By Patricia Smith
mail@bradfordvillebugle.com
Did you know many local North Florida u-pick blueberry farms officially opened to the public last weekend?
Every year locals get excited about the opportunity to get up early, grab a bucket, and start picking fresh blueberries. Picking blueberries has become not only a favorite experience but a tradition for many Floridians because it is an enjoyable and affordable outdoor activity that families can do together.
Parents can easily plan a fun family outdoor berry picking adventure with their children along with the bonus of going home and teaching them how to make delicious delights such as blueberry pie, jelly, smoothies, muffins, cakes, fruit salad, the possibilities of recipe making are endless.
Three great advantages of shopping at local farms and picking your own blueberries are the joyful experience, affordable prices, and helping to keep business thriving in the community.
How many times have you walked over to the produce section in your local grocery store and found yourself walking away without fruit because it was overpriced for your budget? More people are buying fresh fruits straight from the farmers not only because it is a healthier purchase but because it is more affordable. Grocers are steadily hiking up the prices of blueberries and other fruits. The rise in prices has customers scrambling to find more affordable options and buy from local farms.
North Florida has an abundance of U-Pick blueberry farms.
Sienna Lee Gardens
May-July
6591 Proctor Road, Tallahassee
See social media
$9 per pound
(323) 493-7131
Orchard Pond Organics U-Pick
April-July
Price Varies
400 Cedar Hill Road, Tallahassee
(850) 894-0154
Pewter Farm
5466 Hosford Highway, Quincy has u-pick blueberries for
$9 per half gallon or $18 per gallon.
They also have blackberries.
Blue Sky Farm Blueberry and Blooms U-Pick
May-July
1180 Ashville Highway, Monticello
Saturdays 8 a.m. – noon; other times by appointment
$4 per pound (Cash Only)
Green Meadows Farm
May-July
Hours Vary (See social media)
$8 per pound (cash, credit cards, personal checks accepted)
177 East Bluebird Road, Monticello
(850) 997-4886
Handsome Harvest Farm
Starting June 15
130 Eddie Blake Rd, Quincy, FL 32352
Saturdays: 8 AM–12 PM
$5 per pound
(239) 896-6556
There are a few things one should know before going to the blueberry fields.
Be sure to take plenty of water and stay hydrated when visiting a farm to pick berries.
Most farms do not have restrooms open to the public.
Always be cautious of the possibility of snakes and spiders because Florida is just full of them!
