Strawberry picking in NJ is a MUST do activity in late spring. With juicy, sweet berries available from May to early June in the Garden State, you’ll regret not heading to some of these Pick Your Own Strawberry Farms New Jersey has to offer.
The Best Strawberry Picking in NJ
While grabbing a pint of strawberries at your local farmstand or farmer’s market is great, there’s nothing quite compared to picking a fresh strawberry in a field and enjoying it.
Known as the Garden State, New Jersey is known for its abundance of amazing, fresh produce. But come May and June, there’s no produce on our minds like Strawberries! With strawberry fests abound, this kid-friendly berry is both fun to pick and fun to eat.
If you’re looking to grab the kids and go to a pick your own strawberry farm, you’re in the right spot. Just like with our blueberry picking in NJ post, we’ve found the best of the best, and compiled them here for you.
Tips and Questions for Picking Strawberries
When can you pick strawberries in NJ?
Generally speaking, you can begin picking the berries in May through early to mid-June. Always call the farm ahead of time to ask about picking conditions!
Where can I go to pick strawberries?
There are tons of PYO Strawberry spots in NJ – keep scrolling to find a farm local to you.
What should you wear?
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!
Tips for picking the best strawberries:
- 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.
- Pick plump, firm berries that are completely red from stem to tip. Any white indicates it needs more ripening time and won’t be as sweet as possible. This site gives some great pointers!
As always, make sure you call ahead to any farm you choose to visit and ask about COVID guidelines and picking days and times!
Pick Your Own Farms for Strawberry Picking in NJ
Ready to hit the farms? Here are the best PYO farms in NJ offering strawberry 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 berry picking seasons can vary!
Alstede Farms – Chester, Morris County.
This PYO farms boasts tons of different picking opportunities, but the real fun starts during Strawberry season. Head over and pick your fruit, but also enjoy their homemade ice cream and kid’s activities.
Terhune Orchards – Princeton, Mercer County.
Right outside the historic University, this farm offers farm animals, freshly baked pies, and its own winery. Grab a pint of berries and then wander the farmstore packed with homemade baked goods and local finds.
Donaldson Farms – Hackettstown, Warren County.
Many love this lower-key farm for apples and pumpkin picking but did you know you can also enjoy strawberry 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.
Ort Farms – Long Valley, Morris County.
Known best for its robust fall festival, this well-loved hidden gem can be visited in late spring for strawberry picking! After, grab a train ride through the farm of something tasty from the snack shack.
Giamarese Farm – East Brunswick, Middlesex County
You might have been to this farm in December, but did you know that their Pick Your Own season starts with red, ripe Jersey Strawberries? Right outside New Brunswick and Rutgers University, they even grow a variety of the berry the call “Rutgers Scarlet”
Lee Turkey Farm – East Windsor, Mercer County
This unique farm raises over 3000 turkeys each year, but you might not know that it also has countless You Pick fruit and vegetable patches open all season long. The Strawberry picking season begins in May, kicking off the PYO season at the farm.
Phillips Farm – Milford, Hunterdon County
Come to a real working farm and take part in the action. Strawberry picking starts in early to mid-May, 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.
Schaefer Farm – Flemington, Hunterdon County
Not only does this Hunterdon country Strawberry You Pick farm have sweet, fresh berries, but it also 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!
Von Thun Farm – South Brunswick and Washington, Middlesex and Warren County
Von Thun Farms offer strawberry picking in 2 NJ locations so you don’t have to travel too far if you’re in north or central Jersey. Pick the closest location to you, but either way, you won’t regret it. Not only are there you pick opportunities, but there are activities for the whole family to enjoy!
Rowand’s Farm – Glassboro, Gloucester County
Known best for it’s short but popular cherry-picking season, this strawberry farm also offers the sweet berries in mid-May through June, or whenever their plants are empty. Make sure you check in on their Facebook page for the most up to date info on availability.
B&B Farms – Egg Harbor City, Atlantic County
Strictly known for pick your own and their fabulous produce, this strawberry 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!
Johnson’s Corner Farm – Medford, Burlington County
This pick your own farm offers numerous PYO produce opportunities, but the real sell is the Discovery Barnyard! If you plan on strawberry picking with kiddos this farm, which also offers kids activities and 3 splash pads for kiddos.
Battleview Orchards – Monmouth County
Conveniently located right off Route 33, this Freehold favorite is well known to locals and visitors alike. You might have visited in fall for apples and pumpkins, but the pick your own here starts in late spring with strawberry picking! Don’t miss out on the country store, featuring fresh produce and baked goods.
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