I just picked 3 gallons of glorious blueberries!

First, the bad news: I called Falls Blueberry Farm in Maryville yesterday and they said that would be their last day. Say it isn't so?! There were just no more berries on the trees. I went the same time last year and they were dripping with berries; last year they had them well into August; so I was VERY disappointed. Between trips, camps, and VBS, we haven't had a single day to get there til now.

Second, the good news: I had heard the Blueberry Hill Farm in Norris was great. The answering machine said they were open for picking every day, sun up to sun down and they should have berries til the end of August. This farm was actually closer to me; so I piled all three kids in the car and off we went.

I was delighted to see they had PLENTY of blueberries and they were delicious! And I had the added surprise to see a friend had brought her kids there too. So we got to pick and visit at the same time. In an hour and a half, we had filled 3 gallons. I would have kept picking but the kids were done. The berries seemed nice and plump after yesterday's rain, but I did get soaked by the drops falling off the leaves. We all cooled off in the creek near Norris Lake not far away.

I am pleased with my berries, but their pricing is much higher than in Maryville. $16 a gallon--cash only (more than twice what I paid last year). I respect that they work on the honor system. You put your money in an envelope and slip it between two slats in a barn! Despite paying more, it's still much cheaper than any market's sale, they don't spray pesticides on the berries, I'm supporting local agriculture, and I've ensured I should have enough fresh berries to get me through to next summer. Very happy! Sorry I have no good pictures; I was too busy harvesting blueberries! ;-)

Details:

Blueberry Hill Farm

Brian & BJ Baxter, owner/operator

101 Reservoir Rd

Norris, TN 37828 (Anderson County)

Phone: (865) 494-7903

E-mail: info@tnblueberries.com

Web: http://www.tnblueberries.com

Is it time to pick blueberries? Maybe not!

After our super blueberry picking experience last year at Bob and Maxine Falls Blueberry Farm in Maryville, I've been eagerly planning our return.

So I called them a few days ago and they gave me the scoop. They officially opened this past Thursday, but they hope to have berries in season for 6 weeks (to mid August). But before you rush off to harvest, consider this. They said the berries right now are pretty tart, great for pies, not as good for just eating. They advised waiting 2-4 weeks for the sweetest berries and biggest crops (mid to late July). They get sweeter in the season, they advised.

So head that way now if you must, but I'd suggest waiting. I will be. Here is all the information, which I confirmed:

Maxine and Bob Falls Blueberry Farm
111 Harmon Rd. Maryville, Tn 37804
(865) 982-3457
Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday 6:30am-8:30pm.
1.25/lb when you pick them yourself and 2.50/lb if you just stop in to purchase them. They also have a few baked goods.
They're located about 10 minutes beyond McGhee Tyson Airport.

Will you be going to a different blueberry farm? Have you picked berries yet? How are the berries at the Fruit and Berry Patch?