Local farms offer pick-your-own-fruit

Apples
September-October
n T.S. Smith and Sons
Bridgeville (302) 337-8271
n Fifer Orchards
Camden (302) 697-2141
Color depends on the variety, clean, free of bruising

Blueberries
July-August
n Parson’s Farm Produce
Dagsboro (302) 732-3336
n Fifer Orchards
Camden (302) 697-2141
Stay clear of reddish hues, dark blue color with filmy grey, will fall off the bush easily when ready

Nectarines
August
n Bennett Orchards
Frankford (302)732-3358
Smooth skin, firm to the touch, but not rock-hard
Peaches
Mid-July-August
n Bennett Orchards
Frankford (302) 732-3358
n Fifer Orchards
(July 12 and 19 only)
Camden (302) 697-2141
n T.S. Smith and Sons
Bridgeville
(302) 337-8271
Deep yellow background color, yield slightly to pressure

Tips for picking your own fruits:
n Always call ahead to make sure there is an adequate crop and picking conditions are right.
n Wear a hat and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
n Bring cardboard boxes or storage bins to help move your load from you car to your home.
n Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the hottest temperatures.
n Don’t be afraid to go for a walk. Bushes, trees and vines closest to pathways tend to get picked clean first.