The strawberry season always seems too short, doesn’t it? Just when the temperatures warm up and we all head outside, the ruby-red strawberries ripen and bring their sweetness to farm stands across the region. The season can last just a few weeks, and then we’re forced to wait until the fields bloom once again.
During the global pandemic, picking your own strawberries is going to look a little different. Farms are taking online reservations to ensure proper safety and social distancing—as well as a well-stocked crop—and requiring guests to wash their hands, wear masks and more.
Below, find four places in the DMV where the strawberries are ripe and you can head into the fields to fetch them yourself. This post is reflective of the strawberry farms that are currently offering pick-your-own strawberries for the remainder of the season. Please check back frequently on the farms’ social media or websites to ensure they are ready to welcome you in the coming days.
Butler’s Orchard
With 300 acres of open space and fresh air, Butler’s Orchard is eager to welcome strawberry pickers from near and far for the season, but maintaining safety is still a priority. The fields will be open during peak season, Tuesday through Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Reservation time slots and tickets will be available daily online, but will vary based on demand and picking conditions. Each reservation time slot allows for one and a half hours in the field. The field is open rain or shine, unless severe weather is forecast. To ensure safe, contactless service, you may not bring your own containers. All containers are purchased at a flat rate, ranging from $5 per quart to $40 for a full flat (12 to 15 pounds). Check back to the website for frequent updates on peak season and picking availability. // Butler’s Orchard: 22222 Davis Mill Road, Germantown, Maryland; $3 admission, additional picking prices vary
Hollin Farms
Taking a trip out of the bustle of the region and getting away to the hills of Delaplane may be just what your heart desires, and while you visit, you can pick your own strawberries! At Hollins Farm this year, demand is high, so be sure to check the website before heading out of town. All visitors will be required to wear face masks and wash their hands prior to entering the fields. And, if you can’t get enough of the fresh produce just before the start of summer, be sure to check out the farm’s crop of lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, collard greens and bok choy. Also, stay tuned for updates later in the season for fresh raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, sour cherries and more. // Hollin Farms: 1524 Snowden Road, Delaplane; prices vary
Larriland Farm
It’s time for opening day at Larriland Farm! Strawberry season is ready to welcome visitors starting Tuesday, June 2, and all are welcome to visit and pick their own berries as each day’s crop permits. All guests will be required to wear face masks, practice social distancing and wash their hands. Because the farm is just opening for the season, please check in with the website or call to get the latest daily updates before making the drive out. No personal containers will be allowed for pick-your-own strawberries and must be purchased on the farm. Summer hours are Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Want more than just strawberries? Grab a few bunches of fresh spinach to make the perfect summer salad, and don’t miss the Red Barn Market filled with dairy products, jams and jellies, farm-fresh eggs and more. // Larriland Farm: 2415 Woodbine Road, Woodbine, Maryland; Pricing: Small box, $5, allows two people in the field, Medium box, $20, allows three people in the field, Large box, $40, allows three people in the field
Wegmeyer Farms
This is the Wegmeyer family’s 12th year growing and selling strawberries, and Wegmeyer Farms is making sure everyone will be safe enjoying themselves in the fields. Visitors will be required to make a reservation online before visiting the field this season, as well as washing hands before and after picking, not sampling berries in the field, and practicing social distancing. No outside containers will be permitted and all visitors will pay a flat fee of $24, which includes admission, about 5 pounds of strawberries and the bucket (to be reused next year!). There are three locations of Wegmeyer Farms; make sure when you are scheduling your reserved time (or checking in on daily updates), you are double checking the location nearest you. Also, visitors are welcome to participate in the drive-thru service of pre-picked strawberries, strawberry wine, fresh made-doughnuts and more at the farm. // Wegmeyer Farms: Multiple locations in Northern Virginia; $24 per basket
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