Get in the Summer Spirit With Berry Picking at Ward’s Berry Farm in Massachusetts

I love to grow my own fresh produce, and every year I plant a little container garden full of my favorite fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Over the past few summers, I have also attempted to grow strawberries. Perhaps the word “grow” is an overstatement. What I actually do is buy a few mature plants from my local gardening store and hang them in baskets on my porch. While some years produce a bigger crop than others, I have found that there are never enough strawberries to go around. I always end up supplementing our supply with at least one pick-your-own trip to a local farm.

While there are tons of PYO Massachusetts farms, many also offer so much more. If you visit the right place, you can easily turn your picking adventure into a delicious day trip. Ward’s Berry Farm in Sharon is one local farm where the berries are aplenty, and the fun is never-ending. 

Fresh from the farm produce is the next best thing to growing your own (and in many cases even better), and Ward’s has lots of it to go around. Along with a thriving farm stand with every local fruit and veggie imaginable, this family-owned farm also grows a plethora of seasonal produce that you can pick yourself. Everything is so fresh and tasty that one trip here will have you planning return visits throughout the year.

Pick-your-own strawberry season runs from mid-June to early July, followed by raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry seasons. The farm also features PYO flowers, potatoes, pumpkins, peas, beans, currants, tomatoes, carrots, peaches, nectarines, and even edamame. Be sure to check Ward's website for current picking updates.

Pick until you just can’t fit one more berry into your overflowing carton, and then take time to enjoy some of the other exciting activities taking place at Ward’s. The farm’s chickens welcome visitors daily, and the children's playground is also open all week. If you visit on Saturdays and Sundays, you can also enjoy hayrides and a bounce pillow.

Be sure to pack your appetite during weekend visits, because you won't want to miss out on sampling the farm’s warm donuts (both cider and chocolate). And be sure to wash them down with a refreshing beer at Ward’s weekend beer garden. The fun also includes some fantastic live music.

Summer is prime time at Ward’s, but I suggest bookmarking their website and checking back often to keep informed of all the activities and seasonal PYO produce events taking place throughout the year. Christmastime is particularly festive at Ward’s. Not only can you purchase your tree and other holiday items on-site, but you may also get to visit with Santa himself.

Don’t leave Ward’s without making a stop at the farm store and bakery. They have even more berries, plus homemade baked goods, produce, smoothies, wraps, gourmet cheeses, ice cream, and prepared meals. And you can also pick up some gorgeous flowers at the farm's garden center. Ward's even sells strawberry plants! I just may have to snag a few during my next visit.

Have you been berry picking at Ward’s? If so, please tell us all about your experience. You can find out more about some of the best berry picking in Massachusetts at the Ward's Berry Farm website and the Ward's Berry Farm Facebook page. For even more PYO farms in Massachusetts, consider visiting Tony Andrews Farm in East Falmouth and Parlee Farms in Tyngsborough.