You Pick and PrePicked Blackberries

Family picking blackberries at Bolin Grove Farms
U-Pick Price $10.00 / quart 2025 Season
Already Picked $12.00 / quart Call ahead to confirm availability
Pick Hours Mon–Fri 8am–5pm
Sat 8am–6pm
Sun 1pm–5pm Late June through August

YOU PICK AND PRE-PICKED BLACKBERRIES

Fresh blackberries in a bowl at Bolin Grove Farms

If you grew up in Mississippi you may well remember the thrill of picking fresh, wild blackberries. Here at Bolin Grove Farms, we offer the thornless Arkansas Travelers variety — ripe, juicy blackberries that will immediately remind you of those good times.

Our warm, sunny summers provide the absolute best growing environment for blackberries. By mid-June our rows are already producing bushels of sweet, tasty berries that are full of vitamin C, promote good digestive and bone health, and contain cholesterol-lowering pectin. Eat them straight, spread them on cereal, make jam, or top some vanilla ice cream — the possibilities are endless.

There is nothing more delicious than fresh blackberries in the summer! Load up the car and come see us. Blackberry picking is a perfect activity for all ages — our bushes run 5 to 7 feet tall, so both children and adults can participate and enjoy.

Call before coming to check picking conditions and availability:
(901) 652-9002
We recommend morning visits — cooler temps make picking easier. Pack a lunch, we have picnic tables and grassy areas!

YOUR OPTIONS

Pre-picked blackberries by the pint

READY-PICKED BLACKBERRIES

No time to pick your own? No worries — we have you covered with fresh ready-picked blackberries available during u-pick hours.

We do tend to sell out, so call or text ahead if you need berries for a specific date.

(901) 652-9002

Family picking blackberries on the row

PICK-YOUR-OWN BLACKBERRIES

We look forward to seeing you for another great blackberry picking season! Check our social media and website for updates on opening day — berries are usually ready by early July.

  • All varieties are THORNLESS — no worries about kids getting pricked
  • Our unique trellis system keeps berries off the ground and growing on one side of the cane — no bending over to pick
  • Buckets are provided — no need to bring your own
  • No pets allowed in the picking area for health and food safety reasons

PREPARING FOR YOUR FARM VISIT

Keep in mind that you are visiting a working farm, not a park. You may need to walk to the picking field, and the ground may be wet and muddy even on sunny days. It is easy to get carried away and pick far more than you planned — come prepared.

  • Dress comfortably with good walking shoes that may get dirty
  • Consider the weather and how long you want to spend picking
  • Gather your containers and plan how much produce you want to bring home
  • Have a plan for your harvest: freeze, can, jam, share, or eat fresh

BLACKBERRY PICKING TIPS

Finding a Ripe Berry

A ripe blackberry is a deep, dull black with a plump, full feel. It will pull free from the plant with only a slight tug. If you have to pull hard, it is not ready.

  • Pick only berries with a fully black color and a brown leafy cap
  • Red or purple berries are not ripe — leave them for another day
  • Berries will not ripen further after being picked
  • Look deep within the canes — the best berries are often tucked inside

How to Pick

  • Gently place berries into a shallow container — do not pack or overfill
  • Keep picked berries out of direct sunlight as much as possible
  • Move harvested berries to a cool, shaded area until you can refrigerate them
  • A gallon typically takes 20 to 30 minutes to pick, depending on the season
Ripe blackberries ready to pick at Bolin Grove Farms Blackberry ice cream made with fresh Bolin Grove Farms blackberries

WHEN YOU GET HOME

Locally-sourced blackberries will stay fresh much longer than store-bought berries, which ship from long distances and are often several days old before you buy them. Handle them right and you'll get the most out of your harvest.

Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Do not wash until right before you are ready to eat or freeze — washing softens the berries and speeds up spoilage
  • Store in a shallow container in the refrigerator to avoid smashing
  • Cool the berries as soon as possible after picking — even under ideal conditions they last about a week in the fridge
  • To freeze: rinse in cool water, air dry, then spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and freeze. Once solid, transfer to freezer bags
  • Frozen blackberries keep for 6 to 8 months — perfect for baking, jams, jellies, and smoothies

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do we need to bring buckets for blackberry picking?

No — we provide all the buckets you need.

Are pets allowed in the pick-your-own patch?

No. We do not allow pets in the picking area for health and food safety reasons.

How long does it take to pick a gallon of blackberries?

It usually takes 20 to 30 minutes to pick a gallon, depending on the time of year and how plentiful the berries are.

Do you have pre-picked blackberries available?

Yes — we work hard to have fresh pre-picked blackberries available daily during the season, but we do sell out. Call ahead to confirm: (901) 652-9002.