Strawberry season in New Jersey is usually at its peak from June 1 through June 10, sometimes lingering a bit longer before blueberries and blackberries take the stag. Which means you still have time to squeeze in this activity this year—even with some Covid-19 restrictions still in place.
Once you get your timing and masks in order—and everywhere on the following list requires masks—you can visit one of New Jersey’s many pick-your-own strawberry spot and come home with a couple quarts of strawberries. Just make sure to call ahead, as many require reservations in advance.
*Many of the farms listed (and not listed) are cash-only, so call ahead, or bring both debit card and cash, just in case. You are not permitted to bring reusable containers; farms provide containers on-site.
NORTH JERSEY
Ort Farms in Long Valley
Ort Farms in Long Valley is upping the pick-your-own ante with a story. Their “Pick and Play Storytime” is a ticketed event because space is limited—families and groups are assigned space in strawberry rows—already sold out. But they are open for pick-your-own strawberries, which does not require tickets in advance. Everyone is welcome to pick strawberries out in their fields. Ort Farms, 25 Bartley Road, Long Valley; 908-876-3351
CENTRAL JERSEY
Snyder’s Farm in Somerset
Snyder’s Farm opened up their pick-your-own as of May 30, with picking open from 9am–4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Per the event listing on Snyder’s Facebook page, you have to wear a mask to get onto the field itself (where they’ll give you a pump of hand sanitizer). They’ll provide you with containers and ask—very reasonably—that you not eat strawberries as you pick. But the price is right: $2 per adult, kids free, and only $5 per pound. They’re also doing curbside pick-up, FYI (call ahead to order). And their season, they say, goes through mid-June, so you have time to look up recipes. Snyder’s Farm, 586 South Middlebush Road, Somerset; 732-496-0441
Battleview Orchards in Freehold
Battleview Orchards in Freehold is open for picking (and it’s a great time to stop by; as of the weekend of May 30th, long lovely rows of strawberries pretty much just reached peak ripeness). They just ask that you come in groups of four or fewer and are prepared to practice social distancing and wear a mask. Picking is open from 9am to 12pm daily, though they ask you check their social media for daily updates (pick-your-own updates are posted after 4pm). Battleview Orchards, 91 Wemrock Road, Freehold; 732-462-0756
SOUTH JERSEY
Specca Farms in Bordentown
As of May 28, Specca Farms in Bordentown opened up its pick-your-own strawberry season (already with some happy customers). There’s a hand-washing station ready for before you pick, then you’re assigned your very own numbered row and a flat of strawberries to pick by a Specca Farms farmer and you can have at it. As ever, masks and social distancing are a must (that also means keeping your kids with you at all times). But with good practices you can pick your heart out between 8:30am and 5:30pm. Specca Farms, 880 Jacksonville-Mt. Holly Road, Bordentown; 609-267-4445
Sahl’s Father Son Farm in Galloway Township
As of Friday, May 29, Sahl’s Father Son Farm is open for pick-your-own strawberries. They’re limiting strawberry hauls to two quarts per family, and you should call ahead (or check their Facebook page) to see if and when the next window for picking is open—though Saturday and Sunday are the main draw. Sahl’s Father Son Farm, 420 West Pezalozzi Street, Galloway Township; 609-965-9300
Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford
If you need to get out during a weekday—and who doesn’t—Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford is doing pick-your-own from 10am to 4pm through June 7, with ticket purchase required online. Don’t worry, it’s only $5 per person (and strawberries are $3.49 a pound). As usual they ask you to BYO-mask and practice social distancing, although they are offering wagon rides to the strawberry fields themselves (the wagons are regularly sanitized and seating is limited). If you can’t squeeze in a PYO experience, you can still do some online farm stand shopping for curbside pick-up. Johnson’s Corner Farm, 133 Church Road, Medford; 609-654-8643
If you miss strawberry season, no fear: blueberry season is also on its way and Jersey has many options (we’re a blueberry state). DiMeo Farms in Hammonton is offering pick-your-own blueberries starting after June 15 (call for an appointment); Haines Berry Farm in Pemberton is also doing socially-distanced, masked pick-your-own blueberries (call for updates on when).