A FARM TO TABLE U-PICK ADVENTURE

story by Brie Gorecki, photos by Brie Gorecki and Laura Byrne March is prime time for u-pick around Tampa! From sweet strawberries to fresh veggies, there are plenty of places where you can take advantage of Florida’s early growing season. U-pick can be a fun outing with family and friends and is a great way to get affordable, healthy produce! While strawberries are at the peak of their season in March, there are plenty of other items to pick such as citrus fruits, avocados and peaches. Blueberry season is also just around the corner!

BEFORE YOU GO, HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR U-PICK ADVENTURE!

Prepare to get dirty! Closed-toe shoes are ideal for walking the rows of fruit fields (ideally old shoes or ones that are easy to clean). Keep wet wipes and towels on hand to avoid tracking dirt into your car. Pack sun protection—hats, sunscreen and water. Open fields mean lots of sunshine. Bring the right containers. Some places will have bags and boxes for you to put your picked produce in, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own just in case. Keep in mind that you pay by weight, so lighter bags and baskets are a good idea. Don’t end up with squishy strawberries. The warm sun produces some super juicy berries, but they can also get super squishy if not packed properly. It’s helpful to have a large, rimmed tray or wide, flat container to put your berries on in the car to transport home after you’ve picked and paid for them. This helps them stay spread out and avoids them getting smushed, even on a short car ride home.

*U-pick availability is subject to change. We recommend checking the location’s website or Facebook page before you go for updates and hours.

STARKEY FARMS

10730 Lake Blanche Drive, Trinity Strawberries: December – March Blueberries: April – May Blackberries: May – July

If berries are your jam, make your way to this farm in Trinity. Strawberry u-pick kicks off the year, followed by blueberries at the end of this month and blackberries starting in May. Make it a complete date day by staying to enjoy live music and sampling some of their specialty beer, wine, cider and small bites. Check the farm’s Facebook page for daily updates and events schedule.

STRAWBERRY PASSION/PASSION ORGANICS

11780 Tom Folsom Road, Thonotosassa Tomatoes: January – March Strawberries: March – April

Strawberry Passion/Passion Organics is offering u-pick for strawberries, tomatoes and more on the weekends! They also offer freshly picked fruits and veggies like strawberries at their market. After you’re done picking, you’ll definitely want to treat yourself to a fresh strawberry milkshake or strawberry shortcake. Make sure to check their Facebook page for specific dates and times.

KEEL & CURLEY FARM

5202 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City Strawberries: January – March Blueberries: April – May

After enjoying Keel & Curley’s strawberry u-pick on Saturdays at 10 a.m., head to their restaurant to enjoy fresh, farm-to-table food and a glass of strawberry wine from their winery. They have a great outdoor seating area and it’s right near Dinosaur World, making for a cool day trip adventure.

5K FARMS

6302 S. County Road 39, Plant City Strawberries – March

5K Farms will have fresh strawberries ready to be picked at the end of this month! Check out their Facebook page for more information and fun strawberry recipes and to learn about other fruits and veggies they may have available for sale.

UPICKTOPIA

19125 Phillips Road, Masaryktown Veggies: October – June Strawberries: November – April Blueberries: April – May Blackberries: April – June

Upicktopia in Masaryktown offers a wide variety of u-pick veggies, plus strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and more throughout the growing season! Follow their Facebook page for weekly updates on availability and prices. U-pick is available on weekends. Be sure to stick around and check out their on-site winery too! HUNSADER FARMS

5500 County Road 675, Bradenton Strawberries: December – March Veggies: Varies seasonally

Family-owned Hunsader Farms has strawberries and rhubarb available for u-pick right now. Fresh veggies such as eggplant, green peas and okra will be ready to be picked starting next month. They also have a full farmers market filled with more fruit, veggies, eggs and jam, as well as a petting zoo for an added dose of family-friendly fun!

JG RANCH

17200 Wiscon Road, Brooksville Strawberries: November – April Blueberries: April – May Blackberries: May – June

JG Ranch has plenty of strawberries ready to be picked! Keep an eye on their Facebook page for other fresh vegetables like jalapenos and lettuce that they may have freshly picked for sale as well as local honey, beef and eggs.

DOOLEY GROVES

1651 Stephens Road, Ruskin Citrus: Mid-November – March

Dooley Groves in Ruskin is a team favorite here! They offer several types of citrus u-pick, so you can go more than once during the season. Make sure to check their website for availability and updates.

A LAND OF DELIGHT NATURAL FARM

2514 Leaning Pine Lane, Plant City

This local farm not only has u-pick citrus fruits, but a huge stock of fruit trees and more to add to your own home garden. It is the sweetest family-owned farm, and the owner also offers free courses on aquaponics. There are so many unique fruit trees to discover here! They also have adorable farm animals to visit with. Check their Facebook page for updates.

FLORIDA SWEETIES

Several groves in Dade City *check Facebook page for exact location Citrus: December Peaches: Late March-May

Ever seen a Florida peach tree? The orchards at Florida Sweeties are full of sweet peaches that are ready to be picked! This is a not-to-miss u-pick event! Check their website for orchard locations and availability.