Get picking

Usually the precious strawberry season comes and goes and I am left to rely on my local farmers’ markets for that sweet berry goodness. (Not a bad thing.) This year however, my toddler and I traveled on opening day to fill our baskets at Organics Farm, a family-run certified organic farm north of Markham.

We picked. We tasted (the two-year-old realized this very late in the picking game thank goodness.) And returned home with enough for the family and the freezer.

TRIP TIPS:

Getting there: They are located on the northeast corner of Reesor Road (Tenth Line). (For those considering Ninth Line – it’s currently slow moving due to construction. Though good for digger watching.) Parking is free and there is some overflow parking past the main area.

Low-down: Open 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 5 pm on weekends. Busiest days are Saturdays. The pick-your-own strawberries are $4 per quart (or $3.15 per pound.) There is a $5 minimum purchase per person (kids two-and-under are free) paid upon arrival. This is deducted from your final purchase when you’re done picking.

Gear up: It’s a wide-open field, so bring sunscreen and hats. We’d recommend long pants and shoes as there are some prickly plants.

Snack time: There is a small store selling local and seasonal organic fruits and vegetables, naturally-pasture raised, hormone and anti-biotic free meats, and breads from their wood-burning oven. They sometimes cook up pizza from the oven. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and picnic on the grounds. There isn’t a lot of seating so pack a blanket.

Potty time: Two port-a-potties near parking area.

Wagon and animals: For my kid in TOw, the wagon ride to and from the fields came a very close second to the actual picking. It’s a ten-minute walk if you choose to go by foot. En route, you’ll see some bees, as well as catch a glimpse of some cows, pigs and chickens. You can also wander around to spot them but be aware of the electric fence.

DETAILS:

7550 19th Ave, Markham, ON
905.640.5206
info@organicsfarm.ca
www.facebook.com/Organics-Family-Farm
@OrganicsFarm

Looking for another location? Toronto4Kids has pulled together this list of farms in the GTA.