Yesterday was a cloudy, overcast day, so it was perfect for heading out to the blueberry fields.  We headed over the the local farmer's market to pick up our pails.  We were directed to the berry field down the road, around the corner, down a dirt road, through apple tree field, and past a pond.  Around the next corner there stood the berry patch, under heavy netting to keep out hungry birds and other critters.  We spent about an hour picking and managed to gather about five pounds of berries.  I bet double that amount ended up in my kids bellies - enough antioxidants for a year!  Needless to say, you know what color came out the other end - hee hee! ;)

We found a tiny hidden treasure

We were lucky enough to find additional hidden treasure in the field.  We came across a tiny nest which might have been used by a hummingbird or finch.

If you would like to venture over to your local farm to do some berry picking, here are some tips:



Supplies You Will Need

• Sturdy shoes to protect feet and that are good for walking
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Clothing appropriate for the weather and activity
• Sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Water

What to Do

•  Do a Web search to find your local farms and determine which ones offer picking and what is in season- strawberries, blueberries, peaches and apples are the most popular in our area.
• Teach your children which fruits are ripe and acceptable to pick.
• Allow them to taste the fruit (if it's organic).
• Set a time limit or weight limit so you don't pick more than you can use.

The Challenge

• Who can find sweet, ripe fruit?
• Who can think of animals that would like to eat the fruit?
• Who can identify fruit that is unripe or overripe?

Great Ideas

• Explain how fruit is formed, how it starts from seed and what a plant, bush or tree depends on to grow the fruit we eat.
• Discuss how the food does not come from a grocery store, that is has its origins here at the farm.
• Talk about pollination and the types of pollinators.
• Explain how humans used to hunt for and gather their food, then how farms began and how and why people go to grocery stores to buy food.
• Discuss the food chain.

Additional Tips

• Give each child a container to put their picked fruit in to prevent bickering.
• Remember to be respectful of the bush, plant or tree and explain that you only pick the fruit.
• Try not to be wasteful and only pick what is ripe and the amount you need.
• If you find critters or items such as nests, it's ok to observe but leave them where they are.

Safety Tips

• Watch out for poisonous plants.
• Before eating the fruit, inquire whether it has been sprayed with pesticide.
• Never walk barefoot, you never know what is in the thick grass of the picking field.
• Always know what you are picking!  Other plants may find the picking fields make a good home, but don't pick any berries or fruit they produce.
• Never venture away from the picking fields.  It is easy to get lost.

Benefits to Your Children
Encourages exercise, relaxation, exploration and awareness of ones surroundings.  Provides the opportunity for lessons on the food chain, agriculture and  horticulture and stimulates appreciation for what nature provides.

Helpful Links

• Learn more blueberries at The World's Heathiest Foods - This reference site is a favorite of mine.
• Pick Your Own provides helpful information on where to pick your own food.
• Read Blueberries for Sal to help you teach your kids that blueberries don't grow in the grocery store.