Blueberry U-Pick Orchards in Triangle area of North Carolina in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for blueberries that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have blueberries 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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Chatham County

• Faircloth Farm - Blueberries
  577 Gilmore Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516. Phone: 919-967-2131. Email: christinefaircloth@yahoo.com. Open: Mid July thru 3rd week in August; Call for appointment; Closed Sundays. Directions: From Chapel Hill, take Hwy 15-501 South. Go about 5 one half miles, turn right on Mann\'s Chapel Road at the stop light at Cole Park Plaza . Go about 2 miles and turn right on Poythress Road. Go a short distance, turn right at white church. Go one half mile and turn left on Gilmore Road. Go one half mile and turn left at the farmhouse. The farm is at the brickhouse behind farmhouse. . Click here for a map and directions. . Alternate phone: 919-357-8891. . Typical harvest dates: Blueberries- mid July-August. From Chapel Hill, take Hwy 15-501 South. Go about 5 one half miles, turn right on Mann's Chapel Road at the stop light at Cole Park Plaza . Go about 2 miles and turn right on Poythress Road. Go a short distance, turn right at white church. Go one half mile and turn left on Gilmore Road. Go one half mile and turn left at the farmhouse. The farm is at the brickhouse behind farmhouse. Click here for a map to the farm.
• Farrells Creek Farm - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, blueberries, Honey from hives on the farm
  1970 Martha\'s Chapel Road, Apex, NC 27523. Phone: (919) 592-4981. Email: farrellscreekfarm@gmail.com. Open: hours, days and dates. Directions: From I-40, take the Jordan Lake Exit for Route 751. Proceed 8.5 miles to Marthas Chapel Road and take a right. Proceed 34 mile to 1970 Marthas Chapel Road and turn left into Farrells Creek Farm - look for a stone entry way. From Route 64, turn on to 751 towards Durham and proceed 4 miles to Marthas Chapel Road. Take a left onto Marthas Chapel Road and in 34 of a mile, take a left into Farrells Creek Farm through the stone pillars. June 1 to July 15 for Blackberries and Blueberries Honey is avail - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Venmo, PayPal, ApplePay.
  Farrells Creek Farm Facebook page. . . Mid June to Mid July Wednesdays and Saturdays 8am to 12pm. Click here for current open From I-40, take the Jordan Lake Exit for Route 751. Proceed 8.5 miles to Marthas Chapel Road and take a right. Proceed 3/4 mile to 1970 Marthas Chapel Road and turn left into - look for a stone entry way. From Route 64, turn on to 751 towards Durham and proceed 4 miles to Marthas Chapel Road. Take a left onto Marthas Chapel Road and in 3/4 of a mile, take a left into through the stone pillars. June 1 to July 15 for Blackberries and Blueberries Honey is available year round;. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. You Pick only - we do not pre-pick All the mapping/directions sites direct you to our neighbors, Sun Star Farm. Please proceed 1000 feet further down the road and you will see our farm entrance on the left. (ADDED: June 15, 2020)

Durham County

• Architectural Trees - Uses natural growing practices, blueberries, U-pick and already picked, farm market, porta-potties are available
  6404 Amed Road, Bahama, NC 27503. Phone: 919-620-0779. Email: archtrees@aol.com. Open: Monday through Saturday from 8am until noon, closed on Sunday. Directions: Old Oxford Highway out of Durham 8.6 miles. Turn left onto Amed Road. Enter driveway on left at large Thomas Sayre sculpture. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . . Mid - June to most of July; Call ahead to see if berries are available; We have over 700 bushes. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. We are also a rare tree/plant nursery specializing in Japanese Maples and grafted conifers. Because of Covid 19, the u-pick blueberry field is going to be run differently in the 2020 season. People can rent an entire row for the season, and no one else will be allowed to pick in that row.Prices range from $125 to $360 depending on number of bushes in row. If you are interested. Send an email to and I'll send you more information . (UPDATED: June 25, 2020 JBS)
• Herndon Hills Farm - Certified organic, blackberries, blueberries, Muscadines, grapes, picnic area
  7110 Massey Chapel Road\/arbee Road, Durham, NC 27713. Phone: (919) 544-3313. Email: nancy_herndon@yahoo.com. Open: Please call or check our facebook page for picking hours and days. Directions: From I-40, take exit 276 \(Fayetteville Road\) and turn south. Take the first left on Herndon Road. Go 12 mile. Turn right on Barbee Road. Go 14 mile to farm on right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. . From I-40, take exit 276 (Fayetteville Road) and turn south. Take the first left on Herndon Road. Go 1/2 mile. Turn right on Barbee Road. Go 1/4 mile to farm on right. . We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Our farm is our home. We can only accommodate individuals and families, not groups. Children must be supervised at all times. We are a 200-year-old family farm in southern Durham. We grow blueberries, blackberries and 10 varieties of muscadine grapes. All our crops are USDA certified organic.
  Comments from a visitor on May 21, 2011: "fruit and berries are not sprayed with chemicals"
• Sweet Haven Farm - No pesticides are used, apples, aronia berries, apricots, blackberries, blueberries, sweet cherries, elderberries, figs, Muscadines, grapes, melons, pawpaws, strawberries, asparagus, beans, beets, collard greens, pickling cucumbers, slicing cucumbers, eggplants, lettuce or salad greens, okra, onions, summer squash, winter squash, Heirloom tomatoes, watermelons, Honey from hives on the farm
  4045 Summer Lane, Hillsborough, NC 27278. Phone: (919) 245-0101. Email: tonifesel@gmail.com. Open: By appointment, call or email for an appointment. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Venmo. . Alternate Phone: 919-698-7419. . We do not use pesticides on the crops. We have a variety of fruits and vegetables that vary depending on the season. We also have muscadine wine, jams, and jellies for sale. Call, text or email Toni to find out what's fruiting, blooming, or trending! We'd love to share our produce with you. (ADDED: August 05, 2023)

Franklin County

• Vollmer Farm - blackberries, blueberries, pumpkins, strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, farm market, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area, Jumping pillow, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
  677 NC highway 98 East, Bunn, NC 27508. Phone: 919-497-3076. Email: fun@vollmerfarm.com. Open: Starting mid April to July 31st for Strawberry, Blueberry and Blackberry pick - your - own. Directions: From highway 64E 1. Take highway 39N to highway 98E \(Food Lion\) 2. Take a right hand turn at Food Lion 3. Vollmer Farm is 1 mile on the left. From 401N98E 1. Take 98E 9 miles to Bunn. 2. Turn right and stay on 98E at Bunn Exxon Station. 3. Stay on 98E 2 miles 4. Farm is on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  Vollmer Farm Facebook page. . From highway 64E 1. Take highway 39N to highway 98E (Food Lion) 2. Take a right hand turn at Food Lion 3. is 1 mile on the left. From 401N/98E 1. Take 98E 9 miles to Bunn. 2. Turn right and stay on 98E at Bunn Exxon Station. 3. Stay on 98E 2 miles 4. Farm is on the left. Christmas Celebration at the farm is always 1st two weekends in December; Nativity Scene, singing performices, Horse Drawn Carriage Rides, Santa Train rides, and all the Back Forty play area attractions - Open Saturdays 2pm to 7pm first two weekends in December. We are certified organic for all crops!

Granville County

• Bee Happy Farm - blueberries, Muscadines, grapes, figs, persimmons, Asian, pears, European pears
  3102 Hester Rd, Creedmoor, NC 27522. Phone: 919-452-8167. Email: beehappy3102@gmail.com. Click here for a map and directions. . Delicious local honey from bees right on our own farm! You pick or we pick fruit in season - blueberries, muscadines, figs, persimmons, Asian & European pears. We also sell many varieties of plants, trees & shrubs.
• Lyon Farms - Beans, Blackberry, Blueberries, Cantaloupe, Corn, Greens, Onions, Potatoes, pumpkins, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Watermelon, Vegetables
  1544 Munns Rd, Creedmoor, NC 27522. Phone: 919-528-3263. Email: lyonfarmsveggies@gmail.com. Open: April 13th - May 29th Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm, Sat, 8 am to 6 pm, Sun 1pm to 6pmSummer hours are May 30th - August 13th Mon-Sat 9 am to 6 pm, Closed Sunday. Directions: From Durham take I-85 north take Exit 186-A go 2 miles. From Raleigh take Hwy 50 north, follow signs. From Oxford take I-85 south, go left to Hwy 15 turn right, follow signs. U-pick pumpkins, corn maze and hay rides October 1-31 Saturday-Sunday 10-6. Monday-Friday for field trips by appointment. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Lyon Farms Facebook page. . Open click here for a map to the farm. Typical harvest dates: Strawberries & Sweet Onions - April-June Cabbage, Beets & Greens - April-May New Potatoes - May-June Beans, Blackberries, Blueberries, Corn, Cantaloupe, Tomatoes & Okra - June-July Watermelon - July-August Fig - August-September. Facebook page.
• Lyon Farms Wm Lyon's blueberry and pumpkin farm - blueberries,
  1540 Will Suitt Rd, Creedmoor, NC 27522. Phone: 919-669-9399. Email: lyonpumpkinfarm@gmail.com. Open: June Saturday 9 am to 5:00 Sunday 12 am to 5:00. Directions: Off of highway 85 and 15 south on Will Suitt rd. 1563 Will Suitt Rd . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . (ADDED: May 11, 2015)

Johnston County

• Creekside Farm - blueberries, Honey from hives on the farm, porta-potties are available, picnic area
  300 Pine Tree Road, Selma, NC 27576. Phone: 919-965-9969. Email: info@creeksidefarmberries.com. Open: usually starts on Memorial Day Weekend call to check before you come 8 am to 4 pm; Monday except holidays through Thursday 8am to 1 pm; Weekends and Holidays from 8 am to 4 pm; Closed on Friday. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . usually starts on Memorial Day Weekend (call to check before you come) 8 am to 4 pm; Monday (except holidays) through Thursday 8am to 1 pm; Weekends and Holidays from 8 am to 4 pm; Closed on Friday.
• Jim's Blueberries - Blueberries
  331 W. Wilson Street, Smithfield, NC 27577. Phone: (919) 934-6721. Open: July thru August; Call for hours & days of operation. Directions: Located one half mile off US 301 S, Smithfield, NC. . Click here for a map and directions.
• Middle Creek Farm - blueberries,
  1413 Crantock Road, Smithfield, NC 27577. Phone: 919-934-4501. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . UPDATE for 2021, Their website is gone; There's nothing else about them on the internet, so I assume they have closed. If you have any information to the contrary, please write me. call for days and times. Crops usually available from June 15 to August 15.
• Smith's Nursery, Inc. - blackberries, blueberries, pumpkins, strawberries, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, prepicked produce, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, school tours
  443 Sanders Road, Benson, NC 27504. Phone: 919-934-1700. Email: smithsnursery@aol.com. Open: See our website for current hours. Directions: See our website for directions. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . Fax: 919-934-2055. . Crops are usually available in April, May, June, July, September, October, November. (UPDATED: January 26, 2016)

Nash County

• HS Howell Farms - blueberries, strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area
  4371 Massey Road, Zebulon, NC 27597. Phone: (919) 612-6249. Email: hshowellfarms@att.net. Open: Call for current hours. Directions: We are a short ten minute drive east of Zebulon and five minutes out of Middlesex NC. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  HS Howell Farms Facebook page. . Fax: 866-358-1052. . (UPDATED: April 19, 2018)

Orange County

• Cedar Grove Blueberry Farm - Uses natural growing practices, blueberries, picnic area you may bring your own food
  8411 highway 86 N, Cedar Grove, NC 27231. Phone: 828-450-6558. Email: cedargroveblueberry@gmail.com. Open: the season starts around the Middle of June through August; Please check our website. Directions: From Hillsborough, head North on 86 about 11 miles, look for us just past Pope\'s tires on the right. From I-40 I85 Take exit 160 for Efland. Turn left onto Mt. Willing Road Turn left onto Forest Avenue Slight right onto Efland Cedar Grove Rd, continue about 10 miles. Turn left onto NC 86 N. We are about 14 mile on the right after Pope\'s Tires. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
  Cedar Grove Blueberry Farm Facebook page. . from 8am to 1 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. From Hillsborough, head North on 86 about 11 miles, look for us just past Pope's tires on the right. From I-40/ I85 Take exit 160 for Efland. Turn left onto Mt. Willing Road Turn left onto Forest Avenue Slight right onto Efland Cedar Grove Rd, continue about 10 miles. Turn left onto NC 86 N. We are about 1/4 mile on the right after Pope's Tires. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Farm is under new ownership and management! Both and the former Nice Berries are now managed by the same family. Most recent price (on their website April 2018) is $3 a pound U-pick. Buckets and scales are on site for your use. Please bring shallow containers to safely bring your berries home. We will provide bags, just in case you forget. Drinking water is provided, but feel free to bring your own drinks and a lunch for picnicking. New this year--Some days we will bring out a juice press so you can turn your fruit into fresh juice! Check our website for details and dates. During the season we are open from sun up to sun down every day of the week. Most of the day someone will be present to assist you if needed. If no one is on site, you are still free to pick, self weigh your fruit, and place your payment in our lock box. Please bring a container to bring your fruit home. We expect the season to last through Mid-August, possibly longer.
• Eno River Farm - blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, pumpkins, Christmas trees, tulips,
  2127 St. Marys Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278. Phone: (919)245-8775. Email: info@enoriverfarm.com. Open: Monday-Thursday 9 am to 6 pm Friday-Sunday 9 am to 7 pm . Directions: farm entrance can be found on the corner of Lawrence and St. Mary\'s, on the top of the hill. You will be greeted by the beautiful scenery of rolling hills, farmed with abundant blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and tulips. From Mid-March to Mid-June, the SPRING season boasts Pick-Your-Own strawberries and blueberries, a vibrant greenhouse selection of ornamental plants, vegetable plugs, and annuals, and an overflowing produce stand with our very own vegetables, honeys, and jams! FALL- f - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions. . farm entrance can be found on the corner of Lawrence and St. Mary's, on the top of the hill. You will be greeted by the beautiful scenery of rolling hills, farmed with abundant blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and tulips. From Mid-March to Mid-June, the SPRING season boasts Pick-Your-Own strawberries and blueberries, a vibrant greenhouse selection of ornamental plants, vegetable plugs, and annuals, and an overflowing produce stand with our very own vegetables, honeys, and jams! FALL- from Early September to the end of October- brings with it homegrown mums, pumpkins, and hayrides- both haunted and a little less heart-racing! The last season of the year, WINTER, which stretches from Mid-November to Christmas Eve brings the Holidays to the farm- hot chocolate, poinsettias, and Christmas trees
• Hawk Hill Berry Farm - Uses natural growing practices, blueberries, U-pick, picnic area, playground
  3009 Hawk Hill Road, Mebane, NC 27243. Phone: 919-923-3275. Email: info@hawkhillberryfarm.com. Open: starting early July, Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
  Hawk Hill Berry Farm Facebook page. . Opening Day: July 4. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. We offer a picnic area and children's play area. We are family friendly and encourage group outings and picnic groups. We can generally accomodate church groups, camps and other organizations with 24 hours advance notice.
• Minka Farm, LLC - blackberries, blueberries, figs, Muscadines, grapes, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, restrooms, farm animals, school tours
  120 Minka Farm Lane, Efland, NC 27243. Phone: 919-304-4999. Email: farmer@minkafarm.com. Open: daily from 7 am to 8 pm June through July; Call for fruit availability. Directions: From the Efland exit \(number 160\) on I-85, turn away from town \(south\). The first stop sign and flashing red light is at West Ten Road Continue straight for 3 miles to the next stop sign at Buckhorn Road. Turn left and go 12 mile. Turn left onto Minka Farm Lane. Take the first left to the PYO area and farm store. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Minka Farm, LLC Facebook page. . Bring your own baskets or use ours. Cash is preferred, but if you need to use a card please use the Contact Us form or email to make an appointment or visit us on Saturdays 10 am to 2 pm Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. From the Efland exit (number 160) on I-85, turn away from town (south). The first stop sign and flashing red light is at West Ten Road Continue straight for 3 miles to the next stop sign at Buckhorn Road. Turn left and go 1/2 mile. Turn left onto Minka Farm Lane. Take the first left to the PYO area and farm store.
• Shenandoe Farm - blueberries, Muscadines, grapes, plums, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties, farm animals
  7303 Old Greensboro Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516. Phone: (919) 748-0828. Email: belvedereW@aol.com. Open: Blueberries will be ripe around the first week in June; Saturday and Sundays from 10am to 7pm, Tuesday from 1pm to 7pm. Directions: from NC 54 take White Cross Road to the stop sign by the Baptist church. Turn right on Old Greensboro Road Shenandoe is a quarter mile past the blinking light at Crawford Dairy Road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Free - no payments needed for anything. . . average season is June 1 to July 15. We use natural organic practices, and are subject to the NOP small quantity exemption. I have several thousand pounds. If you can donate to help my farm its great and if you cant you can still pick some. I only ask that you pick an additional bag to be donated to the IFC in Carrboro. Not responsible for bee stings. 6 foot circles will be marked in orange paint. Please do not touch the animals. (ADDED: May 26, 2020)
• Sweet Retreat Orchard - Uses natural growing practices, blueberries, Asian persimmons, blackberries, bush cherries, haskap berries, and mulberries
  2925 Frank Perry Rd, Hillsborough, NC 27278. Phone: (919) 973-5536. Email: info@sweetretreatorchard.com. Open: Typical season for persimmons is from early October to November; Sunday from 8 am till noon; Blueberry season is June - July; Check our Facebook page and website for current schedule. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Sweet Retreat Orchard Facebook page. . We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Asian astringent and non-astringent persimmons. They grow Oriental persimmons, jujubes, blueberries, blackberries, bush cherries, haskap berries, and mulberries, and we have various dried leaves to make caffeine-free teas. (UPDATED: March 04, 2019) (ADDED: January 30, 2016)
• Whitted Bowers Organic Farm - Certified Organic, blueberries, Muscadines, grapes, U-pick and already picked
  8707 Art Road, Cedar Grove, Cedar Grove, NC 27231. Phone: (919) 732-5132. Email: whittedbowersfarm@mac.com. Open: Hours and availability limited; Please call or check website for blueberry and muscadine grape U - Pick hours. Directions: see our website. First week in July through early August for blueberries; Early August through September for muscadine grapes;. We are certified organic for all . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . crops! If you would like berries pre-picked please call to order. Seven varieties of organic blueberries with varying flavors and sizes. Five varieties of muscadines ranging in color from deep purple to scupernong yellow. Organic strawberry U-Pick is closed. (UPDATED: May 17, 2018)

Wake County

• Granny Pearls Farm - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, blackberries, blueberries, figs, flowers, Muscadines, grapes, pears, pecans, plums, walnuts, porta-potties are available, picnic area you may bring your own food, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations
  7209 Mitchell Mill Rd, Zebulon, NC 27587. Phone: (919) 426-1772. Email: info@grannypearlsfarm.com. Open: by appointment; Call for appointment please; Memorial Day until Labor day; Availability outside these time windows are available by appointment. Directions: 3 Miles from Rolesville, NC on Mitchell Mill Road 12 mile from Fowlers Cross roads and 2.5 miles from Highway 96. About 5 miles from Wake Forest, 6 miles from Knightdale, Wendell and North Raleigh. 10 miles from Zebulon. 20 miles From Louisburg. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. Granny Pearls Farm . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. 3 Miles from Rolesville, NC on Mitchell Mill Road 1/2 mile from Fowlers Cross roads and 2.5 miles from Highway 96. About 5 miles from Wake Forest, 6 miles from Knightdale, Wendell and North Raleigh. 10 miles from Zebulon. 20 miles From Louisburg. Raspberries: May 29 to September 30, blueberries June 1 to July 10 , Blackberries: June 10 to July 30, Grapes: July 15 to September 3. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. (UPDATED: June 27, 2024, JBS) (UPDATED: May 09, 2018)
• Neighbor Boy Farm and Country Store - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), beans, you-dig carrots, cucumbers, lettuce or salad greens, onions, hot peppers, sweet peppers, summer squash, Heirloom tomatoes, paste or Roma tomatoes, tomatoes, other vegetables, Other vegetables, sunflowers, flowers, Basil, Mint, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area you may bring your own food
  1008 Davis Drive, Apex, NC 27523. Phone: (919) 637-9894. Email: val@neighborboyinc.com. Open: Check Facebook and our website for our hours, which vary seasonally. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Neighbor Boy Farm and Country Store Facebook page. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Our pick-your-own season starts mid-June;. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Additional pick your own: large variety of seasonal flowers and wildflowers, spinach. Pumpkins and Christmas Trees available during the season. (UPDATED: April 30, 2022) (ADDED: July 12, 2021)

Warren County

• Blessed Berries, LLC - No pesticides are used blueberries,
  520 Eaton Ferry Road, Littleton, NC 27850. Phone: (252) 213-0198. Email: Blessedberriesllc@gmail.com. Open: Please see our Facebook page. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Venmo. . . Mid June through July. We do not use pesticides on the crops. Pick your own and Farm stand with pre-picked berries for sale. (ADDED: January 09, 2022)

 

Blueberry

Blueberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Blueberries are one of the easiest fruit to prepare and serve. There's no peeling, pitting, coring or cutting. They have few natural pests, (other than birds), so pesticides are generally unnecessary! This year's crop is fantastic (see related news story), thanks both to the weather and to more farms planting more blueberry bushes due to increased consumer demand over the past few years as more studies proclaim the anti-oxidant and other health properties of blueberries.

Click here to find a local Blueberry Festival (usually held between April and July).

If you are looking for information about a similar berry, the saskatoon (also called the June berry or Serviceberry) see this page about saskatoons.

Picking tips:

Select plump, full blueberries with a light gray-blue color. A berry with any hint of red isn't fully ripened.

Ripening AFTER picking?

First, it is key to know that once picked, blueberries will NOT become any sweeter, nor will the flavor improve. The only change that occurs is the color. They will APPEAR to ripen, but it is only a color change, from white to green to rose to red to pale blue to fully blue. So, white and green colored blueberries will not "ripen" after they are picked; while blueberries that have already turned purple, red or blue-ish usually DO change color after they are picked (if they are kept at room temperature to "ripen").

As the blueberries ripen ON THE BUSH, the flavor goes from tastless to bitter to tasteless tart to tart blueberry flavor to sweet blueberry flavor.

Grocery stores sell blueberries that are tart, not sweet because they had them picked unripe by machine so they are very firm and can handled being bumped around in shipping. They may look good, but are not as tasty as those picked when actually ripe.

So, the key is, PICK ONLY RIPE BERRIES!

How to pick blueberries

Since blueberries hang on the bushes in bunches a but like grapes do, the easiest and fastest way to pick them is hold your bucket under them in one hand and with your other hand, cup a ripe bunch and gently rub them with your fingers. The ripe berries will drop into your bucket, while the unripe ones will remain attached to the bush.

When the bushes are at peak, I can easily pick 2 gallons per hour (if I'm not being distracted by the kids and the sun isn't too hot!). A newbie might do 1 gallon per hour.and at the beginning or end of the season it takes more time as the berries are not as plentiful nor concentrated in clusters.

Tips for storing blueberries after harvesting:

• Once picked, don't place the berries, still warm from the sun, in a closed bag or container. Leave the container open so moisture doesn't form in the container.
• Don't wash berries until just before using, to prevent berries from becoming mushy.
• Chill berries soon after picking to increase shelf life. Store your fresh blueberries in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home, without washing them, in a covered bowl or storage container. If refrigerated, fresh-picked blueberries will keep 10 to 14 days.
• Freeze berries in freezer containers without washing to keep the skins from toughening. Place berries one layer deep. Freeze, then pour the frozen berries into freezer containers. Because unwashed blueberries freeze individually, they can be easily poured from containers in desired amounts. Remember both frozen and fresh berries should be rinsed and drained just before serving. Just before using, wash the berries in cold water.

Blueberry Measurements and Conversions

Keep in mind that blueberries vary considerably in density and moisture content, so these ranges are approximates.

• 1 gallon of blueberries weighs about 7.5 lbs or (4 liters of blueberries is about 3.5 kg)

• 1 pint of fresh blueberries weights about 3/4 of a pound. (1 liter of blueberries is about 700 grams)

• 1 pound of fresh blueberries is usually between about 2 and 3 cups of berries.

• It takes about 4 cups (about of blueberries to make a blueberry pie (see this fantastic and easy blueberry pie recipe)

• A normal batch of blueberry preserves, jam or jelly requires 5 pints of berries.

• Blueberries do come in a variety of sizes from small (190-250 berries per cup) to extra large (<90 berries per cup).

Blueberry Recipes, Canning and Freezing Blueberries

Recipes

• The world's best Blueberry pie, recipe and directions and illustrated!
• Blueberry buckle coffee cake: illustrated directions for this great crumb-topping blueberry coffee cake
• Other easy directions to make blueberry desserts: cobblers, etc.

Canning, freezing and other blueberry recipes:

• How to Freeze Blueberries
• How to Can Blueberries
• How to Make Homemade Blueberry Jam
• How to make blueberry jelly
• How to make and can blueberry syrup (it works for strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, too)
• blueberry pie filling to use later,
• blueberry butter

Baking tips

If you have trouble with blueberries settling to the bottom of muffins and blueberry breads, try one or more of these tips:

• Coat them with flour before adding to the batter. Just gently shake the blueberries in a bag (plastic or paper) with 1/2 cup of flour, then dump them mix in a sieve to remove excess flour.
• It may just be that your batter is too thin. try making the batter a little thicker!
• Fill the muffin cups or baking pan up to 1/4 full with batter (which hasn't had blueberries added to it yet); then stir the blueberries into the remaining batter, and continue to fill the muffin cups or bread pan. The blueberries will start off higher in the mix!

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers