Harvesting

1. Call ahead before you leave home, to check on availability of produce

2. Does the grower provide containers? Some growers do and some don't.

3. What is the crop condition

4. Are knives or other equipment needed

5. Most growers welcome children, but you might check.  Some provide play areas.

6. Are the directions clear

7. How to dress? Boots, long pants, etc.

8. Cost of produce; be specific as to what produce you are interested in.

9. PLEASE leave your pets at home.  They will be happier, along with everyone else.

10. Respect the Farmer's Property and follow any written or oral instructions you are given.

 

How to Pick - Fruits

Strawberries -Select fully red berries and break the stem just above the berry.  Leave the stem attached to berry.

Blueberries - Select fully blue berries and gently roll berries from the cluster into palm. Do not pull berries from the cluster.

Blackberries - Select uniformly black, firm, plump berries that separate easily from the stem.

Peaches - Select fruit with yellow ground color and remove from the tree with a slight twisting motion. Place gently in the container.

Apples - Have grower direct you to the fruit that is ripe or taste for crisp, sweet flesh.  Remove with twisting motion.  Leave stem attached.

Muscadines - Gently roll grapes from cluster.  If the stem scar is dry, the grape is ripe.

How to Pick - Vegetables

Asparagus - Select straight, compact, pointed spears.  Snap asparagus spears at lowest point in which they will snap.  Trim later.

Broccoli - Select heads that are bright green to purplish, firm and compact.  Avoid visible flowers.  Head size makes no difference.

Cabbage - Select heavy heads with uniform color.  Avoid plants that are split, wilted or have discolored veins.

Carrots - Select firm, well-formed, smooth, bright orange carrots with healthy tops.

Corn - Have grower direct you to the corn that is ready to be picked.  Select ears with firm tips and brown silks.  Avoid dented kernels.

Tomatoes - Choose fruit with good color that are firm and plump.  Size makes no difference, but the tomatoes should be heavy for its size.