An Edmonton summer isn’t complete without a trip or two to a U-pick farm to stock up on fresh, locally-grown berries, apples and veggies. There’s something very satisfying (and delicious) about handpicking your own food while supporting local businesses. Happy picking! [Image credit: iStock.com/Joel Carillet]
Prairie Gardens is a popular destination for families, with a corn maze, a play area for little ones and charming greenhouses for a complete farm experience. Picking season begins in late July. All vegetables are non-GMO. Their large selection includes sweet corn, kale, a variety of herbs, summer squash, peas, wax beans, zucchini, beets, onions and carrots. Don't forget to come back in the fall to pick up a pumpkin!
Horse Hill is an urban farm in Northeast Edmonton with 10 acres of raspberries to pick from. Open from July to late August, there are six varieties of pesticide-free raspberries to choose from including: Nova, K-81-6 (a new type of “huge” berry), Boyne, Killarney, Red Bounty and SK Red Mammoth.
Run by the Jones family, Grove Berry Patch is the place to go for Saskatoon berries, with more than 20 acres to choose from (Saskatoon berry pie, anyone?). They also offer a smaller selection of raspberries, vegetables and black currants. Call ahead to check their availability of veggies and berries. They are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. by appointment; but berry pickers are welcome to stay until dusk from July to August.
Just a short drive from St. Albert lies Sunflower Gardens, a hidden gem with plenty of berries, a playground and a charming farm store, as well as pies (fresh or frozen), jams and preserves for sale. Pick from strawberries, raspberries, Saskatoon berries and rhubarb. Seasonal vegetables include carrots, peas, beets and beans. No appointment necessary.
Located between Edmonton and Spruce Grove, this family-operated 20-acre raspberry farm offers a reliable selection of scrumptious raspberries. They grow a dozen different varieties of raspberries (which includes two golden varieties) to satisfy even the pickiest berry connoisseur. Picking season is from July to September, and they are open daily.
Thirty minutes north of Edmonton, Sprouts Farms’ picking season starts in August and ends in September. Prices are per kilogram and they also offer juicing services. Walk through their beautiful orchards and choose from a wide variety of apples unique to our colder climates and a few pears, too. You may be lucky enough to encounter a sheep or two, happily munching grass.
Just a stone’s throw from Mill Woods, The Berry Farm is a non-certified organic fruit farm. This small farm grows a variety of fruits and berries, including apples, plums, cherries, currants, honeyberries and raspberries. You can also find dried fruits and jams. Prices are by weight. Please phone to book an appointment for U-pick.
Drive about 35 minutes southwest of Edmonton and you’ll arrive at Pipestone Berry Farm, a farming oasis with row upon row of berry plants. Pipestone grows three varieties of Saskatoon berries: Martin (which are great fresh), Thiessen (great for pies and desserts) and Northline (freezes well). Pre-picked berries and sugar-free jams and jellies are also available.
Formerly called Dunvegan Gardens, this family-owned operation may be better known for their garden supplies and décor but also have a u-pick farm within Edmonton city limits. They have a variety of berries, including Saskatoon berries, cranberries, raspberries, black currants and chokecherries. Their picking season is from July to September. Be sure to call ahead to check their available selection.