Here are some tips to make sure your next pick-your-own outing is berry successful!

Spring is strawberry season, and picking your own is a great family activity. Contrary to popular belief, it's not as easy as just driving to your local berry farm anymore. 

1. Find the perfect spot.

Sure, you can just Google farms near you, but pickyourown.org is an outstanding resource for finding all sorts of pick-your-own farms. You can sort by region, type of fruit, and time of year. There are quite a few ads on the website, but it is extremely user-friendly. 

2. Call ahead.

Farms are incredibly busy places and a single rainstorm can change their open hours in just a few minutes. Even if their Facebook page or website is regularly updated, most farms have pre-recorded phone messages to give you the most current updates on field conditions. There's nothing worse than driving for miles and miles, then being turned away at the gate.

A rainy forecast doesn't necessarily mean the farm is closed, but strawberries grow so close to the ground, that a muddy day isn't ideal. 

3. Pack a lunch.

Picking can be hungry business! While you may be able to find a local restaurant nearby, play it safe with a cooler full of sandwiches and beverages. If it's a hot day, have some extra cold packs and damp washcloths on hand to keep everyone happy.

4. Be careful with your berries.

Most farms provide you with cardboard pint containers or flats. Take the time to clear out the trunk of your car with a large box or storage container in which to transport your strawberries home. They're too delicate for plastic containers that could roll around, and you definitely don't want to store them in the cooler.

Strawberries are happiest at room temperature and you definitely need to protect them from bruising.

5. Make something great.

Even if you eat the majority of your berries, have at least one recipe ready for jam, strawberry pie, or sundae sauce. Firm berries that are on the sour side also make a great salad topper.

Is strawberry-picking one of your family's favorite springtime activities? Do you have any tips for first-timers? Share them with us in the comments!