Pick-Your-Own Farms in Massachusetts: Local Berries, Apples, Pumpkins & Pesticide Questions to Ask

We are incredibly lucky to have so many wonderful pick-your-own farms here in Massachusetts. From strawberries and blueberries in the summer to apples and pumpkins in the fall, visiting a local farm is a simple way to enjoy fresh seasonal food, spend time outdoors, and support the growers in our community.

Because we care about how our food is grown, we reached out to several local farms to learn more about their pesticide practices and whether they use Integrated Pest Management, also known as IPM. Below, you’ll find a helpful guide to local pick-your-own farms, what’s typically in season, and more.

Why Pick Your Own?

Picking your own fruits and vegetables is about more than just bringing home fresh produce. It is a way to connect with your food, your community, and the season you are in.

A trip to a local farm can offer:

• Fresh, seasonal produce picked at its peak

• Time outside in the sunshine and fresh air

• A fun activity for families, couples, or friends

• A way to support local farmers and small businesses

• A deeper appreciation for where our food comes from

• Inspiration to cook, bake, freeze, or preserve what is in season

  
  

There is something special about walking through rows of berries or apple trees and choosing the food you will bring home. It slows us down, gets us outside, and reminds us that food does not just come from a grocery store shelf.

What’s Typically in Season?

Every year is a little different depending on the weather, so it is always best to check with the farm before heading out. Many farms update their websites, Facebook pages, or voicemail messages with what is currently available for picking.

Here is a general guide for Massachusetts pick-your-own crops:

Crop	Approximate Season in MA
Strawberries	June
Cherries	Late June to July
Blueberries	July to August
Raspberries	Summer into Early Fall
Blackberries	Mid to Late Summer
Peaches/Nectarines	Mid-August to September
Apples	Late August to November
Pumpkins	September to November

A Note About Pesticides and IPM

We are always trying to be mindful about how our food is grown, which is why we wanted to ask local farms about their practices.

IPM stands for Integrated Pest Management. In simple terms, IPM is a more thoughtful approach to pest control. Instead of automatically spraying, farms using IPM practices pay close attention to pest activity, weather, crop health, and other growing conditions. The goal is to prevent problems when possible and use the least risky option that will still protect the crop.

This may include things like monitoring pest levels, encouraging beneficial insects, rotating crops, choosing disease-resistant varieties, using traps, or applying targeted treatments only when needed.

It is important to know that IPM is not the same thing as organic. A farm can use IPM and still use some conventional sprays. Organic farms may also use pest-control methods, but they are limited to products approved for organic growing.

Local Pick-Your-Own Farms

We reached out to several local farms to ask about their pesticide use and whether they use IPM practices. The farms that responded are included in the attached PDF below, along with their answers and links to their websites.

Please remember that growing practices, crop availability, and picking schedules can change from year to year. We always recommend visiting websites and/or contacting the farm directly before visiting if you have specific questions about pesticide use, organic practices, or what is currently available.

Farm	Location	PYO Crops	Website
Douglas Orchard & Farm	Douglas, MA	Blueberries Raspberries Apples	Douglas Orchard & Farm
Hollis Hills Farm	Fitchburg, MA	Apples Blackberries Blueberries Peaches Pumpkins Raspberries Strawberries	Hollis Hills Farm
Nourse Farm	Westborough, MA	Black Raspberries Blueberries Pumpkins Raspberries Red Currants Strawberries	Nourse Farm
Red Apple Farm	Phillipston, MA	Apples Blueberries Peaches Pears Potatoes Pumpkins Raspberries	Red Apple Farm
Sawyer’s Farm	Hubbardston, MA	Blueberries	Sawyer's Farm
Sunburst Blueberry Farm	Uxbridge, MA	Blueberries	Sunburst
Tougas Family Farm	Northborough, MA	Apples Blackberries Blueberries Cherries Peaches & Nectarines Pumpkins Strawberries	Tougas Family Farm

We hope this guide helps you feel more informed, more connected, and more inspired to visit a local farm this year.

Check out the attached PDF for local pick-your-own farms, their websites, and the responses we received about pesticide use and IPM practices. Then grab your basket, check what is in season, and enjoy a day at the farm!

Pick-Your-Own Farms.pdf

Download PDF • 4.34MB