4 minute read
Pick your own summer berries from statewide farms
Ripe for the Picking
From Johnston to Richmond, take a tour of Rhode Island’s PYO berry farms
By Abbie Lahmers
Mid-July is the sweet spot (literally) for harvesting berries of all varieties. With plenty of strawberries still on the vine and blueberries reaching peak season any day, now is the time to get your picking in. Many local farms offer a pick-your-own (PYO) model to let you venture into the fields for a more authentic experience of collecting summer berries. Read on to plot your sweet tour throughout the state.
NORTHERN RHODE ISLAND
Just in time for blueberry picking, Dame Farm and Orchard reopens this month for PYO fun. Bring your own clippers to take home a mason jar of sunflower clippings while you’re there. Check in at the farm stand before taking to the fields. Johnston, DameFarmAndOrchards.com
Multi-generational family-owned Goodwin Brothers Farm Stand opens their fields to blueberry pickers on select dates throughout July. Find blues and raspberries by the carton in their farm store, too. North Smithfield, Facebook: Goodwin Brothers Farm Stand
On the tail end of strawberry season, Salisbury Farm is gearing up for raspberries (which are usually ready mid-August). In the meantime, hit their store for locally made jellies, preserves, butters, and honey from their own apiary to satisfy your sweet tooth. Johnston, SalisburyFarm.com
Neighboring Harmony Farms and Barden Family Orchard are both berry-picking destinations with blues and raspberries by the bucket, plus blackberries at Barden. Follow for upto-date info on what’s ripe when. North Scituate, Facebook: Harmony Farm, Barden Family Orchard
EAST BAY
Located just where the corners of Seekonk, Swansea, Barrington, and East Providence meet is Four Town Farm. Check their Facebook page for updates before venturing over to their fields for strawberries fresh from the vine, along with PYO peas. Grab pre-picked blues, raspberries, and blackberries by the carton, too. Seekonk, Facebook: Four Town Farm
In business for more than 100 years, Quonset View Farm’s strawberry season usually stretches into the first week of July, and if you miss the chance to pick your own, find bushels at Clements’ Marketplace. Swing by the ATM first because this spot is cash only. Portsmouth, Facebook: Quonset View Farm
Satisfy your raspberry cravings at Sweet Berry Farm, with bushes bearing fruit this Fresh blueberries from Osamequin Farm
month and again beginning late August. Blueberries are also ready for picking, with blackberries to follow soon. Find plenty of summer produce in their market. Middletown, SweetBerryFarmRI.com
Osamequin Farm’s self-serve PYO blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are all grown completely chemical free. Kids and adults can also learn about the local food system at the co-op with events and a Family Campout July 30-31. Seekonk, OsamequinFarm.org
CENTRAL AND SOUTH COUNTY
At Pinecrest Farm, the last week of July and early August tend to be prime picking time for both quality and abundance of blueberries. Prepaid containers are available at entry, and follow to see when this year’s season will kick off. Richmond, Facebook: Pinecrest Farm
PYO and pre-harvested high-bush blues are typically at peak season from the first week of July through late August at Rocky Point Farm. It’s also the only local farm growing pawpaws, a tropical-flavored fruit native to the south with notes of mango, pineapple, and banana – watch for them late August. Warwick, RockyPointBlueberries.com
Hours of operation vary at Smith’s Berry Farm, so follow along or give them a call (401-295-7669) before hitting the fields for blueberries, growing throughout the month. Saunderstown, Facebook: Smith’s Berry Farm
PEAK SEASON
Prime picking for strawberries is typically mid to late June, blueberries early July through September, blackberries early to late July, and raspberries early July through late September. Exact growing seasons are often at Mother Nature’s mercy, so check with local farms online or over the phone to find out what’s available when.
IN THE WEEDS
Some berry farms allow outside vessels for bringing home your harvests, while others require pickers to use cartons provided, and payment can vary from prepaid to cash only. Always check in when you arrive to learn the ropes.
BERRIES FOR DAYS
Pick more berries than you can eat? Pro-tip: freeze your hordes for smoothies, ice cream toppers, preserves, or chilly snacks on hot days.
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