It is fresh berry time in the Mid-Michigan area and we found a few area farms that are – or soon will be – ready for picking!
Pack sunscreen, the wagon, water, some snacks and bring cash – just in case!
Be sure to call ahead to confirm or check their social media pages to verify that you-pick is available and that the fruit is ready for picking.
Have fun!
STRAWBERRIES
Diederich’s Berry & Produce Farm, Webberville
Felzke Farms, DeWitt
Hanulcik Fruit Farm, Ionia
Huhn Strawberry Farm, Eagle, opens mid-June
Poindexter Farms, Merrill
BLUEBERRIES
Balzer Blueberries of Onondaga, Onondaga opening in July
Country Mill Farms, Charlotte, opens July 26
Hazen’s Farm, Howell, opens mid July
PEACHES
Clearview Orchards, Haslett August
Country Mill, Charlotte, August- September 9th
RASPBERRIES
Hazen’s Farm, Howell, opens mid July
Schafer Raspberries, Williamston, check their Facebook page for their opening day
Strawberry Picking Tips
- Walk carefully to make sure not damage plants or fruit in or along the edge of the row.
- Only pick berries that are completely red. Part the leaves to look for hidden berries ready for harvest.
- Remove the berries that look rotten, sunburned, like they have insect injury or other defects and place them between the rows behind you. This keeps the rot from spreading to other berries.
- If you plan to keep the fruit for a few days, try to pick in the early morning or on cool, cloudy days. Berries picked in the heat become soft, are easily bruised and do not keep well.
- Avoid placing the picked berries in the sunshine. Instead put them in the shade and keep them cool 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.
- Do not wash the berries until you’re ready to use them. This will keep them fresh for longer.
- To make sure you eat all of your strawberries, put some in the fridge, wash and cut the green tops off the others and freeze them to keep them fresh longer!
Tips c/o pickyourown.org
Did we miss your favorite berry picking spot? Send us a message at [email protected]
