Summer U-Pick Guide: Blueberries, Peaches, and Corn

Summer is the peak of the u-pick agricultural calendar in most of the United States. From June blueberries and cherries through August peaches and sweet corn, summer delivers the richest bounty of farm-fresh produce available anywhere in the American year. If you only visit a u-pick farm once a year, summer is the season to make it count.

June: The Transition Month

June begins summer u-pick with crops that span spring and early summer. Depending on your region, June brings:

Strawberries (Finishing the Season)

In the mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and New England, June is the tail end of strawberry season. June strawberries in New Jersey and Connecticut are at peak. By late June, most of the Northeast season is winding down.

The advice: If you missed spring strawberries, June in the Northeast is your last chance for the year. Go in early June for the best availability.

Blueberries (Beginning in the South and Mid-Atlantic)

June marks the opening of blueberry season in the mid-Atlantic and upper South:

New Jersey farms often open in late June (Burlington County is particularly well-known)
Georgia and North Carolina farms (rabbiteye varieties) are already in full swing
Michigan's first blueberry farms open in late June

Cherries

June is cherry season in the Pacific Northwest and early-starting Midwest areas. Washington's sweet cherry country (Chelan, Wenatchee, Yakima) opens in late June. Michigan's Traverse City area often begins in late June as well.

Raspberries (Early)

Some raspberry farms in warmer states begin their season in June. Mid-Atlantic summer-bearing varieties can open in late June.

July: Peak Summer Season

July is the richest month for u-pick diversity in most of the United States. Almost every major summer crop is available somewhere in the country, and many regions have multiple crops at peak simultaneously.

Blueberries: The Month's Standout Crop

July is peak blueberry month across much of the US:

New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland: Late June through mid-July
Michigan, Ohio, Indiana: July through August
Oregon and Washington: Mid-July through September

A gallon bucket of fresh-picked blueberries on a warm July morning at a well-maintained farm is one of summer's most satisfying experiences. Blueberries at u-pick prices (typically $1.50 to $3.50/lb) versus grocery prices ($5 to $8/lb for similar quality) represent excellent value.

Peaches: The Summer Luxury

Peach season follows a rolling schedule from south to north:

Georgia: Late May through July (early varieties done by July)
South Carolina: June through August (the nation's largest peach producer east of the Rockies)
Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania: July through August
Michigan: August (later than most eastern states due to northern latitude)
Colorado (Palisade): July and August

Tree-ripened peaches at peak are one of the most dramatically different u-pick crops compared to commercial. A firm, underripe grocery store peach and a vine-ripened u-pick peach are almost different fruits.

Blackberries

July through August is blackberry season across most of the country:

South (Georgia, Arkansas, Carolinas): Late June through July
Mid-Atlantic and Midwest: July through August
Pacific Northwest: July through September

Sweet Corn

Some farms open their sweet corn fields in late July and August for cutting-your-own. Fresh-cut sweet corn is noticeably sweeter than store corn because the sugars have not yet converted to starch — this conversion begins within hours of picking.

August: The Summer Crescendo

August is the season when summer crops peak in the northern regions while remaining at full production in the mid-regions.

Late Blueberries (Northeast and Northwest)

August is peak blueberry month in:

New England (Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts)
Upstate New York
Washington State (Whatcom County especially)
Minnesota and Wisconsin

Peaches at Peak in the Mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes

August is the best peach month in Pennsylvania, Virginia (Shenandoah Valley), and Michigan. Adams County, Pennsylvania peaches in August are legendary among regional food lovers.

Tomatoes

August tomato season is a passionate topic among home gardeners, and a handful of farms offer u-pick tomato experiences. Ripe, vine-grown tomatoes in August are as dramatically fresh-tasting as any u-pick fruit.

Figs

In the warmer South and in California, fig season peaks in August. A handful of specialty farms offer fig picking — if you find one, take advantage.

Raspberries (Second Crop)

Everbearing raspberry varieties produce a second fall crop in August and September. Many Mid-Atlantic and Northeast farms with these varieties have their best fall crop just as summer is ending.

Summer Tips for U-Pick Visits

Beat the Heat

Summer u-pick in the field is outdoor work in summer sun. Tips for managing heat:

Go early. Morning visits (arrive at 8 or 9 AM when farms open) are dramatically cooler than afternoon visits. Morning air is often 10 to 20 degrees cooler than afternoon peaks.
Wear light, loose clothing. Light-colored, lightweight fabrics reflect heat; dark fabrics absorb it.
Bring water. Significant amounts. The rule of thumb for outdoor summer work is at least half a liter of water per hour of activity.
Apply sunscreen before you leave the car, not after you have been in the sun for 20 minutes.

Plan for Summer Crowds

Popular summer farms — especially blueberry farms on summer weekends — can have significant lines and crowded parking. Weekday mornings are the secret to a relaxed summer farm visit. A Tuesday at 9 AM at a good blueberry farm is often dramatically better than a Saturday at 11 AM.

Preserve What You Pick

Summer's abundance is the ideal time to build a winter pantry. With 20 pounds of blueberries from a summer farm visit, you can:

Freeze 12 pounds in individual-portion bags for smoothies and baking all winter
Make 4 batches of jam (28 half-pint jars)
Set aside 4 pounds for fresh eating this week

Planning your preservation before you pick helps you determine how much to get.