The Fun is in the Picking at Area Farms

Is there anything sweeter than picking a bushel of sun-ripened berries on a warm summer’s day? With the start of July behind us, it's time to enter into the thick of pick-your-own fruits and vegetables season. 

Blueberries, raspberries, nectarines, black currants and tomatoes are all currently in season, and the local and regional farms are now welcoming produce-lovers to come enjoy the simple, old-fashioned activity of harvesting your own bounty.

But be forewarned: U-picks are in high demand, and seasoned pickers know to always call the day of an intended visit to verify crop availability. On Saturday alone, more than 100 guests showed up within the opening 10 a.m. hour at Amawalk Farm in Katonah to take advantage of the berry fields. By noon, the farm was picked out.

If you are up for the pick-your-own adventure, here are a few great regional farms to try:

Amawalk Farm, Katonah, (914) 245-2319

Raspberries, summer squash, garlic scapes and swiss chard are currently nearing their peak ripeness at Amawalk. Brand new U-pick tomato and green bean areas are expected to open for picking later on this month.

Swing by and grab a free map of the gardens to help you identify what you are picking, and on weekends, enjoy complimentary hay rides and garden tours.

Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard, North Salem, (914) 485-1210

Stop into the newly-opened Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard (formerly Outhouse Orchards), and pick your own tomatoes and assorted lettuces. Cucumbers and peppers will become available for U-pick in mid-July, and – of course – apples, squash, and pumpkins will be ready sometime in September.

, Yorktown, (914) 962-2509

On Saturdays only, Hilltop Hanover Farm opens their organic vegetable gardens and invites the public to pick their own vegetables, herbs and flowers.   

Not sure what to do with the bounty of fruits and vegetable you pick? Stop back by the farm on July 16 for a jam and jelly-making class and again on July 30 for a lesson in preserving fresh produce: Pickling 101.

, Southeast, (845) 277-3521

While Salinger’s Orchards does not offer a U-pick program, the farm's store — nestled in the orchard — is full of the daily-harvested fruits and vegetables, a live bee farm with assorted honey and delicious fresh-baked goods. This is a fun place to visit if you are lacking the time, mobility or inclination to pick your own produce.

The very last of the cherries are on sale now, along with the newest crop of apricots. Beginning later this month, white and yellow peaches will become available, followed by plums and nectarines in August.

, Shelton, Conn., (203) 929-8425

Blueberry season just began at the Jones Family Farm. As an added incentive to make the trip out to Connecticut, the farm offers free hay rides to the berry fields. And if you visit the farm on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, be sure to stop into the Jones Winery for a tasting of six select wines.

Fishkill Farms, Fishkill, (845) 897-4377

Looking to pick something a little out of the ordinary? Fishkill Farms — an ecological pick-your-own orchard that aims to produce fresh, organic, sustainable grown food — is now inviting guests to come pick their own black currants. Use them to make delicious jams and preserves. Peaches are expected to become available by the end of July.

Pick-Your-Own Tips from Fishkill Farm:

• Always call before scheduling a trip to visit, as the ripening dates depend on the weather.
• Pick-your-own fruit is sold by the pound or in larger quantities by the bag. Most farms provide containers into which visitors may collect their fruit.
• Make sure to wear comfortable clothing and weather-appropriate footwear.
• If you are bringing children, please take the time to speak with them about identifying and picking ripe fruit, and being gentle with the crops.