Weekend Link Luv - U-Pick Farms

I hope to expand my garden to grow blueberries or strawberries someday but for now, I'm sticking to veggies, watermelon and pumpkin. And since I want A LOT of berries so I can make jam, pies and freeze some, I just can't pay a grocery store price.

Pick-your-own farm prices are substantially lower than grocery stores and the quality is higher since they are picked straight from the plant by you, rather than picked too early and shipped in trucks for days. They are also much less likely to be sprayed with pesticides.

I came across a site that lists u-pick farms all across the country. If you go HERE you can click on your part of the country and look up all the farms in your area. I think we're going to make a day of it and have some fun.

So here are some tips to make your berry picking experience the best.

• Call ahead to check on hours. Some farms have odd hours or unforeseen circumstances that cause closures or berry shortages.



• Go early in the morning to the get the best fruit that's ripened overnight.



• Speak to the farmer or worker to find out where the best patch is.



• Bring snacks, sunscreen, water bottles and hand wipes ( berry picking can be messy).



• Wear old clothes and shoes and bring hats to shield your face from the sun.

Have a great weekend and we'll see you in a few days for Menu Plan Monday. Don't forget to cruise the Grocery Cart Challenge archives over the weekend for some frugal tips on homemade housecleaning products, great frugal recipes and more!