Everything you need to know about Picking!
1. What time is picking open?
In Summer, the first wagon goes out at 8am. After Labor Day, the first wagon starts at 9am. The last wagon leaves at 5:30pm and returns to the market around 6:15. The market closes at 7pm. When there is no fruit to be picked, we don't run wagons.
2. How does it worK?
Start by getting a picking container from the counter out front or at the cashier in the market. Then enter the wagon line. Ride the wagon out to pick. When you return, have your fruit weighed. Then pay for your fruit in the market. On fall weekends, pick your own operates from the red barn at the top of the hill.
3. Do I have to purchase a container or can i bring my own?
We have containers for you to purchase. Containers $1-$2 depending on the fruit. You can bring your own container(except apples & peaches). Make sure you have them weighed and marked before picking, otherwise, you'll have to pay for the weight of the container. For apples and peaches we provide a picking bag and you are only allowed to pick in our bags.
4. do i have to ride the wagon?
Yes, you have to ride the wagon. We don't allow people to walk out. We do make exceptions handicap patrons with limited mobility. Check with the cashier in the market to make arrangements for mobility purposes.
5. can i bring my dog or other pet to the farm?
We do not allow pets into the orchards. Good agricultural practices in Michigan prohibit pets in crop growing areas. Please keep your pet in the parking lot area. We do allow service animals. We will ask if the animal is required for a disability and what service it is trained to perform.
6.what about the weather?
If it is raining, picking may close. If it is forecasted to rain all day, we may not open picking for the day. Once it rains, we often close picking for the remainder of the day. It takes several hours for the trees, grass, bushes, etc to dry off enough for comfortable picking. Some fruits are susceptible to mold if picked while wet. Please know that it is not an easy decision to close picking, and we do so because we want to provide the best possible experience and highest quality fruit.
7. How should we dress for picking?
Be prepared for outdoor open field conditions. It's a good idea to pack some sunscreen and bug spray. You should wear tennis shoes with closed toes as you may encounter variable walking terrain. This is especially true when picking pumpkins or entering the corn maze. Uneven ground and/or holes created by animals can happen in a natural environment. You should also consider long pants. Anything found in Michigan's natural environment could be encountered on our farm.
8. Can i take my stroller on the wagon?
Yes, we do our best to accommodate strollers and wagons. We do often search strollers and wagons after picking because this is a common method for theft. If you are taking a baby bag or backpack in the orchard, we may ask you to open it after picking.