I always look forward to April in Northeast Florida, the mornings are still cool, the days are longer, warmer yet the humidity hasnât crept in yet. Perfect weather for exploring local farms and blueberry picking. Recently we discovered a new to us farm to pick berries at, Towers Family Farms in Palatka, Florida.
Located about one hour away from Jacksonville you will find Towers Family Farm tucked away down a dirt road, past cow fields with baby cows. The parking lot is in a large grassy field, there are plenty of spots to park but be prepared for mud from April showers and wear closed-toed shoes. After parking, youâll check-in at the farm stand and decide which berry or other seasonal fruit or veggie youâll be picking. There are different buckets depending on what you will be picking.
Towers Family Farm offers U-Pick Strawberries & Blueberries
Towers Family Farms offered both u-pick strawberries and blueberries while we were visiting. We started with blueberries as that field is a short walk away from the farm stand. The blueberry buckets provided when full holds 2.5lbs of berries. This season blueberries are $5 per pound. The blueberry fields are separated into two sections; berries for baking, which are smaller, and berries for snacking, which were large, even quarter size and so delicious.
The fields are well kept, with mature blueberry bushes planted in the ground. The bushes were full of big ripe berries low and high, perfect picking for all ages. The farm does not have much shade so make sure to wear a hat and sunscreen, and also bring bug spray and bring water.
After filling up our blueberry buckets we went and picked up strawberry picking buckets from the farmstead. The strawberry fields are located right behind the farm stand. This season strawberries are $4 per pound. Pro mom tip: when visiting a farm I always bring a cooler and a flat cake pan or similar to transport your delicious berries home safely.
Don’t Miss Blueberry U-Pick Season
The blueberry season typically starts in April and lasts for two months. Their strawberries begin harvest as early as January and can last through May. Check the Towers Family Farms Facebook page for current picking conditions and prices. Depending on seasonal availability Towers Family Farms also offers fruits and veggies. You can harvest peaches, blackberries, squash, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, hot peppers, and watermelon depending on the time of year. There were also blueberry and strawberry plants for purchase.
Towers Family Farm was a beautiful, fun morning spent with my family. Make sure to add it to your family’s spring bucket list! Before heading to the farm make sure to call or check social media for current hours and picking conditions.
Looking for more spots to pick blueberries in Jacksonville?
Jillian Gishler is a New Englander at heart. Born in Jacksonville Beach, she grew up in Massachusetts but was beckoned back to Florida by Mickey Mouse for a Disney World Internship. She returned to the beach in 2005 after graduating from Florida State. Ten years ago she opened her handmade & vintage collective shop, Sew Vicious, in Neptune Beach. Jillian raises chickens, is a passionate gardener, a DIYer, a thrift store junkie, a deal loving mama, and has several inspirational travel journals available on Amazon. She leads her daughters Girl Scout Troop, teaches sewing at a local Montessori School, and is a Parents Who Lead Alumni. She loves surprising her husband and daughters with mini-vacations around the Sunshine State.
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