Strawberry season is here and that means there’s a plentiful supply of juicy ripe strawberries ready for spring harvest right here in North County San Diego. A couple of North County strawberry farms are inviting their customers to pick their own strawberries by the bucketful right off the vine. Whether you want to go solo or bring the family along for an outing, here are a couple of options in North County for a pick your own strawberry farm adventure.

Carlsbad Strawberry Company

Located right off the 5 freeway at Cannon Rd., Carlsbad Strawberry Company is a local family owned business and mainstay of the North County community. They’ve been harvesting strawberries for over fifty years. The u-pick location on Cannon Road is close to shopping and places to eat, but there aren’t too many places to sit, save for a few hay bails. The staff is warm, friendly and knowledgeable. Typically, u-pick crops at Carlsbad Strawberry Company are ready mid-March. Because of fluctuating weather, it’s important to note that u-pick times and days may vary. Contact Carlsbad Strawberry Company for updated days for picking. Fun fact- you may have seen a man walking the Carlsbad strawberry fields and cracking a bullwhip. This is done to keep away the birds that come to eat the seeds off the strawberries when he is not around!

Open: Mid-March beginning around March 12th

Mid-March beginning around March 12th Hours: Daily 9am to 5pm

Daily 9am to 5pm Address: 1050 Cannon Rd. Carlsbad, CA

1050 Cannon Rd. Carlsbad, CA Phone: 760-603-9608

760-603-9608 Website: CarlsbadStrawberryCompany.com

CarlsbadStrawberryCompany.com Prices: $10 for small bucket, $20 for large bucket

Kenny’s Strawberry Farm

Kenny’s Strawberry Farm is a delightful little spot located on the edge of North County in Fallbrook/Rainbow area. It’s owned and operated by “Farmer Kenny” and his wife Amanda. While Kenny’s Strawberry Farm offers u-pick crops year round, strawberries are available for picking beginning in March. Kenny’s Strawberry Farm is definitely family friendly. The charm is undeniable. They have an adorable red barn, tractor, windmill and plenty of tables and chairs with umbrellas for shade. They believe in sharing their love of farming, including hydroponic farming. There’s even story time on the farm every Wednesday at 11am. You can bring a picnic lunch and enjoy all that Kenny’s Strawberry Farm has to offer. Be sure to contact Kenny’s Strawberry Farm when you plan to go or follow them on social media so you can stay up to date on the latest farm news and events.

Open: March-July

March-July Hours: Wednesday-Sun 10am-6pm (Closed Wednesday, March 8 th )

Wednesday-Sun 10am-6pm (Closed Wednesday, March 8 ) Address: 953 Rainbow Valley Blvd Fallbrook, CA 92028

953 Rainbow Valley Blvd Fallbrook, CA 92028 Phone: 951-212-5805

951-212-5805 Website: kennysstrawberryfarm.com

kennysstrawberryfarm.com Prices: $4 per pound

Tanaka Farms (Orange County)

Address: 5380 ¾ University Dr. Irvine, CA

5380 ¾ University Dr. Irvine, CA Phone: 949-653-2100

949-653-2100 Website: tanakafarms.com

tanakafarms.com Strawberry Tour, which includes a basket of berries is $18

Know Before You Go:

Before you head out to pick your own strawberries in North County for the very first time, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind.

The fields offer almost no shade, so put on sunscreen with at least 30 SPF before you arrive.

Along those lines, a hat with a wide brim may also be a good idea.

Because you will be trekking along the rows of red ripe strawberries in the fields, it’s recommended that you wear closed-toe shoes for strawberry picking.

There may or may not be a hand washing station or bathrooms, so tucking some hand sanitizer or wipes in a bag is probably a good idea.

If you don’t like the idea of using a port-a-potty, you may want to use the restroom before your go strawberry picking.

Fun Facts About Strawberries

Many assume strawberries are a citrus fruit, but they are actually a part of the rose family, along with apples, cherries, peaches, apricots and even almonds.

Strawberries are a low sugar, low carbohydrate fruit.

California grows 88% of the strawberries in the United States.

The average strawberry has 200 seeds on its surface.

One cup of strawberries provides 140% Vitamin C.

*Strawberry facts via The California Strawberry Commission

Photo Credits: Kenny’s Strawberry Farm