We’ve been growing our own raspberries now for two seasons. It’s remarkable to see the fruit ripen on the plant; there is something so deliciously wholesome about the process.
Sadly, what we have growing out back doesn’t even make it into a bowl. It’s consumed (either by the chickens, who don’t seem to get this sharing is caring thing, or one of us strolling past) as it ripens, virtually off the plant.
Which serves as an incentive, now that the bug has bitten, to pilfer other people’s orchards…
PYO – Farms where you can pick your own fruit and veg
…IN THE WESTERN CAPE
Figs at Hoogwater Farm
Pick your own figs at Hoogwater Farm, near Wolseley. They often hold a ‘pick and eat’ event during the season.
When: fig season is roughly from the middle of January to mid April, depending on the variety
Where: GPS coordinates: 33″28’20.66S & 19″11’27.45E
Contact: Madri Ochse on 083 762 2803
Overnight: at accommodation in Tulbagh
Klondyke Cherry Farm
Pick several varieties of fresh cherries off the trees and stay afterwards to enjoy a picnic or braai on the farm. Remember a warm jacket as the wind can get cold.
When: cherry season is from late November through to early January
Where: on the Bo-Swaarmoed Pass Road, just beyond Ceres in the Breede River Valley
Contact: 023 312 1521
Overnight: at accommodation in Ceres
Lentelus for a bit of everything
Pick your own peaches, pears, plums and apples on this beautiful farm in the Klein Karoo near Barrydale – the old world, rural village near the Tradouws Pass. Visit the family winery, picnic or even milk a cow whilst there.
When: in season (phone to find out)
Where: on R62, 11km from Barrydale
Contact: Helena 028 572 1636
Overnight: at accommodation in Barrydale
Mooiberg Farm Stall for strawberries
Best known for their scarecrows, and incredible scenery, this farm stall has a ‘farm’ out back where they grow their own strawberries, and where you are welcome to pick your own.
When: October through to December
Where: on the R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset-West (you can’t miss them)
Contact: 021 881 3222
Overnight: at accommodation in Somerset West
Polkadraai Farm for strawberries
Fun for the whole family strawberry picking at Polkedraai just 30 minutes’ outside of Cape Town. Simply bring a hat, comfortable shoes and the anticipation of filling your bowl (they’ll supply these).
When: September to December
Where: 33° 57’ 45” S 18° 44’ 35” E
Contact: 021 881 3854 (book for groups)
Overnight: at accommodation in Stellenbosch
… IN GAUTENG
Indalo Yethu Energy for vegetables
This farm on the Glen Road does not use pesticides on their crops. You can pick carrots, onions and other vegetables.
When: any time of year
Where: 21 The Glen Road, Johannesburg
Contact: Nomhle on 083 595 5216
Overnight: anywhere in Johannesburg
Camdeboo Peach Farm
Really close to the city, Camdeboo is about 10 minutes’ away from Fourways Mall. Eat peaches straight off the trees, or food made in the café with ingredients grown on the farm. It doesn’t get better than this.
When: for peaches, last weekend in Oct to early Dec, but otherwise any time of the year
Where: Just off Witkoppen Road
Contact: 073 410 2712
Overnight: at accommodation in Fourways
The urban farm
Andy Pliska grows his own vegetables, with an emphasis on heritage and unusual vegetables, in his rather large-ish garden, and shares his bounty with his neighbours and friends. If you ask him nicely (i.e. make an appointment) he might just allow you to visit and share in the pickings.
When: December to March
Where: Westdene, Johannesburg
Contact: 074 208 6726
Upatree farm
Producing figs, pomegrantes, tomatoes, gooseberries and granadillas, Upatree invites you to come and pick figs (they have 17 different cultivars and are in the process of expanding).
When: October to late June
Where: On the R513, De Wildt Road, between Pretoria North and Brits
Contact: Adele on 071 843 8185
Overnight: at Pretoria Accommodation
… IN THE FREE STATE
Nassau Cherry Farm
A thirty year old cherry orchard is in full blossom around the 10th of September every year – a gorgeous moment to stroll through beneath the trees. Come and pick cherries from the last week in October.
When: October to end November
Where: Nassau Farm, Ficksburg
Contact: 051 933-2828
Overnight: at accommodation in Ficksburg
… IN THE NORTH WEST PROVINCE
Tangaroa for strawberries
Set at the foot of the Magliesberg close to Hartbeespoort Dam, Tangaroa farm offers fresh strawberries, a tea garden and a place to picnic (or you can pre-order a picnic from their tea room).
When: spring
Where: S46 on the R560, Skeerpoort
Contact: 012 207 1116
Overnight: at accommodation in Magaliesberg
… IN KWAZULU-NATAL
Cane Cutter’s Resort
Pick litchis at Sheffield Beach near Ballito, usually around 16th December as soon as the litchis are ripe. Head out with the family and enjoy a tractor trip through the orchard and Aquelle litchi water.
When: December
Where: Sheffield beach, near Ballito
Contact: 032 947 0851
Overnight: at accommodation in Ballito
Comments are closed