How to Pick Your Own Raspberries in Clarington, Ontario

Farms Near Clarington, ON

• 1

  Drive just 30 miles west of Clarington to arrive at Junker Farms. Junker Farms grows a variety of fruits and vegetables, and has raspberries fresh for the picking in July. The farm is open to the public for raspberry picking from June 12 to July 4, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Junker Farms is located at 4440 Garden Street N, Whitby, Ontario. The farm encourages customers to call ahead to verify picking hours and prices at: 905-655-3211.

• 2

  Pick fresh raspberries at the Pingle's Farm in Hampton, ON, just 15 miles northwest of Clarington. The Pingle's Farm offers pick-your-own raspberries in the fall and summer. The summer raspberry season starts around the beginning of July until August, and the fall season begins until around October. In addition to raspberries, Pingle's will allow you to pick strawberries, apples and pumpkins. Call ahead to verify picking hours and prices.

• 3

  Visit the Markham area, about 60 miles east of Clarington, and pick fresh raspberries at Organics Farm or Reesor Farm Barrie Hill Farm. Reesor Farm has raspberries, strawberries and pumpkins available for picking. The Reesor farm charges $2.95 per pound for collected raspberries. Call Reesor to verify prices and picking hours. Organics Farm, also located in Markham, grows raspberries organically without using pesticides. They allow customers to pick their own berries during the summer season, starting in about July. Call ahead to verify prices and picking hours.

How to Pick Raspberries

• 4

  Bring a bucket or basket to contain the raspberries. Many farms have containers available for a price. Also bring a thick pair of garden gloves to avoid the bush's stickers.

• 5

  Part the leaves on the raspberry bush with your hands to search for berries hidden in the bush. When picking, avoid brushing your feet and knees along the bush as this can damage the plant.

• 6

  Choose firm and plump raspberries. The color the berries should be either red, yellow or purple depending upon the variety. Red and purple raspberries will achieve a dark, blush color when at peak ripeness. Gently place the raspberries in the container to avoid damaging them.

• 7

  Place the picked raspberries in the shade, rather than the car or in the sun once your container is full. When you get home place the raspberries in the refrigerator for no longer than a few days since raspberries begin to spoil fast. When you are ready to eat the raspberries, wash them thoroughly with cold water.