These Boston-Area Farms Offer Strawberry Fields Forever
We’ve also included tips to picking and preserving your berries. You can expect to pay just $8 per person to pick strawberries on most Boston-area farms. Prices drop the more berries you pick. We’ve listed the best values first, since some farms charge
a small entry fee on top of the cost of the berries. Check websites before you go, as some farms require online registration for a time slot. Happy picking!
How to Pick Strawberries
Select berries that are firm, dry, and plump. Check carefully and do not take any mouldy or damaged berries.
Caring for Fresh-picked Strawberries
Strawberries have a short shelf life and are best when used within 2—3 days after picking. Do not rinse berries or remove stems until you are ready to use them. Protect them from sunlight and keep in a cool place.
Freezing Strawberries
Wash and drain the berries. Remove stems and slice. Place in freezer containers leaving space for expansion and freeze immediately.
*Best Value: Save $1.50 at Connors; just $6.50 per quart of strawberries
Connors Farm, Danvers
Hours: 8 a.m.—6 p.m.
Cost: $6.50/quart (minimum one per person for ages over 3)
Always maintain a minimum of 6 feet between your group and the next closest pickers. Do not gather in groups of more than 10. Connors requires masks for everyone over the age of 2. The farm provides handwashing stations and hand sanitizer.
Read the guidelines for picking.
“June Bearer” Strawberries at Parlee Farms, Tyngsboro
Hours: 7:30—11 a.m.
Cost:
- $8 for a 1-quart box—admits 1 person (adults and children over 1)
- $15 for a 2-quart box—admits 2 people
- $28 for a 4-quart box—admits up to 4 people
Five varieties are available for picking from mid-June until mid-July. Hayrides take pickers to the strawberry field. Picking reservations aren’t accepted. Wear a mask. Handwashing stations and portable toilets are available in the picking field. See changes to the farm’s pick-your-own process.
Sunshine Farm, Sherborn
Hours: 8 a.m.—12 p.m.; last entry 11 a.m.
Cost: $8/qt. (One is required for entry.)
$15/two-qt. container
$28/four-qt. container
Sunshine Farm has two new fields for strawberry picking. Call 508-655-5022 for picking conditions. Dogs aren’t allowed. Bring your own mask to wear while visiting the farm. Outside containers aren’t permitted. Check the website for updated safety guidelines.
Tangerini’s Spring Street Farm, Millis
Hours: All pickers 3 years old and over must register for a picking time slot.
Cost: $8 per person (includes one quart-container per person)
Masks must be worn in the fields at all times; except on children two and under. Maximum of five people per reservation. Groups larger than five must sign up for an additional time slot. There will be a hand washing station in the field.
Rain or Shine Picking on Six Fields at Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury
Hours: Walk-in pickers are welcome between 12 and 4 p.m. Select your pick date and purchase ticket(s) for each picker over 3 if picking before 12 p.m. Picking dates are added every two days.
Cost: $8—1 ticket = one quart
$64/eight quarts
Budget at least 1.5 hours for your picking experience. Masks are required at all times except on children under 2. Three of the fields are accessible by foot; three require hayrides. Staff will do their best to accommodate needs. Strollers suited for dirt roads are encouraged. Minimal gray wagons will be available. DIY stations are available to sanitize each wagon. Cider Hill Farm offers port-o-johns with wash stations. All port-o-johns will be spaced apart with sanitation guidelines posted. Read the updated picking guidelines.
Nine Varieties of “June Bearers” at Ward’s Berry Farm, Sharon
Hours: 9 a.m.—4 p.m. (unless picked out earlier) Picking is first come first serve.
Cost: $4.50/pint ($9/quart)
$16/two-qt. box
$28/four-qt. box
The number of customers allowed in the field will be limited, so expect a line. Ward’s prefers touchless credit card transactions but cash and checks will be accepted. No pets are allowed in the fields. Read more about the picking process.
Select Blueberries and Peas at Hanson’s Farm, Framingham
Hours: 9 a.m.—5 p.m.
Cost: $3.98/lb. for blueberries (available in July)
$6/lb. for peas
Blueberries are available to pick in late June to mid-July. Since picking is seasonal, call 508-877-3058 for conditions before you go. Use the farm’s containers or bring your own. Learn more about Hanson’s Farm.
The Jammer’s Special at Tougas Family Farm, Northborough
Hours: Make a picking reservation in advance online for up to 5 people. Walk-ins will be welcomed if space becomes available after 12 p.m. Tougas updates their online fruit availability calendar daily. Your time in the field may be limited.
Cost:
- Jammer’s Special: $51/two 4-quart boxes. Admits up to two. Available Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Adult admission: $15 per person. Includes a 2-quart box.
- $28: Upgrade to a 4-quart box.
- Admission ages 2-12: $8; includes a one-quart box. Maximum 2 children per adult.
- All admissions include access to the barnyard animals and playground, picnic area, and wagon rides when available.
Groups larger than 5 people will need to make more than one reservation. Groups larger than 12 must contact the farm’s tour director at 508-330-5491. Do not bring containers from home. Masks are required for any guests over the age of 2 to enter the farm.
Read the updated safety guidelines.
Smolak Farms, North Andover and Boxford
Hours: 9 a.m.—5 p.m.
Cost: $8/quart, plus a $2/person entry fee
Smolak runs two picking sites in North Andover and one at Small Oxx Farm located at 494 Ipswich Road in Boxford. Check the website or call 978-682-6332 ext. 0 for updated safety protocols and picking conditions. Masks must be worn at all times. Hand sanitizer is available at every location. There are entry limits; groups should stay together. Do not bring your own containers. Pets are not allowed in the fields unless they are service pets with a license.
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