8 of Louisiana's Top Pick-Your-Own Farms

While Louisiana’s farmers markets are great spots for picking up fresh, locally grown fruits and veggies, so are our pick-your-own farms — especially in the summer. 

Top Tips for Pick-Your-Own Berry Farms

• Always call the farm in advance to inquire about hours and make sure the produce is prime for picking. Some pick-your-own farms post updates on crops and farm conditions on their websites or Facebook pages. Also ask if baskets and other harvesting supplies are provided. 
• Remember, you’re visiting a farm, so dress appropriately. Wear closed-toe shoes, loose clothing and a hat. Pack your sunscreen too. 
• When you arrive, ask the owners for tips on selecting ripe fruit and how to store your bounty when you get home. They may even have some recipes to share.
• Louisiana’s farms typically offer you-pick strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. Growing seasons for these berries vary throughout the state, but April is typically prime time for strawberries, with blueberry and blackberry seasons following from May through July.

Louisiana's Top Pick-Your-Own Berry Farms

1. Cross Creek Blackberry Farm

Deep in the hickories of Catahoula Parish — Aimwell, to be exact — Cross Creek Blackberry Farm produces fresh, ripe blackberries for the picking. Their season peaks in June, and the farm welcomes families to make fun summer memories together. 

2. Indian Village Harvest Farm

Indian Village Harvest Farm in Calhoun is the only u-pick strawberry farm and commercial strawberry operation in North Louisiana. Head over to pick fresh berries and enjoy other treats like chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry ice cream, jams, jellies and other fresh produce.

3. Landry-Poché Farm

Founded in 1926, the family-run Landry-Poché Farm in Holden is in the heart of Louisiana’s strawberry farming region of Tangipahoa and Livingston parishes. Landry-Poché Farm is all about the community, hosting field trips for local students to do some berry-picking for themselves. Out-of-towners are welcome to grab a bucket as well, and wander through the fields to find some of the freshest strawberries around. Landry-Poché Farm is the proud home of the 2013 Strawberry Festival king, farm namesake Mark Landry.

4. Louisiana Herbs

Located on the historic Breston Plantation in Riverton, Louisiana Herbs grows a wide array of organic vegetation. Choose from traditional herbs, like sage, thyme and basil, or other plants like catnip, patchouli and stevia. Purchase fresh cut herbs or live plants to enhance your recipes. 

5. McCain’s Family Farm, L.L.C.

McCain's Family Farm is located in Ringgold, a small town in north Louisiana. Explore the five acres of blueberries, bucket in hand, and pick some of the plumpest you’ll ever find. The season begins in late May and continues through mid-July, a wonderful time weather-wise to visit the region. McCain’s Family Farm is open seven days a week during blueberry picking season. While you’re there, pick up fresh honey from the bees that live on the farm.

6. Mrs. Heather's Farms

At Mrs. Heather's Farms in Albany, visitors of all ages can take a walk through the strawberry patch to pick their berries. This farm is perfect for a family outing, as Mrs. Heather has more kid-friendly activities, like face and hand painting, a jumping pillow and a play area, for little ones to enjoy.

7. Ridemore Farm Horse Boarding & Berry Picking

Just a short drive from New Orleans, Ridemore Blueberry Farm in Covington offers pick-your-own blueberries, blackberries, figs and an assortment of veggies. Stay for a picnic in the shaded picnic area and visit farm animals.

8. L&E Blueberry Farm

Just outside Franklinton, head to the L&E Blueberry Farm where you’ll find long rows of spectacular blueberry bushes. Visitors are welcome to pick their own during open hours and their season begins in May.