When Is Strawberry Picking Season in New Jersey?

Strawberry picking season in New Jersey is short-lived, kicking off in late May or early June and running until the berries have all been plucked, so start planning your outings now.

Top Farms for Strawberry Picking in New Jersey

1. Battleview Orchards – Freehold

This century-old, family-run farm is known not only for its sweet strawberries but also for its delicious apple cider donuts made fresh year-round—score! There’s a $5 per person fee to go strawberry picking, which is credited toward your final purchase.​ The country store is open daily except Tuesdays.

2. Bonacorsi Family Farm – Frenchtown

This strawberry-picking farm in New Jersey has two Hunterdon County outposts, and the Frenchtown location is home to thousands of strawberry plants ripe for the picking. Note: This farm accepts cash or checks only and provides all the containers. Frequent updates are posted on the farm's Facebook page.

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Pick a handful of fresh strawberries at Alstede Farms.

3. Alstede Farms – Chester

You can easily spend an entire day at this family farm, which offers everything from strawberry picking to feeding barnyard animals. Strawberry picking starts in late May. Bookmark this page for updates.

4. Donaldson Farms – Hackettstown

During strawberry picking season, the atmosphere at this family farm is downright carnival-like, with duck races and pony rides. There’s no entry fee for the strawberry patch; fruit is charged by the pound. Pint containers and flats are available for purchase or you can bring your own container, though no paper or plastic bags are allowed.

5. Farms View – Wayne

Established in 1894, this farm is the real deal. In addition to strawberry picking for the whole family, kids can greet goats, chickens, donkeys, and a horse at the farm's barnyard. Call before you go, 973-839-1212, to confirm fields are open. There is an entrance fee and then strawberries cost $5.50/lb. 

6. Ort Farms – Long Valley

Quieter and less commercial than other NJ farms, Ort Farms still has a lot to offer, including storytimes, crafts, farm animals, a tractor playset, and a hay pyramid. Strawberry picking is expected to open in late May.

7. Peterson Farm – Flemington

Since berries grow in full sun, the farm recommends coming early in the morning to pick when temperatures are at their coolest. The farm provides strawberry picking trays and carriers, which you can re-use for a discount on your next visit. You-pick strawberries are $4/lb, and they won't allow you to pick if it is wet out. 

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Eat juicy strawberries at Johnson's Corner Farm.

8. Johnson’s Corner Farm – Medford

With a Discovery Barnyard play area that's home to go-karts, climbing rocks, splash pads, and more, your kids won’t be bored at this Burlington County farm. In May, enjoy a hayride out to the strawberry-picking fields to pluck fresh berries. Tickets are cheaper if you purchase them online.

9. Lee Turkey Farm – East Windsor

Generally, the strawberry picking season kicks off in early June with a 50-minute farm tour that includes visits to the farm’s honey bees and baby turkeys (hence the farm’s name). Once you reach the strawberry patch, there's a picking deposit required (per adult) and everyone can pick their own quart of berries. Admission for pick-your-own is $3. 

10. VonThun Farms – South Brunswick, Washington

Going strong for five generations, this strawberry-picking farm in New Jersey's Middlesex County offers good, old-fashioned farm fun. No pets; cash is preferred. Check the website for its seasonal events, like the annual Strawberry Festival.

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Get red, delicious berries at Melick's Town Farm. 

11. Melick’s Town Farm – Oldwick

Home to one of NJ’s largest apple orchards, the Oldwick Farm Market location is also a sweet spot for strawberry picking in New Jersey. Don’t leave without walking through the market, where you’ll find lots of fresh fruits and veggies, homemade jams and jellies, baked goods, and the farm’s apple wine. In past years, reservations were required, with slots opening at 4pm the day before your visit.

12. Phillips Farm – Milford

If you want an old-fashioned, straightforward, strawberry-picking experience, check out this farm situated along the Delaware River. Perfect for berry lovers, it has strawberries now. Return later in the season to harvest blueberries, blackberries, and red and black raspberries. The farm is closed for picking on Tuesdays.

13. Snyder’s Farm – Somerset

Scarlett strawberries, developed by the NJ Agricultural Experiment Station, are grown for picking at this farm, which is open on weekends only, 9am-4pm. There is a $5 field fee but children under 2 are FREE! You can enjoy a wagon ride to the fields. Snyder's only accepts cash.

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Enjoy the strawberry fields at Stony Hill Farms.

14. Stony Hill Farms – Chester

You may forget to pick strawberries at this farm because there are so many other fun activities available. Admission to the picking field also includes access to the rope maze, tile maze, barnyard board game, and trike rides, perfect for little ones. Reservations are required, and it is strongly recommended to call before visiting, 908-879-2908, to check for closures.

15. Sussex County Strawberry Farm – Newton

Looking for an idyllic place to pick your own fruit? Look no further. As its name implies, this farm is serious about strawberries. Owned by two families who have been working the fields for more than 30 years, it’s a strawberry picking dream! Call 973-579-5055 to confirm the hours before your visit.

16. Wemrock Orchards – Freehold

You'll find this farm’s secluded strawberry patch nestled at the end of a dirt road that runs through a forest. There’s no entrance fee; simply pay per pound for whatever you pick. Stop by the ice cream parlor, store, or cafe before you go. Call 732-431-2688 to confirm crop availability before you visit.

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Strawberry picking is a family affair at Terhune Orchards.

17. Terhune Orchards – Princeton

The strawberry picking patches at Terhune Orchards span 2 acres, and the beds are raised, which makes picking easier. After you’ve had your strawberry fill, there are still plenty of family-friendly things to do. While kids enjoy the farm animals, trails, and hayrides, parents can check out the farm store and winery, including a brand-new sangria! Bookmark the website for updates on availability.

18. Wightman Farms – Morristown

This farm has been around for 100 years! Strawberry picking season starts in June and other PYO crops vary by season. Keep an eye out for the fall festival in September as well.

Strawberry Festivals in New Jersey

West Cape May Strawberry Festival – West Cape May

Saturday, June 3, 2023 (rain date June 4th) 
This fun-filled festival is held in Borough's Backyard Park in West Cape May and features Jersey fresh strawberries (of course), strawberry shortcakes, craft vendors, food, and more. Parking and admission are FREE.

VonThun Farms Strawberry Festival – South Brunswick, Washington

Saturday, June 3-4 at South Brunswick location and June 10-11 in Washington 
Beyond strawberry picking, this festive weekend includes an activity area complete with hayrides, face painting, and pony rides. Enjoy fresh, homemade, strawberry goodies from the farm market.

Ort Farms Berries and Brews – Long Valley

Saturday, June 17-18, 2023
Head out to Ort Farm for a day of strawberry picking and fun, served up with a side of craft beers for the adults. 

Turn your beautiful berries into a bountiful selection of jams.

Tips for Strawberry Picking in New Jersey

• Always call ahead. Strawberry picking schedules are weather-dependent, and fields frequently close to allow berries to ripen—or if they’re picked out. It’s best to know before you go.
• Check out the farm's social media: In addition to websites, most of these farms have Facebook and Instagram pages, which are frequently updated with crop availability.
• Leave your pets at home. Most farms do not allow pets; some allow service animals (this does not include emotional support animals). Call or check out their website before you go.
• Bring cash. A majority of these farms don't accept credit cards. Come prepared with a few paper bills to avoid disappointment at checkout.
• Have a plan B. Visit the farm’s website to see what activities are offered, and also research the local area for events, playgrounds, or restaurants in case you want to hang out and refuel after a day of picking.
• Don’t overbuy—or under-buy. Plan and figure out how much fruit you will use now and how much you want to freeze later. But keep in mind NJ's strawberry season is short, so you may not have a chance to return to a farm before the berries are gone.

Photos courtesy of the orchards