Melissa (left) and David Lindner returning to the Haugen fruit stand with a haul of hand-picked raspberries on July 5, 2019.
By Maya Anderson
If you are stuck on campus this summer, this is a time to enjoy fruit and vegetable harvests. Fruit stands and farmer’s markets provide a variety of different selections, but nothing beats the fruit of your own labor. Whatcom County is home to several U-pick farms that open their doors to the community every summer.
U-pick farms allow their customers to harvest their own produce straight from the source, typically at lower prices. Taking a few friends on a short road trip and coming back with a haul of natural sweets is not a bad way to spend a day. If you are interested in going to a U-pick farm, here are some things to keep in mind:
Call ahead. Farms are occasionally closed on rainy days or run out of produce without updating their website. Calling ahead ensures the farm will have a harvest.
Go early. Picking berries in the hot sun can quickly feel like work rather than a good time. By going right when the farms open, you also get a chance to have the first pick of the day.
Bring your own buckets. Preferably ones with a handle or that can be tied around the waist or looped over the shoulder. While some farms have buckets available, they may charge for them or offer a discount if you bring your own.
Be prepared with different types of payment. Every farm has a different payment policy, and having cash, a card, or even a check ready can prevent an embarrassing situation.
[caption id="attachment_32454" align="aligncenter" width="386"]
The entrance to Haugen's Raspberry Farm alongside a small field of blueberries on July 5, 2019.[/caption]
Below are a few U-pick locations, sorted by distance from campus.
Bellingham Country Gardens
10 miles from campus
2838 E. Kelly Road
Bellingham, WA 98226
Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Offers strawberries, raspberries and a variety of vegetables
Boxx Berry Farm
13 miles from campus
6211 Northwest Road
Ferndale, WA 98248
Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m - 4 p.m.
Offers strawberries and raspberries
Haugen’s Raspberry Farm
13 miles from campus
577 E. Pole Road
Lynden, WA 98264
Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Offers raspberries
Barbie’s Berries
18 miles from campus
7655 Melody Lane
Ferndale, WA 98264
Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Offers strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries
