Berry picking can be a fun and rewarding activity, whether you’re doing it for leisure or to gather fresh berries for cooking, baking, or eating.
Here are some tips to make your berry picking experience enjoyable and successful. Be sure that if you bring younger kids, you are well-prepared to make their berry picking adventure as comfortable as possible.
Plan Your Visit
Berry picking fields can get picked out quickly. Make sure you check online or call ahead to be sure that there are berries available for picking.
Summer days can also heat up quickly, so you may want to go during cooler morning hours.
Dress Appropriately
Wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. Long sleeves and pants can protect you from scratches and insect bites. Additionally, wear closed-toe shoes or boots suitable for walking on farm terrain.
You will also likely need some sun protection, including sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses.
Stay hydrated
Farm fields can get hot, and without shade from trees, berry picking conditions can be very hot and sunny. Be prepared by bringing some cold water.
Bring containers and a cooler
Have containers ready for your berries, and it is a good idea to bring a cooler. Berries can spoil quickly, and it helps to get them in a cooler, especially when you are getting into a hot car. Stock the cooler with ice packs and containers for the berries.
Wash and prep your berries
When you get home, wash and prep your berries. Use a good fruit wash to help remove residues.
Instead of leaving berries in containers, it is a good idea to save them, such as slicing and freezing them, making a recipe right away, cooking them down into sauce, etc.
Have a plan for your berries
Berries can be very perishable, so have a plan for how you are going to use them.
Remember to have fun and appreciate the experience of being out in nature while berry picking. It’s a great way to connect with the environment and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Mmm, I just love picking fresh berries. I will keep your tips in mind the next time we go.
I need to find a place near me to pick berries. This sounds like a fun adventure.
Great tips here. My daughters and I always enjoy berry picking. We even have some berries we’ve planted at home for ourselves.
I love berry picking! It is such a fun summer activity and then you can use them to make yummy things.
We always pick strawberries when the season comes! Thanks for the share, I’m sure these tips will come in handy!!
It’s been sooo long since we’ve been able to pick berries. I sure hope we get a chance to do it this year. You listed some great tips and thanks!
been a couple of years since we went berry picking.. now want to go again armed with these tips!
Thank you for your berry picking tips! Your advice is greatly appreciated and will definitely come in handy during my next berry picking adventure.
These are great tips! My daughter & I have gone strawberry picking at a local farm about 20 minutes from our home. It’s super fun!
I’ve never been berry picking. I’m not sure they have any places to go pick berries around here. I know there was several farms when I lived in NC that you could pay to pick berries.
Thank you so much for sharing these tips! I am growing my own this year so these picking tips are perfect. I also want to visit a farm and pick a bunch of them fresh…. that dessert you made wiht strawberries looks incredible!
Years ago, I used to go to the you pick ’em farms in calfornia. It was a lot of fun picking my own fruit.
Your berry picking tips are so helpful! As someone who loves spending time outdoors, I appreciate the insights you shared on finding the best berries and making the most of the experience. Your suggestions will surely enhance anyone’s berry picking adventure.
Great tips on berry picking! Berry picking is so much fun and kids love it especially because they eat more than they pick!
I always want to plant my own berries and you have listed some great tips in this article! I think a lot of people at home will find these tips useful 🙂
I love berry picking! I used to go all of the time as a kid, and it’s something I enjoy doing even now as an adult – and I take my nieces with me!
I used to love picking berries as a child. Your post has brought back fond memories – time to get picking again.