Orchards Near Me
Berry Picking Near Austin: What You Need to Know
Austin is within reach of two distinct Texas berry traditions: the blackberry farms of the Hill Country and the strawberries of Poteet, the self-proclaimed Strawberry Capital of Texas, about an hour south of the city. Both seasons fall in the spring, before the Texas summer heat takes hold.
Berry Picking in the South-Central States
Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana each bring their own distinct berry tradition to the south-central region. Oklahoma has made the blackberry its official state fruit, and pick-your-own blackberry farms across the state draw enthusiastic crowds each June. Texas combines Hill Country blackberries with the strawberry farms of Poteet, the self-declared Strawberry Capital of Texas, while Louisiana's Ponchatoula strawberries are celebrated with an annual festival each April. The growing season across this region tends to run earlier than in northern states, with much of the berry harvest wrapped up before the most intense summer heat arrives.
Best Time to Go Berry Picking Near Austin
Strawberries in April around Poteet, with Hill Country blackberries ripening in May and June before summer heat arrives.
Tips for Your Austin Berry Picking Trip
Decide whether you're headed to Poteet for strawberries or the Hill Country for blackberries before you leave Austin, since the two regions are in different directions and best treated as separate trips.