GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The official start of summer is right around the corner which means West Michigan berry farms are busy with U-Pick season.
"It's the best time of year to have them. I mean, in the summer, you want something light to eat, and fruit is one of the light things to eat," said Todd Quick, owner of Peach Ridge Farm in Grand Rapids.
Over the past few weeks, berries across West Michigan have been growing substantially—just in time for the peak of U-Pick season at local farms.
"They can wander around, and look at everything and see how it is on the farm, and ask questions if they want to learn about how to grow. I mean, there's all kinds of activity here," said Quick.
Quick is currently growing raspberries which just went into full bloom this week. He said the recent rain and warm weather helped them ripen quickly.
"We had quite a bit of rain for a while there. It didn't quit for a long time. That was good and now it's a little bit dry. I think it's because of all the heat, and we just haven't had as cold of weather. If the rain stops that makes them ripen all the faster," said Quick.
U-Pick season became popular over the past few years and has helped many local West Michigan farmers boost their businesses. Quick's berries have been in the ground since he and his father started their business 24 years ago. He believes U-Pick season will go through July while berries last.
"Depending on the kind of berries you have, mine usually go into July, and they might go longer, but like I said, if we get a burning hot heat wave, they'll get ripe pretty fast," said Quick.
He said the best part about U-Pick season is that people get to enjoy themselves.
"I just love to see people enjoy themselves. That's the biggest part of it all. It's more fun than anybody can imagine. It's really a big part of your lifestyle," said Quick.
Strawberries are in season and ripe for the picking, blueberry farms are getting ready for July openings, raspberries are also ripe and honeyberries are wrapping up their season.
U-Pick locations and hours
Strawberries:
- DeLange's Redberry Farm, Hudsonville: Mon-Sat 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Mon, Tues & Thurs 5 to 8 p.m.
- Papa B's Produce, Allendale: Mon, Wed & Fri (call for appointment.)
- Visser Farms, Holland: Hours may vary, check social media pages for current hours.
- Krupp Farms, Comstock Park: Varies by day, check Facebook to see next availability.
- Ed Dunneback and Girls, Grand Rapids: Reservation required, register here.
- Bird Berry Farm, Belding: Mon-Sun 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., check Facebook for possible changes.
Blueberries:
- Sandy Bottom Berries, Rockford: Opens in July, check Facebook for opening day.
- Venroy Blueberries, Coopersville: Opens in July, check website for opening day.
- Crossroads Blueberry Market, West Olive: Opens in July, check Facebook for opening day.
Honeyberries:
- Treeline Berries, Grand Rapids: Tues, Thurs & Fri 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. & 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wed 5 to 8 p.m., Sat 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Raspberries:
Peach Ridge Farms, Grand Rapids: Tues 12:30 to 5 p.m., Wed & Fri 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fri 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun 12 to 3 p.m., Mon 3 to 7 p.m.
Don't see your favorite U-pick spot here? Send us a message to have it added to our list!
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