The best methods for picking strawberries
Before you head out to the farm, we like to remind our visitors that harvesting strawberries can be a physically demanding activity. We want you to be prepared for the heat, sun, and terrain so you have a wonderful visit. Please read through the following information to help you plan your visit.
Very Important Guest Safety Recommendations
Please come dressed for the weather and with appropriate footgear, such as sneakers, boots, and other closed-toe shoes (no heels). Be prepared to walk to where the best picking is in the field. Bring a hat and sunscreen on sunny days. A filled reusable water bottle from home is strongly encouraged.
Food Safety
Since strawberries are a food crop, we ask everyone to pick with clean hands. Please remember to wash your hands before coming to the fields or after using any restroom facilities. Additional government food safety guidelines include: washing all produce before eating it, harvesting crops in clean clothes, not harvesting when feeling sick or ill, not permitting dogs in the farm yards, and no picnicking or snacking in the farmyards and fields.
How to Pick Strawberries
When harvesting strawberries, gently lift the green leaves to find the berries hiding underneath. Pick a berry that is red all the way around - they will not ripen more once they are picked. Gently pinch the stem of the berry at least ¼ inch from the berry between your thumb and index finger. Leaving a stem on every berry will help avoid bruising the fragile red skin of the berry and help the berries last longer once you get them home. It also makes them easier for dipping in yogurt, chocolate, or other favorite dips.
Pick Into Our Berry Boxes and Baskets
The farm provides picking containers and our prices are based on the size of our containers. A credit is taken off for guests who reuse their Jones baskets and boxes from previous seasons.
Children and Strawberry Picking
Children are welcome in the strawberry field under parental supervision. A 2:1, adult-to-child ratio is recommended when possible, especially for young children who may need help with selecting ripe fruit. We hope that all children act responsibly and follow the picking guidelines.
