Looking for something to do with your family right now but are running out of ideas? Have you thought about going to a local farm to pick baskets full of fresh berries (or a multitude of other fresh, in-season produce if berries aren’t your jam!)? You can support local Alabama farmers, spend a couple of hours of great fun with your family, and keep up your social distancing efforts while you pick some fresh-as-they-come fruits and vegetables.
Across the state of Alabama there are several You-Pick-It farms. The farmers have done the most difficult tasks—planting, weeding, fertilizing, watering—and they welcome you to come pick your own harvest. You’re sure to meet some great people with great stories while you’re there, too!
Things to remember when going picking:
- Go when the weather is mild. Children do not do well when it is very hot or cold.
- Bring sunscreen, insect repellant, hats, jackets, and sunglasses.
- For those with allergies to pollen, bring a mask.
- Check with the farm to see if you need to bring your own basket. Some farms provide you with buckets to pick, while others you may have to carry containers.
- Take a cooler with ice for the produce if you have a longer drive.
This is also a great opportunity to teach children:
- where food comes from before it hits the grocery store shelves
- what a plant needs to grow
- the role busy bees play in pollinating plants
- what “organically grown” means
- how to use the fruits and vegetables
If you are in Alabama, check out this list for where to find Alabama’s home grown produce! If you are not in Alabama, check for your state’s list of local farms.
Have a berry happy spring and summer as you enjoy eating the fruits of your hand-picked labors!
*image via Alabama News Center
