Pick Your Own - CT Grown!
There’s something about working hard in the kitchen that feels so rewarding when you finally sit down to eat! What if you take it a step further and harvest your own food as well? Nothing feels better than to know you’ve not only worked hard to make your meal, but that you’ve harvested it yourself as well! We’re here to give you some U-Pick Tips from a CT Grown Blog for harvesting your fruits and vegetables this summer at your local farms.
Pick-your-own opportunities are available at many local farms in Connecticut and are the perfect summer activity for you and your family to enjoy! Some of the common pick-your-own fruits and vegetables that are in season now and the upcoming summer months are: raspberries, peaches, pears, cherries, apples, carrots, leeks, tomatoes, and peppers.
U-Pick Tips!
Check ahead:
One thing you might want to do when planning a U-Pick activity, is check the crop calendar to see what’s in season and when. However, things like weather could change whether or not farms are opened for pick-your-own options. It’s important to call ahead or check out the farm's social media for any announcements.
Look into container policies:
From farm to farm, the pick-your-own container policies may vary. While some will allow you to bring your own containers (as long as they’re pre-weighed before picking), other farms may permit you to use their containers only.
Be respectful:
This one goes without saying. If you are enjoying a pick-your-own experience, you need to be respectful of the hard work these farmers do. This means you shouldn’t be taking fruit from anywhere outside these places, follow the locations that the farm staff tell you to pick.
Only take what you really want. If you pick something, change your mind, and throw it on the ground, that is a lost profit for a Connecticut farmer.
We absolutely know that it’s near impossible to not sneak a taste while picking (especially for any little ones in the family that join you!), but try your best to refrain from snacking while picking as it is a health concern and prevents potential theft!
Be safe:
It can get HOT in some of those farm fields depending on the weather. Do a favor for yourself and apply that sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring water to keep your hydrated.
Leave your sandals at home! Instead, wear a pair of sneakers or closed toed shoes that you feel comfortable walking in and getting a little dirty!
U-Pick Options Near You!
Easy Pickin’ Orchard: Enfield, CT
Silverman’s Farm: Easton, CT
Dondero Orchards: South Glastonbury, CT
Lyman Orchards: Middlefield, CT
Draghi Farm: East Windsor, CT
That’s just a few of the MANY farms in CT that offer U-Pick options. Click here to search for other farms near you!
