Cottontown, TN 37048. Phone: (615) 325-2836. Email: darselectstrawberry@gmail.com. Open: Mid April-Oct 31, call for hours. Directions: I-65 N Exit 112 \\(Highway 25\\). Turn right off Exit onto Hwy 25 to intersection of Hwy 25 and 31W \\(4-way stop\\). left of 31 W and approximately 2 mi, then Right on Clearview Road 1.5milesto Clearview Ch of Christ, right fork at church. Farm and school tours available. Bradley Kountry Acres & Greenhouse offers strawberries, Pick Your Own Blackberries, peaches, greenhouse tomatoes, field tomatoes, summer vegetables, pumpkins, ornamental gourds, bedding plants, fern - truncated. Click here for a map and directions. Turn right off Exit onto Hwy 25 to intersection of Hwy 25 and 31W (4-way stop). left of 31 W and approximately 2 mi, then Right on Clearview Road 1.5milesto Clearview Ch of Christ, right fork at church. Farm and school tours available. & Greenhouse offers strawberries, Pick Your Own Blackberries, peaches, greenhouse tomatoes, field tomatoes, summer vegetables, pumpkins, ornamental gourds, bedding plants, ferns, & fall mums. Bradley Farms is open from mid-March through the end of October. Our farm also welcomes groups, as well as individual customers. Please call in advance to schedule group farm outings. During strawberry season, we also offer pre-picked berries by order for those who are unable to pick their own. Call or check out our web site for more information, produce availability, & additional updates.
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  • Crafton Farms - Cantaloupes, Strawberries, Corn, Squash, Tomatoes, Weddings, Parties And Other Events
    209 Crafton Road, Portland, TN 37148. Phone: (615) 969-6264. Email: jpcraftjr@aol.com. Open: see their Facebook page. Click here for a map and directions. Call us for directions and availability.They also host Weddings, Parties And Other Events. (ADDED: June 26, 2018, JBS)
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  • Ditney Ridge Farms - Apples, Blackberries, Blueberries, Cantaloupes, Cherries, Pears, Strawberries, Beans, Beets, Corn, Cucumbers, Okra, Onions, Peppers, Pumpkins, Squash, Tomatoes, Turnip Greens.
    2049 Liebengood Road, Goodlettsville, TN 37072. Phone: (615) 299-5783. Email: info@ernieandmissy.com. Open: after Memorial Day and closed on all holidays until Halloween. Click here for a map and directions.
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  • Doug Williams Farm - strawberries
    584 Corinth Road, Portland, TN 37148. Phone: (615) 325-2685. Click here for a map and directions.
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  • England's Strawberry Farm - strawberries, restrooms
    720 Scattersville Road, Portland, TN 37148. Phone: 615-426-3068. Email: teresamail53@yahoo.com. Open: after opening open daily 7 am to 7 pm. Directions: We are about 30 miles North of Nashville, TN just off of Interstate 65. Travel I-65 North and exit off at Exit # 117 and bear to the right \\(east\\) toward Portland. Go to the 4 way stop and turn left \\(North\\) onto U.S. 31W. Go approx. 1.6 miles and turn right onto Old Hwy. 31W #3. Go past white church and bear to the right, this will be Scattersville Road. Go to 2nd house on the left. \\(signs posted\\) . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash preferred; Will accept checks with id. Please call before coming due to bad weather, etc. Travel I-65 North and exit off at Exit # 117 and bear to the right (east) toward Portland. Go to the 4 way stop and turn left (North) onto U.S. 31W. Go approx. 1.6 miles and turn right onto Old Hwy. 31W #3. Go past white church and bear to the right, this will be Scattersville Road. Go to 2nd house on the left. (signs posted) Click here for a map to our farm. Crops are usually available in May. Strawberries: CALL - it varies! .
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

Williamson County

  • Delvin Farms - Certified Organic, strawberries
    6361 Cox Road, College Grove, TN 37046. Phone: (615) 538-5538. Open: Mid- April and May; limited days and hours, always check with their Facebook page first: Friday 1 pm to 5 pm; Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. Click here for a map and directions.
    Delvin Farms Facebook page. U-pick organic strawberries opening. Aside from the limited U-pick, their produce is sold through CSA's, six farmers markets in the Nashville area, restaurants, Whole Foods, Turnip Truck and Produce Place. .
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

Wilson County

  • Circle S Farms - blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, Farm Raised Pork (+ custom orders available), Cut Your Own Christmas trees, School trips, Weddings
    1627 East Old Laguardo Rd, Lebanon, TN 37087. Phone: 615-405-6860. Open: Generally, we are open for strawberry picking the month of May but call for details. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
    Circle S Farms Facebook page. The season opens in early May for Strawberries, Blueberries start in Mid-June and Blackberries around the Fourth of JulyPicked Vegetables and Produce will be available in the farm market from late June till early SeptemberWe are usually open 7 days a week: Monday thru Saturday from 8 am until 6 pm and Sunday 12:00 until 6:00Check on our Facebook page for updates on hours and what fruits and vegetables are availableAlso available is farm raised porkRetail sales and custom slaughtering from November 1st until February 28thGreat country cooking and catering for up to 500 available by calling Connie Jo at 615-394-5212The Wedding Woods offers seating for 300 in a quiet wooded open air arborWe are located just off highway 109 at 1627 EOld Laguardo Rd., Lebanon, TN 37087From I-40: take exit 232 North (Hwy 109) toward GallatinThen go 4.3 miles and turn right on EOld Laguardo Rdand go 0.9 miles and we are located on the rightFrom Gallatin: take Hwy 109 ..
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  • Jammy Farms, Inc - Uses natural growing practices, asparagus, blueberries, peas, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs
    2650 Harkreader Rd, Mount Juliet, TN 37122. Phone: (865) 599-9005. Email: jam@jsowders.com. Open: Hours and availability of crops to pick varies considerably; please call or email for current availability and hours. Directions: From I-40 exit Beckwith, 3 miles to Central pike, Left, and immediate right onto Harkreader, gravel drive on left immediately across from Corona Baptist church. From I-840, exit Central Pike, right and then immediate left onto Central pike. Approximately 3 miles, to flashing intersection sign, Harkreader is on the left. Gravel drive approximately 0.1 mile on left immediately across from Corona Baptist church. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Venmo, PayPal. From I-840, exit Central Pike, right and then immediate left onto Central pike. Approximately 3 miles, to flashing intersection sign, Harkreader is on the left. Gravel drive approximately 0.1 mile on left immediately across from Corona Baptist church. . We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. You pick Blueberries, You pick Strawberries. This is a very small farm and an individual experience, please check in advance for produce availability. Strawberries, blueberries, seasonal honey and molasses, seasonal produce. Year round free range chicken eggs, custom meat shares of pork and goat. Also Already picked: Blueberries, Honeydew, Strawberries, Asparagus, Corn, Cucumbers, Okra, Onions, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Squash Winter, Tomatoes, Other, Vegetable Others, Garlic, Custom Goat, Custom Pork, Custom Poultry, Custom Poultry, Eggs, Honey (ADDED: August 19, 2021)
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Strawberry

Strawberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

strawberry pick-your-own field

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. strawberry picking bucket from Washington FarmsMost 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.


    strawberries, just picked from the fieldIf 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.Sttawberry bush with ripe strawberries, up close

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.how to pick strawberries

  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

close-up of the rows in a strawberry patch at at PYO strawberry fieldWhether 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

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 onstrawberries shown in different stages of ripeness 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.crowded parking at a Strawberry u-pick field
  • 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:

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)