Nobody warned me that the most expensive part of parenting a toddler would be the cost of berries! How can I say no to such a healthy snack that my son wants to consume by the handful? Thankfully berry season is upon us! Farmers markets and local produce stands are a great way to cut the cost of fresh produce. Many local farms even welcome people to pick their own berries for a reduced price. Not only can you get a great deal on berries, but you can make a fun activity out of it as well! I took my son blueberry picking last summer when he was only about 18 months old. He did a great job, though more of the berries ended up in his mouth than in our containers! Definitely an activity that will become an annual event for our family.
In our area, strawberries will be ripe first, usually starting in June. In July we will have ripe cherries, raspberries, blackberries and finally blueberries. By the end of August, the first apples, grapes and stone fruits will be available. Different varieties of each may be available sooner or later in the season. Typically strawberry season is over by July, while different types of raspberries can be found from July through September. Produce is always cheaper when you can find it locally during its harvest season. Picking your own berries is a great way to support your local farmers!
Here’s a list of farms around Rochester with U-Pick opportunities in 2024! Check with the farm to verify their hours and produce availability. Keep in mind that weather has a huge impact on when berries will be available. Always be respectful of the farm and their rules. Remember to dress for farm conditions (comfortable shoes or boots). Happy picking!
Bauman’s Farm Market & Greenhouses | Webster
U-Pick strawberries and peas starting in mid-June 7 days a week from 8am-noon. Later in the season they offer raspberries, tomatoes and apples as well. Their store is open daily 8am-6pm.
Chase Farms Market | Fairport
U-Pick strawberries and peas starting in June. Raspberries, currants and gooseberries in July. More raspberries available in September and pumpkins in October. U-pick is open daily through the season 9am-5pm. They have a farmers market as well as a shortcake and sundae bar open daily 9am-8pm.
G and S Orchards | Walworth
U-Pick starts in June for strawberries, blackberries, raspberries & juneberries. July blueberries, currants, cherries and gooseberries. In September the offer apples and pumpkins. U-pick and farm stand are cash only, open daily 8:30-5:30pm throughout the season.
Gro-Moore Farms | Rush & Henrietta
U-Pick strawberries in June and blueberries in July. Open daily 8am-noon. Cash only for U-pick and their farmstand.
Mendon Acres Fruit Farm and Nursery | Honeoye Falls
U-Pick strawberries, blueberries and raspberries from June-July. Their Market is open daily 9am-4pm.
Raspberry Hill Farm | Penfield
U-Pick raspberries and blueberries throughout the summer.
Robb Farms | Spencerport
U-Pick berries from June- August include blueberries, blackberries, black raspberries & juneberries with apples available in the fall. Their Farm Market is open 7-days a week 9am-6pm.
Schutts Apple Mill | Webster
Most known for their apples in the fall, they also offer U-Pick cherries, raspberries, blackberries from June through September. The U-pick field is directly across the street from their market and accepts cash only. U-pick is open 7-days a week during the harvest season 10am-4pm. Their store is open year round from 9am-5pm.
West Wind Fruit Farm at Blue Barn Cidery | Hilton
U-Pick starts in July for raspberries, blueberries & gooseberries. In August, U-Pick stone fruits include currants, apricots, peaches, nectarines & plums. September-October they offer apples & pumpkins. U-pick is open Tuesdays-Sundays 8am-4pm during the harvest season. They also host family friendly events to celebrate the start and end of harvest season each year including Blueberry Fest in July and Cider Fest in October. The cidery itself has a small shop as well as a restaurant open 11am-9pm Wednesday-Sunday.
