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! Check with the farm to verify their hours and produce availability. Keep in mind that the 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. Later in the season, they offer raspberries, tomatoes, and apples.
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. They have a farmers market as well as a shortcake and sundae bar open daily.
G and S Orchards | Walworth
U-Pick starts in June for strawberries, blackberries, raspberries & juneberries. July blueberries, currants, cherries and gooseberries. In September they offer apples and pumpkins. U-pick and farm stand are cash only, open daily throughout the season.
Gro-Moore Farms | Rush & Henrietta
U-Pick strawberries in June and blueberries in July. Open daily. Cash only for U-pick and their farmstand.
Hurd Orchards | Holley
Pick your own strawberries and raspberries in June. Blueberries, cherries, raspberries, and currants in July. Blueberries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, and blackberries are available through August. Apples are available from the end of August through October, with pumpkins available from October to mid-November. The Apple Barn is open in the fall for fresh pies, mulled cider, and more.
Mendon Acres Fruit Farm and Nursery | Honeoye Falls
U-Pick strawberries, blueberries and raspberries from June-July. Their Market is open daily.
Raspberry Hill Farm | Penfield
U-Pick raspberries and blueberries throughout the summer.
Robb Farms | Spencerport
U-Pick berries from June through August include blueberries, blackberries, black raspberries & juneberries, with apples available in the fall. Their Farm Market is open 7-days a week.
Schutts Apple Mill | Webster
Most known for their apples in the fall, they also offer U-Pick cherries, raspberries, and 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 and their store is open year-round.
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 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 and a restaurant on site.
Whittier Fruit Farm | Gates
Pick your own blueberries, sweet cherries, and apples starting late June/July. They have a variety of produce available at the Greece, Gates, and Brockport Farmers Markets throughout the summer. Find them on Facebook for the most up-to-date information on their “Pick Your Own” availability and hours.
