Strawberry picking is one of the most popular u-pick activities in North America — and for good reason. Fresh-picked strawberries taste nothing like the ones at the grocery store. Here's everything you need to know to find a farm near you and make the most of your visit.
When is strawberry picking season?
Strawberry season varies by region:
| Region | Peak Season |
|---|---|
| Ontario, Canada | Mid-June to early July |
| British Columbia | June to July |
| Michigan | Mid-June to early July |
| California | April to June |
| Washington | June to July |
| Iowa | June |
Strawberries have a short season — typically just 3 to 4 weeks per region. Check with your local farm before you go, as the season can shift by 1–2 weeks depending on spring weather.
How to find strawberry picking farms near you
The fastest way is to search the map and filter by strawberry. You can also browse by region:
- Strawberry picking in Ontario
- Strawberry picking in British Columbia
- Strawberry picking in Michigan
- Strawberry picking in Washington
How much does u-pick strawberry picking cost?
Most u-pick farms charge $2.50 to $5 per pound for strawberries. A flat (about 12 lbs) typically costs $25–$50. Some farms charge by the container rather than by weight. Call ahead or check the farm's website for current pricing — it changes year to year.
Tips for the best strawberry picking experience
Go early in the season. The first two weeks of the season offer the biggest, most plentiful berries. Late-season berries are smaller and less abundant.
Go early in the day. Strawberry fields fill up fast on weekends. Arriving at opening time (usually 7–8am) means cooler temperatures, fresher berries, and no crowds.
Look for deep red colour all the way around. A white or pale tip means the berry isn't fully ripe yet. The best strawberries are uniformly dark red.
Pick with the stem. Pinch the stem rather than pulling the berry. This keeps the fruit intact and extends shelf life.
Bring a cooler. Fresh-picked strawberries are highly perishable. A cooler in your car makes a big difference on a warm day.
How many strawberries should I pick?
- For eating fresh: 2–3 lbs per person
- For jam or preserves: 8–10 lbs per batch
- For freezing: as many as you can — strawberries freeze beautifully
Fresh strawberries last 2–3 days in the fridge. To freeze, rinse, hull, pat dry, and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to bags.
Frequently asked questions
When is strawberry picking season near me? It depends on your region — see the table above. Ontario and Michigan peak in mid-June, California as early as April. Search farms near you on our map and check individual farm listings for current availability.
Where can I go strawberry picking near me? Use our farm finder map or browse by province/state to find u-pick strawberry farms in your area. Most farms post daily picking updates on their website or Facebook.
Where to go strawberry picking near me? Browse pick-your-own strawberry farms by region using the links above, or use the map to find the closest farm to your location.
How long does strawberry season last? Typically 3–5 weeks per region. The season moves north through spring and summer — California and the southern US go first, Ontario and Washington follow in June.
What should I bring strawberry picking? Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, cash (many farms are cash-only), and a cooler for the drive home. Most farms provide picking baskets.