Pick your own fruit, flowers in Stanislaus County? Here’s when local farms open
Spring is bringing more than rain showers to the Central Valley.
It also marks the start of peak season for fresh fruits and flowers.
Across Stanislaus County, u-pick farms are opening their gates, giving visitors a chance to harvest their own produce straight from the source.
With u-pick season now underway, here’s where — and when — you can go to pick your own fresh fruit and flowers in the Modesto area:
Which fruits and veggies are in season this spring?
According to the California Farmers’ Market Association, a variety of fruits and vegetables are in season at springtime.
“Often fruits and vegetables were picked just hours before the farmers’ market opens, and have traveled less than fruits and vegetables traveling through the conventional wholesale channel to the grocery stores,” the association said on its website.
From March through April, you’ll find asparagus, oranges, avocados, lemons and strawberries at farmers markets across the state.
In May, peas, peaches, cherries, blueberries, blackberries, boysenberries, apricots and grapes come into season.
“The fruit offered at farmers’ markets is sweeter ... because it has ripened on a tree instead of a truck/train or shelf,” the association said.
According to California Grown, certain produce is available year-round, including artichokes, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and lettuce.
You call also find mushrooms, onions, prunes, radishes and sweet potatoes all year long.
Where can I find u-pick farms in Stanislaus County?
Several farms across Stanislaus County offer u-pick experiences.
VanderHelm Farms, 1678 Albers Road in Modesto, opened its gates in early April for picking strawberries, blueberries and cherries, according to its website.
U-pick hours vary by week and weather but are typically 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday and Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
According to the farm website, doors will be open next on Thursday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Bring the whole crew — kids, parents, friends, and whoever else you can drag along,” the farm said in an Instagram post. “We’re stoked to have you!”
Rancho Azul Blueberries, 15917 Sonora Road in Knights Ferry, is set to open for u-pick on Thursday, with daily picking from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You can pick fresh blueberries straight from the farm or find them at the Oakdale Morning Market along North Third Avenue from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday.
Ott Farms, 3082 Shiloh Road in Modesto, is known for its blueberries and cherries.
It is expected to reopen in May.
The farm typically operates 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, through June.
R.A.M. Farms, 716 North Daubenberger Road in Turlock, offers u-pick flowers in the summer, along with seasonal attractions throughout the year.
While an opening date had yet to be announced as of Tuesday, April 21, the farm said it will reopen sometime this summer.
