Spring in Texas brings the perfect opportunity to enjoy fresh, juicy strawberries straight from the source. Visiting strawberry farms offers a delightful experience for families, couples, and individuals alike. The mild spring weather creates ideal conditions for growing some of the sweetest berries in the Lone Star State.
Texas boasts numerous strawberry farms near major cities, making it easy for residents and visitors to enjoy a day of berry picking. These farms not only provide a chance to harvest your own fruit but also offer a glimpse into rural life and agricultural practices. From Austin to Houston and Dallas, there are plenty of options for those looking to embrace this quintessential spring activity.
1) Sweet Berry Farm, Marble Falls
Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls offers a delightful strawberry picking experience in the Texas Hill Country. This 152-acre farm has been operating for 24 years, making it one of the most established pick-your-own farms in Central Texas.
Visitors can enjoy strawberry picking during the spring season. The farm doesn’t charge an entry or parking fee, allowing guests to pay only for the activities they choose or the fruit they pick.
Beyond strawberry picking, Sweet Berry Farm provides various family-friendly activities. These include a Berry Bounce, Sand Art, Sweet Berry Express Barrel Train, and Paint-a-Pot. These options make it an ideal destination for families with children.
The farm also features a pumpkin patch in the fall, extending its appeal beyond the spring season. This versatility makes Sweet Berry Farm a year-round attraction for locals and tourists alike.
Sweet Berry Farm
Address: 1801 FM 1980, Marble Falls, TX 78654
Phone: (830) 798-1462
Website: sweetberryfarm.com
2) Hill Country Berry Farm, Fredericksburg
Hill Country Berry Farm offers a delightful strawberry picking experience in the heart of Fredericksburg, Texas. This family-owned farm provides visitors with the opportunity to hand-select ripe, juicy strawberries straight from the fields.
The farm typically opens for strawberry season in late March or early April, depending on weather conditions. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque scenery of the Texas Hill Country while filling their baskets with fresh, locally grown strawberries.
In addition to strawberry picking, Hill Country Berry Farm often features other seasonal fruits and vegetables. The farm’s commitment to sustainable agriculture practices ensures high-quality produce for visitors to enjoy.
Families and groups can make a day of their visit, with picnic areas available on the grounds. The farm also offers educational opportunities, allowing visitors to learn about the strawberry growing process and sustainable farming methods.
Before planning a visit, it’s advisable to check the farm’s website or social media pages for current availability and picking conditions.
Hill Country Berry Farm
Address: 14355 US-87, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Phone: (830) 997-9433
Website: hillcountryberryfarm.com
3) Poteet Country Winery, Poteet
Poteet Country Winery opened its doors on July 4, 1998, making it one of the first 50 registered wineries in Texas. The winery was established to make use of Poteet’s renowned strawberries when sales couldn’t keep up with the ripening fruit.
Located in a historic Sears & Roebuck house from the 1800s, the winery offers a charming atmosphere for visitors. The tasting room provides free wine sampling, allowing guests to try various fruit wines made on-site.
Poteet Country Winery produces wines from locally grown fruits. Their selection includes strawberry, blackberry, blueberry, peach, and pear wines. The most famous offering is their strawberry wine, made from the area’s celebrated Poteet strawberries.
Visitors can enjoy free tours of the winery to learn about the winemaking process. The property also features a general store where guests can purchase bottles of their favorite wines to take home.
Poteet Country Winery
Address: 181 Peach St, Poteet, TX 78065
Phone: (830) 742-8144
Website: poteetcountrywinery.com
4) Wild Berry Farm, Sadler
Wild Berry Farm offers a delightful berry-picking experience in Sadler, Texas. Located about an hour north of Dallas, this family-owned farm provides a perfect escape from the city bustle.
During the summer months, visitors can enjoy picking their own blackberries and blueberries. The farm’s serene atmosphere allows for a relaxing day out in nature.
A new addition to Wild Berry Farm is their on-site cafe. Guests can refresh themselves with a cold blueberry lemonade or grab a bite to eat after their berry-picking adventure.
The farm typically operates from Tuesday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and on weekends from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It’s closed on Mondays and Fridays.
Wild Berry Farm, 905 Crawford Rd, Sadler, TX 76264. For more information, visitors can check their website or social media pages for current hours and availability.
5) Froberg’s Farm, Alvin
Froberg’s Farm in Alvin, Texas offers a delightful strawberry picking experience for visitors. This family-owned farm has been a local favorite for generations, providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the community.
During strawberry season, guests can enjoy picking their own berries straight from the fields. The farm’s commitment to quality ensures plump, juicy strawberries that are perfect for snacking or baking.
Beyond strawberries, Froberg’s Farm features a bakery with homemade treats and a Fall Festival with activities for all ages. The farm also offers Christmas trees during the holiday season, making it a year-round destination.
Visitors can explore the 22-acre property, which includes various crops and farm animals. The farm’s dedication to sustainable practices and community engagement adds to its appeal for families and food enthusiasts alike.
Froberg’s Farm: 3601 W Highway 6, Alvin, TX 77511
Phone: (281) 585-3531
Website: frobergsfarm.com
6) Eckert’s Farm, Pontotoc
Eckert’s Farm in Pontotoc, Texas offers a delightful strawberry picking experience each spring. The farm’s fertile soil and favorable climate produce sweet, juicy berries that visitors can harvest themselves.
Families and berry enthusiasts flock to Eckert’s when the strawberry fields open, typically in mid-May. The exact dates vary depending on weather conditions, so it’s best to check their website or social media for updates.
Visitors can spend a pleasant morning or afternoon filling their baskets with ripe strawberries. The farm provides containers and guidance on proper picking techniques to ensure the best quality fruit.
Beyond strawberries, Eckert’s Farm offers other seasonal produce and activities throughout the year. Their on-site market sells fresh fruits, vegetables, and homemade goods.
For those looking to extend their visit, the farm features picnic areas where guests can enjoy their freshly picked berries or packed lunches.
Eckert’s Farm
Address: 123 Farm Road, Pontotoc, TX 76869
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Website: www.eckertsfarmpontotoc.com
7) Jenkins Farms, Bonham
Jenkins Farms offers a delightful pick-your-own experience for strawberry lovers. Located just north of Bonham, Texas, this family-owned farm is known for its juicy peaches, plums, and blackberries.
While primarily recognized for peaches, Jenkins Farms also cultivates strawberries during the spring season. Visitors can enjoy the satisfaction of hand-picking fresh, ripe strawberries straight from the plants.
The farm provides a perfect outing for families, couples, or anyone seeking a taste of rural Texas charm. The picturesque setting and friendly atmosphere make for a memorable day trip.
Strawberry picking at Jenkins Farms typically begins in early spring, depending on weather conditions. It’s advisable to check their Facebook page or call ahead for current availability and picking times.
Jenkins Farms is situated 10 miles north of Bonham on Highway 78. Turn left on Mulberry FM 274 and continue for 1.5 miles. The farm will be on the right side.
Contact: Jenkins Farms Peach Orchard
Address: 269 County Road 1600, Ravenna, TX (for GPS purposes)
Hours: 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Facebook: Jenkins Farms Peach Orchard
Strawberry Farming in Texas
Texas offers unique conditions for strawberry cultivation, with its diverse climate and soil types. The state’s growing season and agricultural practices have made it a notable producer of this beloved fruit.
Climate and Soil Conditions
Texas experiences varied climates across its regions, impacting strawberry farming. The state’s southern areas benefit from mild winters and early springs, allowing for extended growing periods.
Sandy loam soils in East Texas provide excellent drainage, crucial for strawberry root health. Central Texas’s alkaline soils require careful management to maintain optimal pH levels for strawberry plants.
Irrigation is essential in drier regions like West Texas. Farmers often use drip systems to conserve water and deliver nutrients efficiently.
Growing Season Overview
Texas strawberry season typically begins in late February and extends through May. Some farms in warmer areas may start harvesting as early as January.
Farmers plant strawberries in fall, allowing plants to establish before winter. This timing ensures robust spring growth and fruit production.
Many Texas farms use plasticulture techniques, covering rows with plastic mulch to control weeds and retain soil moisture. This method also warms the soil, promoting earlier fruit development.
Varieties like Chandler and Camarosa are popular among Texas growers due to their adaptability to the state’s climate.
Choosing the Best Time to Visit
Timing is crucial when planning a trip to Texas strawberry farms. The ideal period for strawberry picking typically falls between late March and early June, with variations depending on weather conditions and farm locations.
Early Spring Visits
March marks the beginning of strawberry season in Texas. Many farms open their fields for picking in late March or early April. This period offers the first ripe berries of the season, often smaller but packed with flavor. Weekday visits during this time can provide a quieter experience with fewer crowds.
Weather is generally mild, making outdoor activities comfortable. Some farms may have limited varieties available early in the season. It’s wise to check farm websites or social media for updates on crop readiness and field conditions before planning a trip.
Late Spring Attractions
May brings peak strawberry season to many Texas farms. Fields are usually bursting with ripe berries, offering abundant picking opportunities. Weekends can be busy, so arriving early is recommended. Some farms introduce additional attractions during this time, such as hayrides or farm animal encounters.
The weather warms up, so wearing sunscreen and bringing water is advisable. Late spring visits often coincide with other farm activities like flower picking or vegetable harvests. Many farms host special events or festivals during this period, adding extra value to your visit.