School has started. The morning temps are slightly cooler. The volume of tourists is beginning to ease. It all means one thing: The summer-to-fall transition is officially here. While we aren’t quite in full harvest season yet, apple and pumpkin picking is just around the corner. If you’re a fan of pick-your-own-produce farms, we have some great ones spread throughout the greater D.C. metro area. Here’s a quick list of # farms to check out.
Green Truck Farm
Located in Markham, Virginia, Green Truck Farm has u-pick produce throughout the harvest season. The picking season usually begins in late May with strawberries, then lasts throughout the summer and into fall with blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, tomatoes, pumpkins, squash, peppers, and more. The farm posts u-pick hours and available produce on its Facebook page and https://greentruckfarms.com/.
Hollin Farms
Enjoy the scenic views from Hollin Farms, located in Delaplane, just an hour’s drive from D.C. Located in the foothills, the farm offers 40 acres, with some of the most varied u-pick fields in the area. Throughout the season, availability transitions to include berries, cherries, peaches, plums, numerous varieties of pears, apples, sunflowers, lettuces and greens, beets, tomatoes, corn, potatoes, okra, and more. There’s always something to pick, the options are impressive. Learn more at https://hollinfarms.com/.
Homestead Farm
Located in Poolesville, Maryland, midway between Washington, D.C., and Frederick, Homestead Farm has a variety of produce that lasts throughout the summer and into fall. The season opens with blueberry picking — usually around mid-June — and lasts through pumpkin season, well into fall. Throughout these months you’ll find apples, peaches, blackberries, and more. The farm is open seven days a week, rain or shine, and has a produce market in addition to its u-pick opportunities. Visit http://www.homestead-farm.net/ for a list of current hours, available produce, rates, and more.
Mackintosh Fruit Farm
Pick your own fruit, and then hang out for some music and adult beverages in the Cider Room. While it calls itself a fruit farm, its pick-your-own options also include lettuces and greens, squash, sunflowers, zinnias, and more. The on-site market offers convenient access to other fresh produce, along with eggs, locally sourced meats and cheeses, pastries, jams and jellies, and a full café menu. Happy hour happens every Friday, with live music and a cozy spot to enjoy local wines, beer, and several ciders. Check out current happenings at https://www.mackintoshfruitfarm.com/.
Shlagel Farms
South of the city in Waldorf, Maryland, you can find Shlagel Farms, a large farm with u-pick berries, farm-raised meat, fall events, and more. Pick your own strawberries season usually lasts from May into the beginning of June, but the farm’s on-site market boasts a variety of produce. Come pumpkin season, the family will love the slides and hayrides. And the rest of the year, you can find fresh Shlagel Farms products at CSAs or numerous farmers markets throughout the area. Learn more at https://shlagelfarms.com/. Can’t make it out to pick your own? You can still enjoy fresh, local produce year-round at the DMV’s famers markets. Check out this list to find one near you.
