The Saskatoon Picking Season is generally the first 3 weeks of July, with peak picking during a 10-day period from about July 7 to 17. Be sure to monitor our Current Farm Status page in June and July for the latest updates on this year's picking dates.
Picking seasons vary, depending on what kind of spring weather we have, and, the weather conditions during the picking season.
With average spring weather, the Saskatoons will flower around May 15th. This usually results in a "first week of July" start of the Saskatoon picking.
A cold spring, like we had in 2004, can delay saskatoon flowering and picking times by 3 weeks. In 2004 we didn't start picking until July 20th.
Generally the saskatoon peak picking is only 7 to 10 days.
A hot season will have a very short peak picking time as the fruit becomes ripe quickly. A cooler, wetter season will be a bit longer. In 2003 we had peak Saskatoon picking for about 7 days, in 2004 it was about 14 days.
| 2000| | 2001| | 2002| | 2003| | 2004| | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start| | Jul 06| | Jul 02| | Jul 15| | Jul 05| | Jul 20| |
| Peak | | Jul 15| | Jul 20| | Jul 19| | Jul 12| | Jul 28| |
| End | | Jul 20| | Jul 25| | Jul 25| | Jul 19| | Aug 02| |
The Cherry peak picking is much longer, and less subject to weather variation. Cherry picking can take place over a month or more and begins just as the saskatoons are finishing. Generally mid-to-late July, and runs for 3 to 4 weeks.
The cherry U-Pick will only open when customer demand warrants. We may have a "by-appointment-only" cherry pick if demand is low. Check the farm answering machine for cherry picking dates towards the middle of July.
We have ample parking and a Porta Potty at the edge of the picking field. We also have cold running water for washing up berry stained fingers for the drive home.
You're encouraged to bring your picnic lunch and snacks. We have a lovely shaded picnic table area available. We hope you fully enjoy your day on our farm.
A large cooler is available on the farm if you would like to store your picked berries while you spend the afternoon in the Stonewall area. For example; swimming at Quarry Park, taking the kids to bowl or play laser tag uptown, having tea at McLeod House or coffee at Timothy Beans, before heading home.
We pick and price our saskatoons and cherries by the 4 litre pail. You can bring your own pails (ice cream buckets work great) or we have some available for a small fee.
Some people find picking into a smaller container and transfering to a 4 litre pail for "check-out" works better for them. Children particularly, like to pick into a sour cream-sized container.
Current pricing will be available on our answering machine, once the picking season begins.
Our saskatoon alleys are packed dirt, to lessen the mosquito population, and are subject to rain conditions. We only stop picking in severely muddy conditions. If there has been recent precipitation, but the alleys are still passable, we will open, but you should have suitable footwear.
Our Saskatoon bushes range from 1metre/3feet tall to more than 2metres/6feet tall. There is a comfortable picking zone for almost any height.
Our cherry orchard is less groomed than our Saskatoon Orchard, for now. Ensure you have adequate leg covering and sturdy footwear for cherry picking. There is rough terrain and some weed growth in the cherry patch. We are working every year to improve on the conditions in the cherry orchard.
The best picking is always first thing in the morning, before the heat of the day sets in. On picking days, we plan to be open from 8am 'til 2pm, weather permitting. Please call ahead and check our machine, we update it every evening at 10pm during peak picking season.
The temperature out in the fields can differ from Winnipeg City temperatures by as much as 5 degrees, warmer or cooler. We can be windier out here as well.
Dress for the weather and come prepared for warmer or cooler conditions. The field could be muddy or dusty, and for sure you're going to get a squashed berry or two, so wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. Don't forget your sun protection and water bottles.
If you've never picked berries before, check out the picking tips on the Pick Your Own website.
Limited amounts of pre-picked s'toons can be arranged, but advance notice is required. We like to pick them the morning that you are going to come get them, and we do not normally pre-pick in advance.
Leave a message on our machine [467-9846] and we'll get back to you in a day or two to take your order. During the picking season we are busy outside during daylight hours so allow at least 4 days for us to get your order, fill it, and arrange for you to pick it up.
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