Pick Your Own Farms

Pick your own farms are the next best thing after growing your own fruit or vegatables. In our opinion they are a complete no brainer as the produce is as fresh as can be, you know exactly where it has come from and you pick it with your own hands.

The benefits don't just blossom in the kitchen, however. Pick your own farms are a great way to coax the whole family into the outdoors, get some exercise under your belt and even teach the kids a thing or two about their five a day; not to mention the feeling of satisfaction when you weigh in your pickings by the punnet full.

It's always a good idea to find out in advance what's in season and what the opening times are, so you can plan beforehand what you are going to do with the fruits of your labour. Remember also that it's best to pick a little too much than not enough; you can always freeze some or make more jam or chutney than you planned to.

With this in mind, be sure to stock up on jam jars and all the essential jam making equipment. I've recently added 500ml and 1000ml Mason jars to our range and they are great for big batches of jams and chutneys.

It might seem a while away yet, but take a look at the Pick Your Own Farms website for details of your nearest offerings, plan your trip early and have something to look forward to when summer comes along.