Where to Go Strawberry Picking in SWMI- 2022

Find Some Sweet Strawberry Picking in Southwest Michigan

Eaten solo, in a pie, or in a yogurt parfait, strawberries are a seasonal favorite and luckily, one that’s grown in our own SWMI backyard.

Strawberries are one of the first fruits available at u pick farms near Kalamazoo, arriving in early June.

We’ve got the dirt on where to find some scrumptious strawberries locally, in addition to tips for picking, storage and a favorite recipe to share:

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Fruit Picking Tips

Whether you’re a novice or a veteran of fruit gathering, we’ve put together some tips to maximize your fruit picking experience.

Fruit Picking Do’s:

Do call ahead: Farms will get “overpicked” for the day. Plan to go early and confirm availability via phone or Facebook before leaving.

Do bring cash: Call ahead to confirm, but many farms do not accept credit cards or checks.

Do have a container strategy: Find out if you need to bring your own containers for picking (some farms provide them). You may also need something to transport your fruit home.

Fruit Picking Don’ts:

Don’t forget sun protection: Fruit fields provide very little cover or shade. Bring hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Don’t eat without asking: Some farms may allow sampling while picking, while others may not. Be sure to confirm their policies before any family members use the fruit fields as a buffet.

Don’t pack your fruit too deep: Strawberries and raspberries in particular bruise easily. If you stack too many layers while picking, you risk damaging the lower tiers.

Strawberry Picking Intel

AVAILABILITY
Strawberry picking season in Southwest Michigan is in early June.

PICKING/STORAGE
Strawberries do not continue to ripen after being picked; select only the firm, red ones. Strawberries also bruise somewhat easily; try not to stack them more than 5 inches deep.

CAN I FREEZE THEM?
Yes. Wash, remove the hulls and store in an airtight, sealed bag.

FAVORITE RECIPE: Strawberry Cake

Where to go Strawberry Picking in Southwest Michigan

Brookside Farms Fritz’s Blueberries | Facebook
34448 44th Ave, Paw Paw, MI 49079
^{(269) 657-3500}
What You’ll Find: U-pick and already picked blueberries plus already picked strawberries from Ketchum Family Strawberries (Paw Paw location only).

Corey Lake Orchards | Facebook
12147 Corey Lake Rd, Three Rivers, MI 49093
^{(269) 244-5690}
What You’ll Find: Seasonal U-pick strawberries by reservation only (a short season in June), see their website for the latest information.

2022 Update: Due to severe storms, the strawberry fields sustained wind and hail damage. Corey Lake Orchards will not have u-pick strawberries this season.

Cotant’s Farm Market | Facebook
2500 S M-37 Hwy, Hastings, MI 49058
^{(269) 945-4180}
What You’ll Find: U-pick strawberries, blueberries and apples. Also vegetables, jams/jellies and salsas/relishes and plants.

Earth First Farms Organic Growers
3835 Pier Rd, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
^{(269) 815-3370}
What You’ll Find: Certified organic strawberries in June, certified transitional blueberries in July and certified organic apples from Labor Day until the end of October (weather permitting).
Farming Practices: Certified organic fruit and produce

Hunt’s Hillside LLC
27867 66th Ave, Lawton, MI 49065
^{(269) 624-6513}
What You’ll Find: U-pick raspberries and strawberries.

Husted’s Farm Market | Facebook
9191 West Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
^{(269) 372-1237}
What You’ll Find: U-pick strawberries, cherries, peaches and apples. Check-in at the Farm Market for directions to their off-site u-pick location.

Also sells vegetables, jams/jellies, salsas/relishes and baked goods, including donuts and pies made from scratch.

Mandigo Farms, Inc.
61077 41st St, Paw Paw, MI 49079
^{(269) 674-1033}
What You’ll Find: U-pick and already-picked strawberries.

Rajzer’s Farm Market and Greenhouses | Facebook
76301 M-51 Hwy Decatur, MI 49045
^{(269) 423-4941}
What You’ll Find: U-pick and already-picked strawberries. Also blueberries, asparagus, cantaloupe, annuals and perennials.