Raspberry picking in NJ is a fun family activity for summer. With juicy, sweet and tart berries available from early July to September, you’ll regret not heading to some of these Pick Your Own raspberry Farms New Jersey has to offer.
The Best Raspberry Picking in NJ
While grabbing a pint of raspberries at your local farmstand or farmer’s market is great, it’s nothing compared to picking the berries yourself and enjoying it right off the bush.
Known as the Garden State, New Jersey is known for its abundance of amazing, fresh produce. While blueberries, strawberries, and peaches are well known for pick your own fields, raspberries are the little known must find of summer.
If you’re looking for a pick your own raspberry farm near you, you’re in the right spot. Just like with our blueberry picking and cherry picking in NJ posts, we’ve found the best of the best, and compiled them here for you.
Tips and Questions for Picking Raspberries
When can you pick raspberries in NJ?
Generally speaking, you can begin picking the raspberries in July through early to mid-September. But there are 2 varieties to pick – black or red raspberries. Always call the farm ahead of time to ask about picking conditions and availability.
Where can I go to pick Raspberries?
There are tons of PYO raspberry spots in NJ – keep scrolling to find a farm local to you.
What do you wear to raspberry picking?
Clothes you won’t mind staining with juice and shoes that can get a bit messy. We always recommend wearing shoes that can get dirty, but boots are best! Since raspberry bushes can be prickly, you might want to bring gloves.
Tips for picking the best raspberries:
- Go on a weekday, if you can! Farms will be less crowded and some farms waive the pick your own admission fee on weekdays,
- If you’re going on a weekend, head there as soon as they open. Not only is this to avoid crowds, but it also ensures you get the first pick of the ripest berries.
- Know what you’re getting. Raspberries come in many different colors, but farms in NJ typically offer red or black raspberries
- Do not heap your berries higher than 5 inches deep, as it can bruise the bottom fruit!
- Look for deep colored raspberries. They should have a deep color, and only pick ripe fruit. You should be able to easily tug on the fruit and get it off the bush. Here is a great resource with picking tips!
Pick Your Own Farms for Raspberry Picking in NJ
Ready to hit the farms? Here are the best PYO farms in NJ offering raspberry picking. With each farm. click through to the post with full information on the farm, from hours to pricing. Always be sure to call the farms ahead of time as cherry picking seasons can vary!
Mood’s Farm Market – Mullica Hill, Gloucester County
With a variety of pick your own options, many still know this NJ PYO farm for it’s bountiful raspberry season. You must bring your own containers for pick your own and they will be weighed before heading out to the fields.
B&B Farms – Egg Harbor City, Atlantic County
Strictly known for pick your own and their fabulous produce, this berry farm is perfect for a simple day picking. Be sure to check out their great CSA program which offers a variety of produce during the 20 weeks it’s in session!
Happy Day Farm – Manalapan, Monmouth County
This extremely family-friendly pick your own raspberry farm is located in Monmouth County and has an easy pricing structure. The picking season starts in July and the fields are equipped with nursing and hand wash stations as well as portapotties making this extra convenient with littles.
Schaefer Farm – Flemington, Hunterdon County
Known best for it’s super spooky Halloween hayride, this farm has tons to do in summer as well. This Hunterdon country raspberry You Pick farm has a bunch for kiddos to do! From a giant kids area with a sandbox and pedal cars to a petting zoo, the whole family will love this place! Don’t miss out on the farm market with farm-made dairy, jams, jellies and more!
Phillips Farm – Milford, Hunterdon County
Come to a real working farm and take part in the action. NJ raspberry picking starts in July, but be sure to check in with them before heading over to get availability information. After head over to their farm market for a wide variety of produce and local products.
Alstede Farms – Chester, Morris County.
This PYO farm offers tons of different picking options throughout the whole season. Their fields are packed come late June, but there’s also so much else to see and do there! Head over and pick your fruit, but also enjoy their homemade ice cream and kid’s activities.
Longmeadow Farm – Hope, Sussex County
You might know Longmeadow for its fall pumpkin picking, but there is also a berry patch full of fall raspberries and blackberries, which start to ripen in the heat of late summer during August.
Sussex County Strawberry Farm – Andover, Sussex County
This pick your own farm might seem like it only has strawberries, but don’t count it out! Starting in August, find juicy you pick raspberry fields open for the end of summer!
Donaldson Farms – Hackettstown, Warren County.
Many love this lower-key farm for apples and pumpkin picking but did you know you can also enjoy raspberry picking here? Take the kids into the fields to grab some fresh berries then come hang out at the farm. They even have old fashioned duck races! Bonus: there is no admission fee at this farm.
Leave a Reply