Where to Pick Strawberries, Blueberries, Citrus, and MORE!
March and April are prime time for u-pick around Tampa! From sweet strawberries to fresh veggies, there are plenty of places where you can take advantage of Florida’s early growing season. U-pick can be a fun outing with family and friends and is a great way to get affordable, healthy produce!
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While strawberries are at the peak of their season in March, there are plenty of other items to pick such as citrus fruits, avocados, and peaches. Blueberry season is also just around the corner, so keep an eye out for u-pick opportunities soon!
Before you go, here are some tips to help make the most out of your u-pick adventure!
- Bring plenty of water. You definitely want to stay hydrated, so bring plenty of water for everyone in your group. It can get hot it the fields. Snacks are not a bad idea either–or even a packed lunch for the drive home.
- Be prepared to get dirty! While walking the rows of fruit fields, it’s ideal to wear closed-toe shoes (ideally old shoes or ones that are easy to clean).
- Bring the wet wipes. Keeping wet wipes and towels on hand is also a great idea to avoid tracking the dirt in your car. They are also handy to clean hands after a visit to the port-a-potties. Not every farm has a traditional restroom onsite.
- Pack sun protection. Open fields mean lots of sunshine. Hats, sunscreen, and water will come in very handy.
- Bring the right containers. Some places will have bags and boxes for you to put your picked produce in, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own just in case. Keep in mind that you pay by weight, so lighter bags and baskets are a good idea.
- Avoid squishy strawberries. The warm sun produces some super juicy berries, but they can also get super squishy if not packed properly. It’s helpful to have a large, rimmed tray or wide, flat container to put your berries on in the car to transport home after you’ve picked and paid for them. This helps them stay spread out and avoids them getting smushed, even on a short car ride home.
Our favorite u-pick farms in Tampa Bay
*U-pick availability is subject to change. We recommend checking the location’s website or Facebook page before you go for updates and hours.
Starkey Farms in Trinity
10730 Lake Blanche Dr., Trinity, FL
Strawberries: December – March
Blueberries: April – May
Blackberries: May – July
If berries are your jam, make your way to this farm in Trinity. Strawberry u-pick kicks off the year, followed by blueberries at the end of this month and blackberries starting in May. Make it a complete date day by grabbing staying to enjoy live music, sample some of their specialty beer, wine, and cider, and grab some small bites. Check the farm’s Facebook page for daily updates and events schedule.
Strawberry Passion/Passion Organics in Thonotosassa
11780 Tom Folsom Road, Thonotosassa
Tomatoes: January – March
Strawberries: March – April
Strawberry Passion/Passion Organics is offering u-pick for strawberries, tomatoes, and more on the weekends! They also offer freshly picked fruits and veggies like strawberries at their market. After you’re done picking, you’ll definitely want to treat yourself to a fresh strawberry milkshake or strawberry shortcake. Make sure to check their Facebook page for specific dates and times.
Keel & Curley Farm in Plant City
5202 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City
Strawberries: January – March
Blueberries: April – May
Keel & Curley is offering strawberry u-pick on Saturdays beginning at 10:00 a.m. After you’re done, head over to their restaurant to enjoy a glass of strawberry wine from their winery and some of their fresh, farm-to-table food. They have a great outdoor seating area and it’s right near Dinosaur World, making for a cool day trip adventure! Check here for u-pick updates.
5K Farms in Plant City
6302 S. County Road 39, Plant City
Strawberries – March
5K Farms will have fresh strawberries ready to be picked at the end of this month! Check out their Facebook page for more information, fun strawberry recipes, and to learn about other fruits and veggies they may have available for sale!
Upicktopia in Masaryktown
19125 Phillips Rd., Masaryktown
Veggies: October – June
Strawberries: November – April
Blueberries: April – May
Blackberries: April – June
Upicktopia in Masaryktown offers a wide variety of u-pick veggies, plus strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and more throughout the growing season! Make sure to follow their Facebook page for weekly updates on availability and prices. U-pick is available on weekends. Be sure to stick around and check out their on-site winery too!
Hunsader Farms in Bradenton
5500 County Road 675, Bradenton
Strawberries: December – March
Veggies: Varies seasonally
The family-owned Hunsader Farms has strawberries and rhubarb available for u-pick right now, followed by fresh veggies such as eggplant, green peas, and okra ready to be picked starting next month. They also have a full farmers market filled with more fruit, veggies, eggs, and jams. They also have a petting zoo for an added dose of family-friendly fun! Check their Facebook page for u-pick updates.
JG Ranch in Brooksville
17200 Wiscon Road, Brooksville
Strawberries: November – April
Blueberries: April – May
Blackberries: May – June
JG Ranch has plenty of strawberries ready to be picked! Keep an eye on their Facebook page for other fresh vegetables like jalapenos and lettuce that they may have freshly picked for sale as well as local honey, beef, and eggs.
Dooley Groves in Ruskin
1651 Stephens Road, Ruskin
Citrus: Mid-November – March
Dooley Groves in Ruskin is a team favorite here! They offer serval different types of citrus u-pick, so you can go more than once during the season. Currently, they have honeybells, pineapple oranges, and grapefruit ready to be picked seven days a week. Make sure to check their website or Facebook page for availability and updates.
A Land of Delight Natural Farm in Plant City
2514 Leaning Pine Lane, Plant City
Citrus: Spring (months vary)
This local farm not only has u-pick citrus fruits, but a huge stock of fruit trees and more to add to your own home garden. It is the sweetest family-owned farm, and the owner also offers free courses on aquaponics. There are so many unique fruit trees to discover here! They also have adorable farm animals to visit with. Check their Facebook page for updates.
Florida Sweeties in Dade City
Several groves in Dade City-check Facebook page for exact location
Citrus: December
Peaches: Late March-May
Ever seen a Florida peach tree? The orchards at Florida Sweeties are full of sweet peaches that are ready to be picked! This is a not-to-miss u-pick event! Check their website or Facebook page for orchard locations and availability.
Fancy Farms in Plant City
Fancy Farms hosts u-pick events in March. You’ll want to check in with their Facebook page for the latest info to see dates and field locations.
Wish Farms in Plant City
Wish Farms is opening its field for blueberry and strawberry u-pick events throughout the season. Stay up to date by visiting their Facebook page here.
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