Nothing beats biting into a fresh, juicy strawberry straight from the vine. From April to late May, the temperature is just right for strawberries to ripen and be harvested. Dickey Farms opens our fields during strawberry picking season in Georgia for a family-fun picking experience.
Our Top Strawberry Picking Tips
Strawberry picking is the perfect activity for seasoned pickers and first-timers alike. As strawberry experts, here are some tips for a successful strawberry picking day.
Look for the Ripest Strawberries
Strawberries are one of the few fruits that only ripen on the vine — once detached, they will not ripen on their own. You will want to choose the right berries to achieve that sweet, craveable flavor.
Here's how to tell when strawberries are ripe:
- Color: While they may vary in size, the best strawberries are plump and bright red with fresh green leaves. Avoid berries with green or white tips, as these are underripe.
- Texture: You'll want strawberries that are mostly firm with a slight softness, not mushy. Very gently press on the berry before picking.
- Scent: Most ripe strawberries will have a noticeably sweet scent. Pro tip: These strawberries make excellent jams!
Pick in the Morning or Late Afternoon
The best time to pick strawberries is in the morning or late afternoon. Especially in the morning, the berries are cooler, helping them retain their freshness after picking. Strawberries that have been in the sunshine for too long can bruise or shrivel much quicker. Picking in the morning will also offer more pleasant temperatures for the pickers!
Gently Pluck and Handle Strawberries
Unlike blueberries or apples, strawberries require a much more delicate touch when picking, as they can bruise easily. Once you've found a strawberry you want to pick, gently grasp the stem above the berry and pull it off with a slight twist. Carefully place them into your container and be sure not to overfill it or pack the berries down. To be safe, bring several containers with you, depending on how many strawberries you want to pick!
What to Do With Your Picked Strawberries
Another tip: Once you take your strawberries home, don't wash them until you are ready to use them! Washing them too early can make them more prone to spoiling.
Strawberries can be enjoyed in many forms. Eat them right off the vine or try out some of these delicious recipes:
- Lemon strawberry trifle
- Strawberry cheesecake fluff
- Strawberry buckle with pecan streusel
- Strawberry rolls
- Strawberry cake with strawberry sauce
- Homemade jelly donuts with strawberry jam
- Swiss roll with strawberry preserves
Come to Dickey Farms for Farm-Fresh Strawberries
Join us for strawberry picking in Georgia this season! Every year, we host our Strawberry Festival in April, complete with food, local vendors, ice cream and baked goods — all strawberry-themed, of course!
If you can't make it this year, you can also get a taste of our strawberries year-round with our selection of jams, jellies and preserves. Place an order online or plan your visit to pick strawberries today!
