North Carolina’s “you-pick” season begins with strawberry picking in mid-April through early June. Other “you-pick” farms include blueberries, peaches, apples, muscadines, and pears.
COVID-19 and the important ‘stay-at-home’ orders is presenting a new set of challenges for family farmers who otherwise deal with things like the weather, plant growth, pests, and the normal growing season pains. Our country’s health depends on all of us to think outside the box. Whether you're home schooling or zooming to virtual orders and curbside orders, all to continue supporting each other and many small businesses and farmers who depend on, and enjoy, spending time with their customers.
Our family has been offering pick-your-own since 2008, and our muscadines and pears are thriving this year. We are following the advice of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and our Governor to continue to encourage staying at home. We do not know what September’s harvest season will look like right now. We know we will have fresh produce to sell. Our good agricultural practices have always encouraged our customers to use our handwashing stations before going to pick their own produce. More importantly, we plan on meeting the state’s and CDC guidelines for sanitation, food safety, and also social distancing if it is still needed in the fall.
This year we hope to offer pre-order sales of muscadines and pears, for a Saturday or Sunday curbside pickup. A nice drive to the country, while keeping your family safe, may be our best option. Please continue to support family farms! Thank you.