The PERFECT blueberry, found at Rouster's Berry patch!

After I created the title of this blog I felt as though I may have to clarify the “picking” category. We are NOT talking about your nose, butt or other body parts…..we are talking about BLUEBERRIES! ‘Tis the season of all blue and it will be starting this Saturday, July 2nd for the first picking of the season a.k.a. EASY!

Last year I wrote a blog post that was a how-to guide for those who are interested in picking and I’m going to post it again. This is mostly my opinion as a long-standing helper at the blueberry patch.

{What} Rouster’s Berry Patch has blueberries and thornless blackberries that are U-Pick. Literally, you (and the whole family) pick them! Don’t worry this really isn’t back-breaking hard work but you will want to get there early for the easier picking. Most bushes are right at eye-level height and picking these ripe berries with the whole family makes for a great outing. Don’t worry if your kids eat the berries while they are out in the patch….we weigh them and will just charge you as you leave, haha!  This weekend is the start of the Blueberries only, the blackberries won’t be ready just yet.

{Where} Rouster’s Berry Patch is located on State Route 131 across from the Apple House which is located at 1986 State Route 131, Milford, OH 45150. If you are coming up through Milford on 131 the Berry Patch will be on your right side. Look for the flaggers as they will direct you where to park.

{When} Rouster’s Berry Patch will have its first U-Pick weekend on July 2, 2011. Typical time you will want to get there will be by 7:30/7:45am because the patch will be open from 8am to noon. I do NOT suggest getting there by 11 if you expect to get the best berries or the “easiest-to-pick” berries.

{How} Once you get to the patch and get the family SUV parked then what?  You will want to stop in at the Berry Barn to pick up your buckets.  These white buckets will be lined with Rouster berry bags ready for you to fill.  You will want to dress ready to pick out in a patch with the possibility of getting a bit wet from the dew in the grass.  My suggestion would be an old pair of sneakers or cute golashes with a t-shirt and shorts/pants as you could go far out in the patch with some distance walking.

{Pricing} U-Pick Blueberries are $2.50 per lb and U-Pick Thornless Blackberries (when they are in season, possibly later in July) are $3.00 per lb.  Payment can be made via Cash or Check (with a valid drivers license) only.  Sorry no Credit Cards out in the country!

Look for me at the patch - I'll be the prego one in this shirt!

{Other} For some general rules or slight reminders:

~ Look for your “Berry Guide” to give you directions on which rows to pick in.  We try to keep the masses all going down specific rows to pick so that we can ensure all berries are picked well enough to grow back for the week after.  We will keep you all in one direction but there will be plenty to pick from.  Your “Berry Guides” for the season will be Me (Jesy), John, Carol, Karen, Dan and other helpful volunteers.

~ Please be friendly to your neighbor U-picker.  If you are picking on a bush and a fellow picker comes along and also picks on “your” bush, it is okay because there are plenty of berries to go around.

~ You may purchase water bottles and Cider Pops (my personal fav!) from the Berry Barn to help cool off from all the picking!

~ You may also purchase 2-year old potted blueberry plants for sale at $9.00 each or 2 for $17.50.

~ While you are picking you may also place orders for the following products:

• Michigan tart cherries
• frozen Ohio black raspberries
• Pennsylvania Peaches
• Michigan cranberries

~ Please bring your whole family minus your four-legged fury friends. Dogs even on a leash are not welcome at the patch.

~ There is a pond on the property so please keep an eye on your little ones.  We don’t let kids near the pond unless they are with a parent but it is very cool to watch all the frogs jump in the water as you get close so just make sure to hold their hand.

~ Have FUN! This has become a family tradition in the summer and we enjoy seeing you come back year after year!