U-Pick Blackberry experience available for limited time at Simply Green Farms

SEBROOK, Sc. (WTOC) - Blackberry season is in full swing in the Lowcountry, and for a limited time, visitors can pick their own berries at Simply Green Farms in Beaufort County.

The Seabrook farm, owned by Roy Green, has opened its blackberry rows to the community for a short, seasonal “u-pick” experience — a family-friendly outing where guests can fill baskets with sweet (or slightly tart) berries right off the vine.

“Welcome to Simply Green Farms,” Green said. “Good to have you on our blackberry farm.”

Green said Simply Green Farms started about seven years ago, but his farming roots go back decades.

“I was a farmer about 50 years ago,” he said, noting his parents farmed for more than 50 years. “I’m second-generation farmers.”

Green said the idea to grow blackberries and invite the public out to pick them came after hearing another farmer talk about the crop.

“I said, ‘I want to try that.’ So I tried it,” he said.

He began building out the blackberry operation about three years ago, starting with his first plants and adding the infrastructure to support the rows.

How to pick the best blackberries

Green said there’s no set “right way” to start — people often spot ripe berries and pick as they go, including berries tucked beneath leaves.

He offered a few tips for choosing berries based on taste:

• Sweeter berries: Look for berries that are plump and a deep, dark purple/black.
• More tart berries: Choose berries that are still black but shinier and not fully plumped.
• Avoid red berries: Green said berries that are still red aren’t ready.

Visitors can sample while they pick, Green said, adding he does not use harsh chemicals on the fruit.

“I don’t put chemicals on it,” he said. “If I do, it’s something that’s friendly — organic-friendly.”

Green said many adults come out with large baskets and buy 10 to 15 pounds at a time to make preserves, desserts and other recipes. Blackberries also freeze well and can last nearly a year in the freezer.

Season is short — only about two more weeks left

The u-pick window won’t last long.

“We might have two more weeks left,” Green said. “Don’t wait. If you want to experience this, now is the time.”

Green said blackberry season typically lasts about a month.

When you can go

Simply Green Farms’ u-pick blackberry hours are:

• Monday through Sunday: 3–7 p.m.

Green also sells his berries and other produce at the Port Royal Farmers Market, held Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.