Before making the drive to the farm, always call ahead or check the farm's website for the latest crop reports and picking hours.
Braeutigam Orchards, Belleville, IL
For a big variety of you-pick fruits and vegetables, head to Braeutigam Orchards. Depending on crop yields, you can pick blueberries, blackberries, apples, tomatoes, peppers, pumpkins and more. The farm typically opens with cherries in June. Visit the website for the ripening schedule and follow the farm on Facebook for updates. Braeutigam Orchards is at 2795 Turkey Hill Lane, Belleville, IL. Call 618-233-4059.
Centennial Farms, Augusta
Known for its pick-your-own apples, Centennial Farms also offers pick-your-own blackberries when they ripen in July. The blackberries are thornless and tied to a trellis, making them perfect for little hands to pick safely. Centennial Farms is at 199 Jackson St., Augusta, MO. Call 636-228-4338.
Eckert's in Belleville, Millstadt and Grafton, IL
With three Illinois locations packed with entertainment, events and produce, Eckert's is as much an attraction as it is a farm. The majority of the pick-your-own activity happens at the Belleville farm, which is open year-round and offers strawberries, vegetables, blackberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins and sunflowers. The Grafton farm opens in the summer with blackberries, peaches, apples and pumpkins. The Millstadt Fun Farm has apples and pumpkins but only opens in the fall. For more information about opportunities available at each location, visit the Eckert's website or call 800-745-0513. Crop updates are also available on the Eckert's website.
Herman's Farm Orchard, St. Charles
Tomatoes, peaches, blackberries and apples are available for picking at Herman's Farm Orchard. In the fall, Herman's Farm Orchard also allows visitors to cut their own pumpkins and has a play area for children. UPick is by appointment only. Herman's Farm Orchard is located at 3663 N. Hwy 94, St. Charles, MO. Call 636-925-9969.
Thierbach Orchards, Marthasville
Pick-your-own will start with cherries and blueberries in June; the orchard offers a variety of other pick-your-own fruits throughout the season, including apples from mid-August through mid-October. Be sure to visit the orchard's website for ripening schedules. Thierbach Orchards' berry patch and peach and cherry orchard is at 15885 Orchard Lane, Marthasville, MO. The apple orchard and market is at 18427 State Hwy. 47, Marthasville, MO. Call 636-433-2299.
Thies Farm and Greenhouse, St. Charles and St. Louis
Thies Farm and Greenhouse offers a variety of pick-your-own produce, including strawberries, peaches, blackberries, raspberries and apples. Note that pick-your-own options vary by location. Availability is weather dependent. Check the Facebook page or website for up-to-date information. Thies Farm and Greenhouse is located at 4215 North Hanley Rd., St. Louis, MO; and 3200 Green Bottoms Rd., St. Charles, MO. Call 314-429-5506 for information about the North Hanley location and 636-447-2230 for the St. Charles location.
Roadside produce stands
Love the convenience of stocking up on fresh produce without a trip to the store? Drop by these roadside stands for fruits and vegetables, local honey, salsas and more (note that many are open seasonally, so call ahead and check their social media sites before heading out):
- Orlando's Produce (located at 7875 Mexico Rd., St. Peters)
- Thierbach's Market (located at 18427 State Hwy. 47, Marthasville)
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Editorial assistant Tyne Benesek contributed to this article.