Despite having family in Brentwood for over a decade and visiting regularly, it wasn’t until this year that we explored the renowned U-Pick farms of this vibrant area. What a delightful discovery it was! I learned so much!
There’s something profoundly special about leaving our coastal town behind to connect with the land that nourishes us. This visit has blossomed into a new tradition for us, one that bridges my personal history with the present. My grandfather, a lifelong farmer in Northern California, now enjoys his retirement on a guava farm in Mexico. Growing up, I truly did not appreciate fully nor understand the process and patience involved to grow food.
Now, older, and after visiting these farms and also starting the process of learning to grow on my own, I’ve come to truly appreciate more the care and love that goes into every fruit and vegetable grown.
Our U-Pick Adventure
During my journey, I learned about the specific challenges in growing all these fruit trees. Here is what really stood out to me about all the fruits we picked:
- Mulberries – Mulberry trees begin to produce fruit about 10 years after planting from seed, though they might start earlier if grown from cuttings or purchased as saplings. They require consistent pruning and care to remain healthy and productive for the decades they can bear fruit.
- Strawberries – Typically treated as annuals in commercial production, strawberries are replanted each year and start bearing fruit 4-6 weeks after planting. They require specific conditions, including well-drained soil and meticulous water management, to prevent diseases. Regular maintenance such as mulching and weeding is crucial, and they are highly sensitive to temperature changes, which can significantly impact yield.
- Cherries – Cherry trees take about 3 to 7 years to begin producing fruit. They need expert pruning to balance growth with fruit production. Cherries are especially vulnerable to weather; spring frosts can wipe out an entire crop, and rain close to harvest can cause the fruit to split, making them unsellable.
- White Peaches – White peach trees generally start to fruit within 3 to 4 years after planting. The care required is extensive due to their susceptibility to diseases like peach leaf curl and pests such as the peach borer. The need for precise timing in watering and pruning to prevent diseases makes it particularly challenging to maintain these trees under purely organic and natural farming practices. Late frosts can also severely impact bloom viability and fruit production.
- Nectarines – Nectarines usually start producing fruit about 3 to 4 years after planting. They share many cultivation challenges with peaches, including a vulnerability to pests and diseases. The smooth skin of nectarines makes them particularly prone to skin damage and rot, requiring careful pest management. These pest challenges complicate efforts to grow nectarines using purely organic and natural methods, as more frequent interventions may be necessary to maintain fruit quality and prevent pest infestations.
Here are some specific highlights about the several farms we visited during the early season of May so far:
- 🍓 Byron Growers: This family-owned farm was a joy to visit. I handpicked strawberries from two succulent varieties, Monterey and Albion, which were both bursting with flavor. Stay tuned for a more detailed post about this farm and the rest of our visits.
- Find out more about Byron Growers on their official website at: www.byrongrowers.com.
- 🫐 Very Mulberry: The charm of this farm is undeniable, with mulberries ripe for picking. Note that weekend visits require reservations. My newfound obsession with mulberries has even inspired a dedicated menu, which you can explore here.
- Reservations for picking Mulberries can be made through Habitera Farms website here: www.verymulberry.com/u-pick/
- 🍑 Airaya U-Pick: If sweet, juicy peaches or nectarines are what you crave, this family farm is a must-visit. The peaches were some of the best I’ve ever tasted.
- Find out more about Airaya U-Pick at: https://ftp.harvestforyou.com/members/airaya-u-pick-farm/
- 🍒 G&S Growers: Known for its cherries and corn, this third-generation farm also features a grassy picnic area ideal for family outings. It was one of the highlights of our trip.
- Their website is here: Find out more about G&S Growers.
For more information and a live map of all the farms we visited, check out Harvest for You. Harvest for you has all the official information on their website for all the U-Pick farms and keep an updated list of open U-Pick farms too!
Embarking on this U-Pick adventure in Brentwood not only connected us to our food sources but also deepened our appreciation for the hardworking farmers who make it all possible. We can’t wait to make this an annual journey, continuing to discover and share the stories of these remarkable local farms.
