2. Look at the U-pick indicator located outside of the front of the market to see what field is currently being picked. Follow the arrow to that field where you will see field staff. They will assign you a row. If you have brought your own containers to pick into, make sure to have them weighed at the outside u-pick check out, so the weight can be deducted when you check out. We have U-pick containers for purchase of $1 each. They are located outside at the u-pick indicator in the front of the market. Help yourself to how many you need and when you check out at the u-pick check out the cost of the containers will then be added to your total. 

3. Try to pick all the ripe berries. The small ones taste just as good as the big ones.

4. Should you bring the kids? That depends on how many berries you plan to pick and how old your kids are. If you're on a family outing and you only want enough berries for dessert, of course! If you need two hundred pounds for a years' supply of preserves for your entire extended family, probably not, unless your kids are old enough to be of help.  Berries are tempting for kids to eat.    Please remember that our fields are grocery shelves.  All berries should be picked, paid for and then eaten.  If you desire a taste, please come into the Market for a free sample.  Please make sure that your children or those coming with you understand this. If you do bring your children, please watch that they do not trample on the plants or pick in other people's rows.

5.We do have a play area for children but it will only entertain them for so long and we do NOT hire staff to look after them.  All children need to be monitored while enjoying the play area.  Please do NOT leave your children unattended in the play area while you go and pick berries.   You may want to bring someone along to supervise them in the play area while you enjoy picking the berries.

SAMPLING - ONLY IN THE MARKET
   You wouldn't think of eating your way throught he rows of the produce section at Safeway.....it is the same on a farm.

Now for some advice:

1. Picking strawberries with or without hulls depends on what you plan to do with the berries. ' If you're not going to be able to get to them for a while or want them for fresh eating, leave the hulls on - they stay fresh longer that way. If you're just taking them directly home to make jam or freeze them, pick the hulls off as you're picking them. It will save you a lot of time.

 2. If you can't process your berries as soon as you get home, they need to go into the refrigerator as soon as possible. You can’t leave them in the garage overnight. Berries are especially perishable.  The sooner you process them, the better the flavor.

 3. It's best to pick in the morning, when there are lots of berries and it's cool out, then process them in the afternoon.