If you’ve been wanting to treat your family to a strawberry picking excursion, now is the time to do it! Often thought of as a summer experience, the “u-pick” season in Atlanta actually runs from mid-April to early June for strawberries – making May the perfect month for picking.
Below is a list of some of the best local strawberry farms in the area. Please remember to contact the farm directly before planning your day, as most do not hold consistent operating hours in the spring and many have capacity limits due to covid-19.
Southern Belle Farms: A popular farm in the fall, Southern Belle Farms in McDonough is also a fun destination in the spring! In addition to the u-pick strawberries, the farm offers kid activities like pedal carts, train rides, slides, and jumping pillows.
Whitley Farms: For fresh strawberries eaten right off the vine, Whitley Farms in Sharspburg is supposed to be THE place to go. Just south of Peachtree City, this family owned farm boasts pesticide free strawberries.
Mitcham Farm: This sweet farm is located in Oxford, Georgia – about an hour east of Atlanta. Their “Farm Stand” – which sells fresh donuts, ice cream, pies, jams, and slushies – makes them especially popular with guests!
Washington Farms: Located in Bogart, Georgia, Washington Farms features attractions like petting zoos, homemade ice cream, and a variety of kid activities. Check their Facebook page for more information on specific farm features.
Warbington Farms: Looking for a fun-filled family day spent outside? Warbington Farms in Cumming has a Farm Fun Park and Barnyard with an endless list of attractions and activities.
Strawberry Picking-Tips
- Pick berries that are red and plump — berries do not ripen more once taken off the vine.
- Berries bruise easily; be careful to not overfill your containers and always be gentle when handling them.
- When picking, leave about a 1/4 inch of stem on your berries. Doing so will prevent bruising and help them last longer.
- Keep your strawberries fresh by storing in your refrigerator. Generally, freshly picked berries have a shelf life of 5-7 days.
- Do not wash or cut berry stems until they are ready to be used.
- Freeze any berries that you will not be able to use within the week. Wash, cut, and dry the berries first, then place in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, they can be transferred to a zip-lock bag and stored in the freezer for up to a year.
How Long Do I Keep This Stuff?
