Black Berries are growing plants, subject to the whims of Mother Nature. To be sure crops are ready to pick, please watch for our announcements on the top of our FaceBook page -

 

https://www.facebook.com/BarnYard-Berries-U-PICK-Black-Berries-289246698229686/

For our  status, or call us at 615-428-4049.

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We welcome U-Pickers to our farm! The berry picking at Barn Yard Berries is first-come, first-served. We will show you an area to pick berries.

Always call or e-mail ahead to verify hours, picking conditions and availability before making a trip to a farm. If berry picking is a family outing, it’s a good idea to bring something to drink, snacks, hats and sunscreen. Insect repellent might be good to bring along if weather has been rainy.

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Farm Rules

1. Do not climb on fences or trees

2. Do not enter barn or building

3. We always welcome small children on our farm to participate in the experience of picking their own fruits and vegetables. We do have honey bees. So we ask that you keep your children with you, and keep an eye on them at all times.

4. Walk in the mowed walkway rows

5. Stay within the directed area

6. Watch your step

7. Sunscreen and a hat for your protection from the sun

8. We provide containers at the fields, so there is no need to bring anything except your enthusiasm!

9. Bring the whole family to the farm for an old fashioned experience - pick your own fresh berries right off the plant!

Don't forget your camera to capture priceless photos of your children

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We WILL NOT allow our plants to be damaged by U-Pickers. Whether it is breaking the vines or cutting so the berries can be reached easier, we will ask you to leave immediately if we see you damaging our plants in this way.

 

Tips on How to Pick Blackberries

A ripe blackberry is deep black with a plump, full feel. It will pull free from the plant with only a slight tug. If the berry is red or purple, it’s not ripe yet.

Don’t overfill your containers or try to pack the berries down.

General Picking Tips

Pick only the berries that are fully black. Reach in between the stems to grab for hidden berries ready for harvest. Bend down and look up into the plant and you’ll find loads of berries that other people missed!

Avoid placing the picked berries in the sunlight any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the car trunk or on the car seat. Cool them as soon as possible after picking. Blackberries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week, depending upon the initial quality of the berry. After a few days in storage, however, the fruit loses its bright color and fresh flavor and tends to shrivel.

When you get home

DON’T wash the berries until you are ready to use them. Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.

Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting berries

Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash off the others and freeze them up! (Unless you’re going to make jam right away) Blackberries are less perishable than blueberries or strawberries, but refrigerate them as soon as possible after picking. Temperatures between 34 F and 38 F are best.

Even under ideal conditions blackberries will only keep for a week in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible after purchase or freeze them for future use.