As the weather gets warmer and summer approaches, get ready for a sweet adventure! Strawberry picking is a fun and rewarding activity for all ages. In this article, we’ll recommend the best farms in and out of South Atlanta and give tips for a successful outing. So grab your sunhat and a basket, and let’s get started!
Editor’s Note: To avoid disappointment, use the information below and check the farm’s website or call ahead to make sure they are offering pick-your-own strawberries before heading out.
Dickey Farms {Find Out More}
Where: 3440 Musella Rd, Musella, GA 31066
Open for U-Pick: late March to Mid May depending on weather and crop conditions.
Contact: (478) 836-4362
Ecosystem Farm {Find Out More}
Where: 500 Springside Dr. SE, Atlanta, GA 30354
Open for U-Pick: Middle of May 2023 (By appointment only)
Contact: (404) 919-4422
Elliott Farms {Find Out More}
Where: 4761 Holley Rd, Lizella, GA 31052
Open for U-Pick: 1st week of April 2023
Contact: (478) 935-8180
Mitcham Farm {Find Out More}
Where: 797 Macedonia Church Rd, Oxford, GA 30054
Open for U-Pick: April 10, 2023
Contact: (770) 855-1530
Southern Belle Farm {Find Out More}
Where: 1658 Turner Church Road McDonough, Georgia 30252
Open for U-Pick: 1st week of April 2023
Contact: (770) 288-2582
Sweet Berry Orchard {Find Out More}
Where: 6659 Lone Oak Rd, Hogansville, GA 30230
Open for U-Pick: Last week of March 2023
Contact: (772) 342-1224
Taylor Orchards {Find Out More}
Where: 1665 Fall Line Fwy, Reynolds, GA 31076
Open for U-Pick: Last week of March 2023
Contact: (478) 847-4186
Whitley Farms {Find Out More}
Where: 901 Bob Smith Rd, Sharpsburg, GA 30277
Open for U-Pick: Mid-April 2023
Contact: (678) 300-9443
Tips for strawberry picking
Plan now for berry picking near you. Use our list above to choose the farm locations near you and mark your calendar with their anticipated picking schedule now. That way you won’t miss the picking season when it arrives.
Double-check the pick-your-own schedule before you go. We always recommend either visiting the farm websites or calling the farm to ensure that there will be plenty of ripe berries to pick when you arrive. Doing this will also help you avoid the disappointment of finding out they have stopped picking in order for more of the fruit to ripen or because the fields are too muddy.
Buy a basket or bring one from home. Some farms will have buckets or baskets available for purchase, and you can use them when picking. Of course, you can also bring along empty containers from home to hold the berries you pick.
Check in when you arrive. Always visit the farm stand before heading out to the field. The workers will help direct you to the best locations to begin picking and answering any questions you may have.
Protect your kids (and yourself) from the sun. Berry fields are open, and you’ll likely be spending all of your picking time in the sun. Be sure to load up on sunscreen or wear a hat to keep the sun off your face.
Check the forecast before you go. Picking your own is often weather-dependent. Always check the host website or give them a quick call if the weather forecast doesn’t look promising.
Prepare for the weather. Wear shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty, as the fields may be muddy. You may even want to bring an extra pair of clean socks, shoes, and a trash bag for your dirty shoes and socks for the drive home.
Keep your berries fresh. Fresh berries should last between 5 and 7 days. In order to keep them fresh for as long as possible, don’t keep them in a hot car for too long. In addition, once you have them home, store them in the refrigerator and wait to wash and cut them until right before you plan to eat them.
Remember your camera. Make sure your phone is charged or bring along a camera to capture fun photo opportunities.