SOUTHERN MARYLAND BERRY PICKING: 2019 PLAYFUL PARENT GUIDE
Berry picking is one of my favorite things to do in the spring-summer! It’s just as much fun picking berries as eating them. If you are looking for local grown, pick-your-own berry farms in the Southern Maryland area than this article is here to help! As you read through this article you will find farms that offer pick your own berries in Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s County and the surrounding area.
BERRY PICKING TIPS
- Call before you go. Make sure it’s a good day to pick and that they are open. Sometimes schools take field trips so it’s always good to ask.
- Go early in the day, it’s less crowded and not as hot.
- Forgo the stroller! It’s not easy tooting around tots in a stroller on the farm because of the muddy ground and the fact that the rows are to narrow. Baby wearing is a much better option. If you absolutely need a way to wheel a little one around I recommend bringing or borrowing an all terrain wagon.
- Pack supplies: Make sure you lather up with sun screen, bring a brimmed hat to shade your face and some wipes for wiping messy faces.
- For technique on picking strawberries off the vine visit this link
CALVERT COUNTY
Crop/Activities: Blackberries & Grapes
Dates: June thru July
Hours: Please Call
Location: 2790 Plum Point Road, Huntingtown, MD
Phone: 410-535-2128
Crop/Activities: Strawberries, Pick Your Own and ready, activities for kids and picnic area
Date: May thru early June
Hours: M-S 8AM – 12PM/Sun 8AM – 2PM
Location: 7740 Swann Lane, Owings, MD 20736
Phone: 443-904-2687
CHARLES COUNTY
Crop/Activities: Strawberries pre-pick or pick-your-own, garden and farmers market.
Date: May thru June open 7 days a week
Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: 12850 Shlagel Rd Waldorf, Maryland 20601
Phone: 301-645-4554
ST MARY’S COUNTY
Berrywood Farm
Crops/Activities: Uses natural growing practices and has blackberries & blueberries
Date: Blueberries June 20 to July 4; Blackberries July 4 to July 28; Monday to Saturday
Hours: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Location: 43865 Thompson Farm Lane, Hollywood, MD 20636
Phone: 301 373 8545
Forrest Hall Farm and Orchard
Crops/Activities: U-pick Greens & strawberries
Dates: Berry Pick May-June
Hours: Open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 7 days a week
Location: 39136 Avie Lane, Mechanicsville, MD
Phone: 301-884-3086
Crops/Activities: Uses natural growing practices, strawberries
Dates: May-June
Hours: Closed Sunday/Monday-Friday 11AM- 6PM/Saturday 9AM-5PM
Location: 39010 Lyon Ln, Mechanicsville, MD 20659
Phone: 301-884-5846
Crops/Activities: strawberries, and pre-picked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, petting zoo, farm animals, petal cars, playground, sandbox.
Date: May- June Strawberry Picking
Hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 8 am to 5 pm, closed on Sundays
Location: 37450 Bushwood Wharf Road, Bushwood, MD 20618
Phone: 301-769-3878
PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY
Crops/Activities: strawberries, fresh eggs, farmers market, ice cream
Dates: Strawberry Picking begins May 6, 2017
Hours: Monday through Friday 6 am to 6 pm; Saturday 7 pm to 6 pm. Sunday 7 am – 5 pm
Location: 10140 Piscataway Rd, Clinton, MD 20735
Phone: 301-297-9370
KING GEORGE COUNTY VA
Crop/Activities: Strawberries/blueberries/blackberries/raspberries, kid friendly activities, events and festivals
Dates: June thru July
Hours: Please Call
Location: 1235 Berry Farm Lane, Colonial Beach, VA
Phone: (804) 224-9171
STRAWBERRY ACTIVITIES
STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM IN A BAG
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream
- 1 Cup Half & Half or Whole Milk
- 1 Tsp vanilla
- 1 1/2 TBSP of pureed strawberries
- 1/4 Cup of Sugar
- Rock salt
- Ice Cubes
- Gallon Sized Ziploc Bags
HOW TO MAKE ICE CREAM IN BAG:
- Combine the cream, vanilla, sugar and strawberries in to a ziplock bag and secure completely closed.
- Next, fill a ziplock bag with a little more than half full with ice and add the rock salt and shack gently to mix together.
- Than place the bag of ice cream ingredients into the bag of ice and seal the bag.
- Now for the fun part, wrap a hand towel around the bag and start shaking vigorously for about 10 minutes, or until the ice cream is ready. It should be thick and creamy not runny.
- You don’t want it to melt so serve right away and more importantly enjoy!
STRAWBERRY SEED COUNTING ACTIVITY
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
- Felt or Paper
- Small Pom Poms or Raisins
- Small Tongs or Clothes Pin
- Dice
HOW TO PLAY COUNTING STRAWBERRY SEEDS:
- Prepare a pre-cut strawberry using felt or paper.
- Set up small pom poms or raisins in a bowl or small pouch such as a pencil bag.
- Have little one roll the dice.
- Next they add that amount to the strawberry using the tongs. This activity is great counting skills and for dexterity/fine motor skills.
NON-COOK STRAWBERRY PLAY DOUGH
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
- 2 Cups of Flour
- 1/4 Cup of Salt
- 1/2 Cup of Boiling Water
- 1 Small Box of Jello
- 1 Tbsp. Cream of Tartar
- 1 Tbsp. Cooking oil
HOW TO MAKE NON-COOK STRAWBERRY PLAY DOUGH:
- Combine all of the dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl.
- Next pour boiling water into the bowl of dry ingredients and mix with a spoon.
- Add oil and knead with hands.
- Lastly, let cool in the fridge for 15-30 minutes.
***The Playful Parent is not paid to endorse the farmers listed. This article was created to help make strawberry picking easy and fun for Southern Maryland Families.***
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