Blueberry Picking in Connecticut: Pick Your Own Farms

Blueberry picking. Photo courtesy of Bishop's Orchards
Blueberry picking. Photo courtesy of Bishop's Orchards
7/4/21 - By Sherry Pardy

Come and pick 'em folks! The following is a list of Connecticut farms that grow pick-your-own blueberries. Fresh blueberries are in their prime from mid-July through mid-August. 

When picking, select berries that are firm, dry, plump, smooth-skinned, and completely blue. The fruit is often covered with a light white coating called "bloom," which helps prevent deterioration. Water on blueberries accelerates rotting, so don't wash them until you are ready to use them. If you store freshly picked berries in the refrigerator, unwashed and covered, they should last up to two weeks. Freezing is always a good option, too. For raspberries and other fresh picked fruit, check out our Pick-Your-Own Farm Guide.

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Bishop's Orchards

A family farm for 140 years and cared for by six generations, Bishop's offers pick-your-own blueberries, typically from July through late August. The farm store features a lot of goodies, including ice cream, sandwiches, and desserts.

1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, 203 458-PICK

Ellsworth Hill Orchard & Berry Farm, LLC

Pick blueberries from mid-July through September, seven days a week. Also, fresh baked pies and cider donuts are available in the farm store, among other treats. Pressed apple cider is available for tasting.

461 Cornwall Bridge Road, Route 4, Sharon, 860-364-0025

Evergreen Berry Farm

Established in 1979, the farm is sprawled on 27 acres in the Litchfield Hills and uses natural growing practices. Call ahead for updated picking conditions and berry availability. Containers are provided. Blueberries are usually available mid-July to mid-September. Black and red raspberries and blackberries are also available.

435 Bassett Road, Watertown, 860-274-0825

Grant's Berry Patch 

The farm specializes in pick-your-own strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, but also tomatoes and delicious sweet corn. The farm stand is well stocked for those who do not have the time or desire to PYO. The farm also features a fun corn maze in the fall. 

188 Mell Road, Lisbon, 860-376-5625

Holmberg Orchards 

PYO blueberries begin mid-July, but call ahead for specific dates. The farm market is open daily from 9am to 6pm, year-round; it features native fruits, vegetables, cider, pies, flowers, plants, and seasonal items.

12 Orchard Drive, Route 12, Gales Ferry, 860-464-7107

Blueberry picking at Jones Family Farms.

We love blueberry picking at Jones Family Farms. Photo by Ally Noel

Jones Family Farms

A 400-acre family farm since 1848, it offers berry picking at the Valley Farm or Pumpkinseed Hill. Call for the Farmer Jones Crop Line or follow the directional signs when approaching the farm.

Route 110 & Walnut Tree Hill Road (266 Israel Hill Road), Shelton, 203-929-8425

Litchfield Hills Blueberry Farm LLC

Pick blueberries while enjoying a beautiful view of the Litchfield Hills. Also available are pre-picked produce and a picnic area (no pets allowed). Crops are usually available in early July, August, and September. The farm is closed Mondays.

23 Schrowback Road, Plymouth, 860-283-9571

Lyman Orchards

Call the 24-hour hotline for up-to-the-minute information on crops, field conditions, market prices, and more. Lyman Orchards is a 1,100-acre farm in central Connecticut that features many varieties of fruits and vegetables, a sunflower maze, a corn maze, an Apple Barrel store, and two golf courses.

3 Lyman Road, Middlefield, 860-349-1793

Maple Bank Farm

PYO blueberries are available in early July through August. Summer hours are generally Wednesday through Sunday from 8am to 5pm. Fresh vegetables are picked daily; enjoy herbs, flowers, wool yarn, cider, and apples. Maple Bank has been a family farm since 1730.

53 Church Street, Roxbury, 860-354-7038

March Farm

Celebrating 100 years and four generations in business, the farm offers PYO strawberries, blueberries, peaches, and apples. The Farm Market & Bakery features fresh eggs, fresh apple cider made on the premises, snacks, and a refreshment stand. Enjoy the petting zoo and the Hayloft Playscape. March Farm is generally open daily from 10am to 6pm.

160 Munger Lane, Bethlehem, 203-266-7721

Rose's Berry Farm

Photo courtesy of Rose's Berry Farm

Rose's Berry Farm

Pick strawberries in June and July, and blueberries in July and August. Raspberries are also available. Hours are subject to change depending on weather and conditions. Sunday breakfast is usually open from 8am to 1pm and features delicious Belgian waffles, French toast, and quiches. 

295 Matson Hill Rd., South Glastonbury, 860-633-7467

Scott's Yankee Farmer

Family owned and operated, the farm is sprawled on more than 100 acres filled with fruits and vegetables. Pick your own strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins, and flowers. PYO season runs from June through October. Don't miss the roadside stand for pre-picked veggies and legendary cider donuts. 

436 Boston Post Road, East Lyme, 860-739-5209

Buell's Orchard

Enjoy PYO in the quiet corner of Connecticut. Strawberries are ready in June, blueberries in mid-July to mid-August, followed by peaches, apples, and pumpkins. 

108 Crystal Pond Road, Eastford, 860-974-1150

Horse Listener's Orchard

Tractor-drawn wagon rides, pony rides, honey, roses, maple syrup and, of course, blueberries all make a day at Horse Listener's Orchard a family treat.

317 Bebbington Road, Ashford, 860-429-5336

Fort Hill Farms

The farm uses natural growing practices and offers blueberries, lavender, and pre-picked produce. A fun farm, Fort Hill features farm animals in The Discovery Barnyard, a corn maze, ice cream at The Creamery, and panning for gems and fossils.

260 Quaddick Road, Thompson, 860-923-3439

Woodstock Orchards LLC

PYO blueberries are usually available from mid-July to mid-August. Stop by the retail store for jams, jellies, dressings, gourmet food items, local honey, gift baskets, and more.

494 Route 169,  Woodstock, 860-928-2225

Dondero Orchards

Pick strawberries in June and blueberries in July. Other fruits are available, including peaches, apples, pears, and raspberries. Dondero is open Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm. 

529 Woodland Street, South Glastonbury, 860-659-0294

Easy Pickin's Orchard

Pick berries in the early summer and continue returning to the farm for fresh fruits and vegetables until late fall. Locals love the apples and plums, and kids especially enjoy wagon rides, scarecrow making, and the popular annual Gourd Hunt. 

46 Bailey Road, Enfield, 860-763-FARM or 860-763-3276
 

 

Originally published 6/30/2014.
 

Places featured in this article:


Ellsworth Hill Orchard & Berry Farm, LLC

Litchfield Hills Blueberry Farm LLC