Few things are better than freshly picked produce. Picking your own fruits and vegetables can be an especially important experience for children. Understanding where food comes from, and the work that goes into getting it from farm to table is a lesson for a lifetime. Not to mention it’s also fun and delicious.
Now that fruits and veggies are coming into season, head out to one of these local farms that welcome you to pick your own. Pick enough for a snack, a meal, or a particular dish. Or pick enough to do some canning, freezing, or drying and continue enjoying the taste of fresh produce throughout the year.
Shaffner Farms
Known for their pumpkin patch in the fall months, Shaffner Farms is the place to go for summer picking as well. They offer blueberries, blackberries, and various other items depending on what’s growing. They are located at 158 Geissler Road in Montesano. They are open Tuesday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the summer months.
Dale’s Lavender Valley
From July through August, lavender is blooming at Dale’s farm. Dale puts together gorgeous bouquets and wands for purchase, but you’re also welcome to do your own lavender picking during the season. She is located at 48 Robertson School Road between Hoquiam and the beaches. Call 360-532-7253 for details and hours. Read more about Dale’s Lavender Valley in this article.
Juel’s Unique Nursery
Juel’s Unique Nursery has a u-pick area this year with oodles of berries to choose from and seasonal vegetables as well. You can expect a wide and interesting variety of produce, a hallmark of Juel’s beautiful hilltop nursery. Located at 350 E. Satsop Road in Elma, the nursery is open daily through October 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Read more about Juel’s Unique Nursery in this GraysHarborTalk article.
Ida M’s Blueberry Row
If you’re interested in an entire gallon of free blueberries, take on the challenge at Ida M’s. Pick a gallon for yourself and a gallon for the farm and the only cost is your hard work. Ida M’s is open Sunday – Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. from July through September. The farm is located at 2262 Ocean Beach Road in Copalis Crossing.
DEW Acres
Specializing in tropical fruits and flowers, the Wogans also offer u-pick vegetables and flowers seasonally at DEW Acres. They are open all year, but call 360-249-5086 for hours and to find out what’s growing and available to pick. Their farm is located at 64 Geissler Road in Montesano.
Chapman Farms
Later in the year when you’re thinking about pumpkin carving and fall gourds, take a trip to Chapman Farms. They offer u-pick pumpkins, corn, and various other autumn treats. Located at 239 Brady Loop Road E. in Montesano, and open daily in September and October from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
