2024 Western Kentucky Strawberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Strawberry U-Pick Orchards in Western Kentucky in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for strawberries that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have strawberries farms 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.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather.  See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Christian County

• Lost Valley Farm - strawberries, pumpkins, corn maze
  3867 State Route 175N, Bremen, KY 42325. Phone: (270) 525-9720. Open: Early May - strawberries. Click here for a map and directions. Jun 1-Nov 1, M/ W/F & Sat; 1 pm to 6 pm. October 1-October 31: Please call to arrange tours in Oct3 one half miles west of Bremen on Highway 175 N. U-Pick: Strawberries, upon request. October - Group tours to corn maze and pumpkin patch. School tours, hay rides, air-conditioned market, bathroom with hot water.

Daviess County

• Reid's Orchard - apples, strawberries, peaches, horse and wagon rides, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, picnic area, pumpkins brought in from the field, Bouncy castle or moon bounce, petting zoo, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, tours of the operation, group tours
  4812 Kentucky 144, Owensboro, KY 42303. Phone: (270) 685-2444. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard . Kentucky Proud Mon - Sat 8 am to 7 pm Sun: 10 am to 5 pm From Owensboro take Hwy 60E to Ky Hwy. 144 We are about 1 mile on 144. See their website for directions(UPDATED: May 22, 2015, JBS) (UPDATED: August 10, 2013, by a visitor)A visitor writes on August 10, 2013: "Great - local people."

Graves County

• The Berry Farm - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, strawberries, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available, picnic area
  2966 Hudson Road, Fulton, KY 42041. Phone: 270-468-0110. Email: theberryfarm@verizon.net. Open: Monday to Saturday, 7 am to 7 pm usually mid April to early June; Please see our website for exact opening day. Directions: signs can be found at the intersection of highway 45 & highway 94 \(Water Valley\), the intersection of State Line Road & Kingston, the intersection of State Line Road & Old Bethel Church Road, and the intersection of 129S & Hudson Road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, check, major credit cards.
  The Berry Farm Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 270-970-1000 signs can be found at the intersection of highway 45 & highway 94 (Water Valley), the intersection of State Line Road & Kingston, the intersection of State Line Road & Old Bethel Church Road, and the intersection of 129S & Hudson RoadWe minimize use of pesticides and other chemicalsWe would love to have you visit our farm! We grow Chandler strawberries using the plasticulture method. Please call to reserve your pre-picked strawberries as we sell out every day. We will deliver (minimum 5 flats) within a 30 mile radius. Please call for details. (UPDATED: April 06, 2016)

Grayson County

• VanMeter Family Farm - strawberries,
  164 Old Peonia Loop Road, Clarkson, KY 42726. Phone: 270-242-9056. Email: dan.strawberryman@gmail.com. Open: Tuesday and Saturday, from 1pm to 8pm; Call for appointment for other days; Closed Sunday. Directions: From Clarkson travel 8 miles south on Highway 88. Take the first blacktop road to the left just past Antioch General Baptist Church. Van Meter Family Farm is the 2nd drive on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. We grow 2 acres of Chandler and Sweet Charlie strawberries by the plasti-culture method; Pre-picked sales begin the last week in April; Pick your own opportunities begin the first week in May

Hart County

• Dennison's Roadside Market - U-Pick strawberries, blackberries and pumpkins.
  5824 S Jackson Hwy, Horse Cave, KY 42749. Phone: (270) 786-1663. Email: pbden@scrtc.com. Open: Apr-October 31, Monday to Saturday 9 am to 5pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 6 pm, strawberries in April and May, Blackerries in May usually. Click here for a map and directions. Dennison's Roadside Market Fax: (270) 786-5884 Apr-October 31, Monday to Saturday 9 am to 5pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 6 pm, strawberries in April and May, Blackerries in May (usually)From I-65, take Horse Cave Exit 58. Take KY 218 east 6 one half miles to US 31E. Turn left, go 1 mile on 31E. Market is on the right. From Glasgow, 12 miles north on US 31E. Antique Tractor Show - Sep 24-25. Hayrides available in fall, petting zoo, straw tunnel. Restrooms. (UPDATED: May 23, 2015, JBS)

Henderson County

• High Hill Orchard - peaches, blackberries, strawberries
  1018 Alves Ferry Road, Henderson, KY 42420. Phone: 270-748-4597. Open: You-pick berries hours: Saturdays and Wednesdays 7:30-4:00 and by appointment, Summer and early fall, most days. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: cash, credit cards. Peaches and Blackberries come in around July 4. (UPDATED:May 1, 2015, JBS)
  Comments from a visitor on July 24, 2009: "They have a variety of fruits and vegetables. It is my favorite place to buy produce. The owners are very nice and accommodating. You can pick your own at a reduced price or they have them already picked."
• Hillcrest Baskets & Greenhouse - blackberries, strawberries, flowers, herbs or spices, lavender, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, already-picked produce (of the pyo crops), gift shop, farm animals, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  4201 Anthoston-frog Island Rd, Henderson, KY 42420. Phone: 270 827 2275. Email: karenhillcrest@excite.com. Open: April - October as in season for each crop; Open Fridays and by appointment; 9 am to 4pm Basket shop open year round. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  Hillcrest Baskets & Greenhouse Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 270-577-7575. Fax:Picking updates: Click here for picking updates Handmade Kentucky-Crafted baskets, classes on weaving and canning. Garden classes for children and adults. Farm animal petting and feeding educational tour. Greenhouse packs full of flowers, bedding plants, herbs and landscape shrubs. Fresh from the Garden produce

Hopkins County

• Hanson Berry Farms - strawberries, pumpkins, honey
  3178 Eastlawn Rd, Madisonville, KY 42431. Phone: 270-322-8110. Email: info@hansonberryfarms.com. Click here for a map and directions. . UPDATE for 2020, Their website and Facebook pages are gone; Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me. We have Strawberries, Honey, Produce, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), Greenhouse, Mums, Pumpkin Patch/ Events and yes Pumpkin Chunkin! We occasionally have someone wanting to u pick but mostly we pick and we maintain a list in the spring. If your interested in strawberries send us an email with your contact info and we will include you in our email list and let you know when our crop is ready. (ADDED: June 13, 2015, JBS)

McCracken County

• Arrow Farms - strawberries,
  900 Lovelaceville Florence Station, West Paducah, KY 42001. Phone: 270-705-7516. Email: cpetty@me.com. Open: Directions: For a map to our farm, click here. Directions: For a map to our farm, . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. (UPDATED: April 10, 2020)
• Gough's Strawberry U-Pick - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, strawberries, farm animals
  6540 Vaughn Road, Kevil, KY 42053. Phone: (270) 816-4151. Email: gene.e.gough@gmail.com. Open: Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm; CLOSED Sundays, Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Alternate Phone: 270-748-5183 We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicalsOld fashion Out-house. You are welcome to call us anytime!!! Also please bring containers to carry your berries home. Thanks again and we look forward to seeing everyone!!! Gene & Carla. (UPDATED: May 09, 2022)
• Wurth Farms LLC - strawberries, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, pony rides, petting zoo, birthday parties, school tours
  1720 South Friendship Road, Paducah, KY 42003. Phone: 270-554-1403. Open: Saturday 9am to 6pm weather permitting and Sunday noon to 5pm also weather permitting. Directions: I-24 to Lone Oak Mayfield Exit. Head South onto Lone Oak Road \(Hwy. 45\) to stoplight at Hardees and Dairyette. Turn left to go between Dairyette and Hardees onto S. Friendship Road Appx. 4 miles, on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard.
  Wurth Farms LLC Facebook page. Open to the public every weekend (Saturday & Sunday only) in OctoberI-24 to Lone Oak /Mayfield Exit. Head South onto Lone Oak Road (Hwy. 45) to stoplight at Hardees and Dairyette. Turn left to go between Dairyette and Hardees onto S. Friendship Road Appx. 4 miles, on the leftCrops are usually available in October Note: We are no longer open for fall activities, our pumpkin patch etc is closed permanently. However we will still be open for the spring nursery/strawberry season and summer with our vegetable stands(UPDATED: September 04, 2021)

Warren County

• Jones Strawberries - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, strawberries, prepicked produce
  382 Mt. Union Church Road, Smiths Grove, KY 42171. Phone: 270-563-2267. Email: Toddjones270@windstream.net. Open: at 8 during the week and 7 am on Saturday; No Sunday picking; Central Time Zone. Directions: Take Highway 101 South out of Smiths Grove, KY approximately 4 miles to Highway 1297. Make a left on to Highway 1297. Go 2 miles to Mt. Union Church Road. Look for the Saylor Golf Cart sign. First driveway on the left. From Glasgow, take Highway 1297 to the Barren CountyWarren County Line and continue less than 2 miles to Mt. Union Church Road. Take a Left. Look for the Saylor Golf Cart sign. First driveway on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Fax:. Take Highway 101 South out of Smiths Grove, KY approximately 4 miles to Highway 1297. Make a left on to Highway 1297. Go 2 miles to Mt. Union Church Road. Look for the Saylor Golf Cart sign. First driveway on the left. From Glasgow, take Highway 1297 to the Barren County/Warren County Line and continue less than 2 miles to Mt. Union Church Road. Take a Left. Look for the Saylor Golf Cart sign. First driveway on the leftCrops are usually available in Mayat 8 during the week and 7 am on Saturday; No Sunday picking; (Central Time Zone). In 2008 we had Strawberries the second week of of May through the first week of June; We hope that we will also have the berries the same time frame in 2009. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals
• Jones' Farm - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, blackberries, strawberries,
  382 Mt. Union Church Road, Smiths Grove, KY 42171. Phone: (270) 202-2591. Email: toddjones270@windstream.net. Open: Will open when the Strawberries are ripe May and June and Blackberries are ripe July. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. . Alternate Phone: (270) 563-2267 Will open when the Strawberries are ripe (May and June) and Blackberries are ripe (July). Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesWe minimize use of pesticides and other chemicalsPlease bring something to take your berries home in. Best thing to use is a box lid. 2018 is a brand new patch. PYO $2.25 quart and Picked is $3.50 quart. (UPDATED: April 24, 2018)

 

Strawberry

Strawberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

In the U.S. strawberries typically peak during April in Florida and Texas, May in the deep South, and in early June in middle sections and later June in the far North and Canada. Keep in mind that 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 strawberries, producers depend on ideal spring weather conditions. 

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - strawberries are affected by weather (both rain and cooler temperature) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
2. Leave early.  On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
    
3. Most growers furnish picking containers designed for strawberries, 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 strawberries 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.
4. 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 Strawberries

1. Grasp the stem just above the berry between the forefinger and the thumbnail and pull with a slight twisting motion.

2. With the stem broken about one-half inch from the berry, allow it to roll into the palm of your hand.

3. Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 berries. 

4. Carefully place - don't throw - the fruit into your containers. Repeat the picking process with both hands.

5. Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the berries down.

General Picking Tips

Whether you pick strawberries from your garden or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Be careful that your feet and knees do not damage plants or fruit in or along the edge of the row.
   
2. Pick only the berries that are fully red. Part the leaves with your hands to look for hidden berries ready for harvest.
   
3. To help the farmers, also remove from the plants berries showing rot, sunburn, insect injury or other defects and place them between the rows behind you. If they are left in the plants, the rot will quickly spread to other berries.
   
4. Berries to be used immediately may be picked any time, but if you plan to hold the fruit for a few days, try to pick in the early morning or on cool, cloudy days. Berries picked during the heat of the day become soft, are easily bruised and will not keep well.
   
5. Avoid placing the picked berries in the sunshine 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. Strawberries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for two or three, 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.
   
6. For interesting and fun strawberry facts and trivia from the California Strawberry Commission, click here!

When you get home

1. DON'T wash the berries until you are ready to use them.  Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
2. Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting berries
3. Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash and cut the caps (green tops) off the others and freeze them up! (Unless you're going to make jam right away) See this page about how to freeze strawberries.
4. If you like the strawberries you picked, ask the farm what variety they planted, and not the weather conditions the week or two before. The flavor of a strawberry is affected by the variety, the weather and the degree of ripeness when picked.
5. Now, get ready to make strawberry jam. It is VERY easy - especially with our free strawberry jam instructions - they're illustrated and easy.

Strawberry Recipes, Canning and Freezing Strawberries

• How to freeze strawberries!
• Strawberry jam (with pectin) (uses less sugar or honey and less cooking)
• Strawberry jam (without pectin) (requires much more sugar and cooking)
• Strawberry (and other berry) jams without sugar
• Strawberry jelly
• Strawberry-rhubarb jam!
• Homemade strawberry ice cream (regular, low fat, nonfat, low sugar, vanilla and even gelato)
• Canning strawberries
• Make gourmet chocolate-covered strawberries
• How to make fruit juice -  strawberry and other berries
• Strawberry pie filling
• Strawberry pie
• Easy Rhubarb-Strawberry pie
• Fig-strawberry jam
• Fig-strawberry jam, made with Jello gelatin

Strawberry Facts, Measurements and Tips

• Picking the best strawberries: Select firm, fully red berries. Strawberries DO NOT continue ripen after they are picked! In the photo, only the berry on the far right is completely ripe.
• Strawberry festivals: Most areas that grow strawberries have a strawberry festival, at which you can taste all kinds of fresh strawberry foods, pies, jams, cakes - and most commonly, fresh strawberry shortcake.  To find out where and when there is one near you, see this page for a list of strawberry festivals, sorted by state!
• Strawberries measurements: government agriculture websites tell us that
  1 quart = 2 pints = 4 cups and is about the same as 1 liter and
  1 quart of fresh strawberries weighs 1 lbs to 1.25 lbs (or 450 to 600 g). Of course, the weight varies on variety and weather conditions. 
  1 quart is normally enough for 4 servings, although I'll admit my son can eat 1 pint by himself!
• How much to pick? In general, 1 quart of fresh, whole, just-picked strawberries = approximately 3.5 cups hulled, whole berries. In other words, removing the caps/hulls and the occasional mushy berry means you lose 1/4 cup to 1/2 (it depends how much fruit you remove with the hull) or about 7 to 12% of every quart you pick.
• One cup of strawberries contains only about 50 calories
• U-pick strawberries are much healthier than store-bought.  Consumer reports says store bought strawberries have so many pesticide and fungicide residues on they, that they don't recommend you eat them at all!
• U-pick strawberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. 1 lbs of fresh strawberries is about 2/3 of a quart.
• It takes about  10 to 15 minutes to pick a quart, if the berries are reasonably plentiful
• The strawberry plant adapts to wide variety of soil conditions, but does not tolerate drought well, and the berries quickly rot if the weather is rainy. For this reason, the plants are usually grown on raised beds through plastic mulch!
• Cultivation of strawberries began in Europe in the 1300's, but the berry only became very popular in the early 1900's in California.
• Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as strawberries 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.
• Want to grow your own strawberries?  Here's an article about how to: Strawberries are an Excellent Fruit for the Home Garden, HYG-1424-98!
• See this page for many more fun and interesting strawberry facts, nutritional information and trivia

Other weird strawberry facts

• Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside.
• Strawberries were originally called strewberries because the fruit was 'strewn' amongst the leaves of the plant.
• California is king of strawberry productions because: California produces 75 percent of the nation's strawberry crops; one billion pounds of strawberries each year.  If all the strawberries produced in California in one year were laid berry to berry, they would go around the world 15 times. Each acre of land in California in strawberry production produces an average of 21 tons of strawberries annually, with a total of 23,000 acres of strawberries planted in California each year.

More conversions

1 pint (2 cups)  of fresh whole strawberries

• = about 8 oz (1/2 lb) of strawberries
• = 2.25 cups of sliced strawberries
• = 1 cup pureed strawberries
• = 12-14 large strawberries

2 quarts of fresh strawberries are needed for a 9" pie

A 10 oz package of frozen berries is about the same as 1 cup of sliced fresh strawberries

References:

• University of Illinois Extension
• Driscolls
• Ohio State University Extension
• Strawberries-Average retail price per pound and per cup equivalent

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