Still ripe for the pickin’
Don’t miss your chance to experience the direct-from-the-field flavor of fresh blueberries. The prime season for gathering this spring favorite is rapidly coming to an end in central Florida.
In Hernando County as well as surrounding counties privately owned small farms welcome guests to come pick their own berries, as well as other fruits and vegetables. Below is a list of farms that allow visitors to gather their own produce:
•Beasley’s Farm, 10137 Preston Road, Brooksville. 352-799-6752.
•Bramble Creek Farm, 23031 Hayman Road, Brooksville. 352-796-5473.
•Brooksville Ridge Blueberries, 1172 Hancock Lake Road, Brooksville. 352-544-5859.
•Butch’s Blueberries, 5361 White Road, Brooksville. 352-238-3060 or 352-650-0756.
•Circle M Farm, 26180 Atlantis Lane, Brooksville. 813-629-0663.
•D&S Blueberry Farm, 19125 Phillips Road, Masaryktown. 352-796-1049.
•JG Ranch, 17200 Wiscon Road, Brooksville. 352-799-0556.
•Margo’s Blueberry Farm, 15056 Eckerley Drive, Brooksville. 352-232-3775.
•Patriot Acres Blueberry Farm, 3441 Treiman Boulevard, Ridge Manor. 813-843-4030.
•Spring Lake Blueberry Farm, 25688 Powell Road, Brooksville. 352-754-1700.
•Sweetfields Farm, 17250 Benes Roush, Masaryktown. 352-279-0977.
•Wanda’s Blueberry Farm, 18114 LaPorte Lane, Spring Hill. 352-238-2462.
•McCool’s Blueberry Farm, 12834 Kitten Trail, Hudson. 727-869-8219.
•Brenda’s Blueberry Farm, 12954 Hudson Ave., Hudson. 727-856-2380.
•Ergle Farm, 3325 Treiman Boulevard, Dade City. 352-346-2745.
•Owen’s Blueberry Farm, 12839 Kitten Trail, Hudson. 727-868-7249.
Call ahead for each farm’s rates and hours of operation.
•Dress comfortably.
•Wear loose-fitting clothing.
•Wear a hat or cap and bring sunscreen.
•Bring your own containers.
•If you plan to spend the day, take ice to keep berries cool.
•Select only firm, ripe berries.
•Be careful not to remove the tops of the berries.
•Make an effort to pick every ripe berry on each plant rather than jumping from plant to plant and row to row.
The growers will appreciate your consideration, and you will reduce the amount of blueberries left sitting in the field.
