2024 Southeastern Virginia, Virginia Beach Blackberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org
Find a pick-your-own farm near you! Then learn to can and freeze! Since 2002! We update continuously; Beware the copycat websites!
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Blackberry U-Pick Orchards in Southeastern Virginia, Virginia Beach in 2024, by county
Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for blackberries that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have blackberries orchards 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.
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Virginia Beach City
Henley Farm and Henley Farm Market - Strawberries, blackberries, sweet corn, tomatoes, kale, potatoes, beans, pumpkins, collards, Christmas trees. 3513 Charity Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Phone: (757) 426-7501. Email: barbarahenley@cox.net. Open: see their website for current hours. Directions: East on Indian River Road to Muddy Creek Road. Turn left, go 14 mile, turn right on Charity Neck Road. Farm 1 mile. 7 am to 7 pm, daily, spring and summer; 9 am to 5 pm, daily fall and winter. All of our small fruits \(strawberries, blackberries, etc.\) and vegetables \(cabbage, broccoli, pumpkins, etc.\) are available on a "Pick Your Own" basis. Remember to bring your own buckets!Pick your own at our farm or buy already picked at our market in downtown Pungo. Hayrides, too! For over fifty years, Henley Farm has been providing fresh \'pick-your-own\' fruits and vegetables at fair prices in the Pungo section of Virginia Beach, VA. Henley Farm is truly a family farm, not only for our family but also for the many families who have enjoyed the farm. Many of our customers were children when they visited Henley Farm with their parents, and now bring their children to enjoy the experience of picking their own berries and vegetables. FamilyAt the farm, located at 3484 Charity Neck Road, you can \'pick your own\' fruits and vegetables, or even select your own . Click here for a map and directions. Henley Farm and Henley Farm Market Phone: ; FAX (757) 426-0072. . East on Indian River Road to Muddy Creek Road. Turn left, go 1/4 mile, turn right on Charity Neck Road. Farm 1 mile. 7 am to 7 pm, daily, spring and summer; 9 am to 5 pm, daily fall and winter. All of our small fruits (strawberries, blackberries, etc.) and vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, pumpkins, etc.) are available on a "Pick Your Own" basis. Remember to bring your own buckets!Pick your own at our farm or buy already picked at our market in downtown Pungo. Hayrides, too! For over fifty years, Henley Farm has been providing fresh 'pick-your-own' fruits and vegetables at fair prices in the Pungo section of Virginia Beach, VA. Henley Farm is truly a family farm, not only for our family but also for the many families who have enjoyed the farm. Many of our customers were children when they visited Henley Farm with their parents, and now bring their children to enjoy the experience of picking their own berries and vegetables. FamilyAt the farm, located at 3484 Charity Neck Road, you can 'pick your own' fruits and vegetables, or even select your own Christmas tree. We also have a farm market located on the farm, so you have the option of picking your own or buying your fruits and vegetables already picked. Comments from a visitor on July 09, 2011: "Tons of huge, sweet, thornless black berries. Corn, oh yeah! Good times, good people." Comments from a visitor on June 26, 2011: ""This place also has u-pick broccoli, cabbage, May peas, Romaine lettuce too. Great place, couldn't say enough about them and the availability of picking Comments from a visitor on May 10, 2009: "I have been going to Henleys for 20 years and it is a family run farm and they are all very friendly and caring and if you ever get the opportunity to meet any of them you will know what I mean especially the older Mrs. Henley very sweet old lady just like her husband not saying that Stormy isnt sweet but Mrs Henley has a few years on her.LOL. Make sure you go all the way down to the farm and not just to the farm stand Not saying the farm stand isnt good but the extra mile is well worth the trip for the harvest. All year long if they have a growing season for something they have it growing. Hours are always subject to change to call first. They take most form of payment including credit cards. They have portajohns for those emergency stops. In the fall they have a hayride to the pumpkin patch and on mother's day they have hanging flowers at reasonable prices for gifts. You can also buy some bedding plants or veggie plants for your own garden. "
Chesapeake City
Greenbrier Farms - Uses natural growing practices, apples, asparagus, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, flowers, nectarines, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, inflatables or bounce houses, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations 225 Sign Pine Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322. Phone: (757) 421-2141. Email: torib@greenbrierfarms.info. Open: Times change seasonally Call for Details. Directions: Take exit 8A from VA-168 South. Take Hillcrest Parkway to Edinburg Parkway. Turn left on Street Brides Road, then turn left on Sign Pine Road. Greenbrier Farms is at the end of Sign Pine Road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. Greenbrier Farms Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: (757) 421-4550. . We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. is a working farm with more than 300 acres of plants, trees, fruits and vegetables. Our popuar pick-your-own strawberry field is a favorite for families throughout the Hampton Roads and Northeast North Carolina area. We have great fields, with plenty of berries to pick from! While you're here, the kids can play on the playground, visit our animal petting area, see ducks, chickens and Millie the pig, see antique tractors and generally enjoy running around the farm. (UPDATED: March 25, 2019)
Mount Pleasant Farms - beans, blackberries, cucumbers, eggplant, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Fresh eggs, gift shop, porta-potties, restrooms, picnic area, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours 2201 Mount Pleasant Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322. Phone: (757) 482-0739. Email: info@mountpleasantfarms.com. Open: U - pick Season: Monday through Saturday 8 am to 6 pm, Sundays 8 am to 5 pm; Fall: Monday through Saturday 10 am to 6 pm, Sundays 12 pm to 5 pm; Off Season: Wednesdays 3 pm to 6 pm, Fridays 10 am to 6 pm, Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. Mount Pleasant Farms Facebook page. . We use integrated pest management practices (IPM). (UPDATED: May 17, 2018) A visitor writes on May 24, 2013: "You can feed the chickens. there is talk of having soap making classes. The people are friendly and their apples are great. PEACH season is almost here! "
James City County
Millfarm Christmas Trees & Berry farm - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, 4900 Fenton Mill Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188. Phone: 757-566-2035. Open: May Tuesday to Sunday 8am to 7pm for Strawberries July Tuesday to Sunday 8am to 7pm for Blueberries and Blackberries. Directions: I-64 east or west take exit 231 B Croaker exits Turn right onto Fenton Mill rd, Williamsburg VA 23188 Farm is 1.5 miles on the left. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Payment: Cash, Check. Can come tag . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Alternate Phone: 757-879-4666. Christmas trees starting on October 31st. Bring something with you to use as a tag. Open every weekend from Thanksgiving to Christmas, for cutting trees. Pick Your Own.. Strawberries (May) Blueberries (June & July) Blackberries (July)Fresh picked Peaches July & August (ADDED: July 10, 2015)
Surry County
Drewry Farms - blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, organically grown strawberries, Galloway Grass Fed Beef, Mangalitsa Pork, Produce, Turkeys 541 Strawberry Lane, Wakefield, VA 23888. Phone: (757) 899-3636. Email: michael_drewry@yahoo.com. Open: 7 am to until dark, Tuesday to Sunday; closed on Monday, approximately June 30-August 31. Directions: Located approximately 3.5 miles north of Wakefield on Route 31. Look for farm sign. 3 miles North of Wakefield, Virginia on Route 31. The blueberry picking season kicks off at our Blueberry Jam Festival in late June. We have been growing blueberries for over 20 years and thought is was time to evolve. In addition to our classic berries, we have many exciting new additions! Literally, Drewry Farms is growing by leaps and bounds. Last fall we planted 12,000 strawberry plants. We picked our first crop April 18 and sold them at the Smithfield Farmer\'s Market. Additionally, we have added hundreds of blackberry and raspberry vines for our u-pick operation. . Click here for a map and directions. Drewry Farms Facebook page. . Fax: (757) 899-8175. . Located approximately 3.5 miles north of Wakefield on Route 31. Look for farm sign. 3 miles North of Wakefield, Virginia on Route 31. The blueberry picking season kicks off at our Blueberry Jam Festival in late June. We have been growing blueberries for over 20 years and thought is was time to evolve. In addition to our classic berries, we have many exciting new additions! Literally, is growing by leaps and bounds. Last fall we planted 12,000 strawberry plants. We picked our first crop April 18 and sold them at the Smithfield Farmer's Market. Additionally, we have added hundreds of blackberry and raspberry vines for our u-pick operation. Click here for our Facebook page.
Blackberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information
In
the U.S. Blackberries typically peak during June in the South, and in July in
the North. 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 Blackberries,
producers depend on ideal spring and early summer weather conditions.
See this page for a list of
blackberry festivals around the U.S.
Before you leave to go to the farm:
Always call before you go to the farm - And when they are in season, a large
turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
Leave
early. On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
Most growers furnish picking containers designed for Blackberries, but they
may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to
bring
containers.
If you use your own containers, remember that heaping Blackberries 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.
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.
Tips on How to Pick Blackberries
There are two types of blackberries to know about: thorny and thornless!
Obviously, the thornless are easier to pick, but some people claim the
thorny varieties are sweeter. With the thorny plants, you want to reach into
the plant in the gaps, so you don't need to touch anything but the berry
you're after, avoiding the thorns.
A ripe blackberry is deep black with a
plump, full feel. It will pull free from the plant with only a slight tug.
If the berry is red or purple, it's not ripe yet.
Repeat these
operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 berries.Unlike
strawberries, blackberries are usually pretty tough, I dump mine into the
bucket. Repeat the picking process with both hands.
Don't overfill
your containers or try to pack the berries down.
General Picking Tips
Whether you pick Blackberries from your garden or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here
are a few tips to keep in mind:
Pick only the berries that are fully black. Reach in between the stems to
grab for hidden berries ready for harvest. Bend down and look up into the
plant and you will find loads of berries that other people missed!
Avoid placing the picked berries in the sunlight 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.
Blackberries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week,
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.
When you get home
DON'T
wash the berries until you are ready to use them or freeze them. Washing
makes them more prone to spoiling.
Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting
berries
Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash off the others, drain
them and freeze them up! (Unless you're going to make jam right away)
Blackberries are less perishable than blueberries or strawberries, but
refrigerate them as soon as possible after picking. Temperatures between 34
F and 38 F are best, but, be careful not to freeze the blackberries (while
they are in the fridge)!
Even under ideal conditions blackberries will only keep for a week in a
refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible
after purchase
Blackberry tea was said to be a cure for dysentery during the Civil War.
During outbreaks of dysentery, temporary truces were declared to allow both
Union and Confederate soldiers to "go blackberrying" to forgage for
blackberries to ward off the disease.
Blackberries were enjoyed by the ancient Greeks, who believed them to be
a cure for diseases of the mouth and throat, as well as a preventative
against many ailments, including gout.
The blackberry leaf was also used as an early hair dye, having been
recommended by Culpeper, the English herbalist, to be boiled in a lye
solution in order to "maketh the hair black".
Researchers have known for quite some time that berries contain
antioxidants which help to fight cancer causing free radicals. A study at
the University of Ohio has found that blackberries are the most potent
cancer fighting berries of them all, by nearly 40 percent!
U-pick Blackberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. A quart
equals 1 and 1/2 pounds of fresh berries.
Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as Blackberries 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.