Late-season U-picks
Flower U-pick at North Shore Plant Company in Aquebogue
While the dog days are slowly creeping in reminding us that our favorite season is waning, let’s not forget that the North Fork’s farm fields are still robust and plentiful. From flowers to berries, visiting a farm with the family for a late-season U-pick session is an idyllic way to wind down the summer days. Here are five farms ripe for picking right now.
Blueberries at Patty’s Berries and Bunches, Mattituck
A North Fork u-pick staple and for good reason, this North Fork farm features many u-pick offerings throughout the growing season. Give it just a few days for the field to recover from recent stormy weather, then, early next week, enjoy one last crop of summer blueberries before the season wraps. No cost for admission, u-pick $9/pint. And, while you’re there, don’t skip the flower field walk followed by the farm’s own ice cream. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Patty’s Berries and Bunches is located at 410 Sound Ave., Mattituck
Flowers at North Shore Plant Company, Aquebogue
Chances are you’ve driven past this unassuming flower farm more times than you can count. Set on Main Road in Aquebogue, North Shore Plant Company not only offers plants, trees, shrubs, and more for purchase but also features a stunning flower field specifically for u-pick. Meander through unique perennials, herbs, grasses, and shrubs and snip whatever you’d like for your own 12 oz. Mason jar bouquet which includes roughly 25 stems for $15. Although this U-pick is family-friendly, children must be mature enough to use shears. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
North Shore Plant Company is located at 1018 Main Rd., Aquebogue
Blackberries, Raspberries, and Peaches at Wickham’s Fruit Farm, Cutchogue
Head to this historic fruit farm for various U-pick options currently available such as blackberries, raspberries, and peaches. Field availability and prices vary depending on the fruit, call for the most up-to-date info. After your u-pick session, stay to taste through the farm’s baked goods including their famous apple cider doughnuts. U-pick is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Wickham’s Fruit Farm is located at 28700 Main Rd., Cutchogue
Truxel Peaches at Pavel Peach Farm, Jamesport
Peaches upon peaches upon peaches! This newly opened farm is home to dozens of peach trees. Pack the kids into the car and spend an afternoon picking juicy peaches at this Jamesport orchard which is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. The cost for U-pick is $30 for three pounds. Families welcome, no reservations required.
Pavel Peach Farm is located between 1661 and 1717 Main Rd., Jamesport
Flowers at Horton’s Flower Farm, Riverhead
From toddler sensory play groups (in collaboration with Little Moments, Little Fam) to sunset u-pick sessions, Horton’s Flower Farm has become a favorite destination for flower-loving families with cheery and picturesque florals in an off-the-beaten-path setting. Open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. with sunset picking from 6 to 8 p.m. The farm provides all needed materials including scissors, Mason jars, and plant food. The cost for u-pick is $35/adult for 20 stems and $25/child for 12 stems. However, don’t miss out on the farm’s current promotion of 50% off every kid’s U-pick with the purchase of an adult U-pick on weekdays through August.
Horton’s Flower Farm is located at 712 Horton Ave., Riverhead