Top Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Farm Visits
What can I PICK TODAY?
Are Dogs Allowed?
Yes, on a leash please. Be sure your dog is comfortable with crowds and children if you are coming on a festival day. We do ask that you clean up after your pet in all areas of the farm. Dogs are not allowed into the actual strawberry field for health reasons. Thank you for having your pup wait at the side of the strawberry field while the other members of your party pick.
Do I have to pay admission if I only want to U-pick?
Yes, for a few reasons. First, access to our U-pick fields is via wagon ride which enables us to know when folks are in the field and to clear the field if weather is threatening. Second, most folks who visit our farm also visit the farm animal barnyard, Cow Pie Putt, and enjoy the 15 acre farm play area. A full day of fun on the farm is less than a 90 minute movie ticket! Guests are welcome to shop in the Farm Market for fresh produce (available from late May-October) and other items without paying admission.
Do I have to ride the wagon to U-pick?
Yes. This helps us guide guests to the proper picking locations and move guests out of the fields quickly and safely in the event of a sudden storm. Our wagon drivers are a wealth of information and support. The wagon runs regularly throughout the day.
What time are the wagon rides?
Wagon rides take guests to and from the fields, so plan for some extra time to sit back and enjoy the ride. The wagon runs regularly throughout the day. The first wagon typically goes out at 9:15am and the last wagon goes out at 4pm so you have time to pick prior to our 5pm close. PLEASE arrive by 3:30pm so you have time to check in, visit the restrooms and hop on the last wagon ride at 4pm. Times will vary throughout the season but we run wagons regularly based on the number of guests visiting.
What time is the LAST wagon ride out to Pick your Own?
The Last Wagon goes out at 4pm so you have time to pick prior to our 5pm close. PLEASE arrive by 3:30pm so you have time to check in, visit the restrooms and hop on the last wagon ride at 4pm.
Do we need to bring our own containers?
No. We provide containers for pick your own produce. Guests are welcome to bring their own containers as well, but do bring them in when you pay admission so that we can weigh them to deduct the weight from the final purchase. We encourage you to bring a cooler to protect the freshness of your produce while you enjoy a full day of fun on the farm.
Is the Produce Organic?
No. We have not obtained organic certification but grow many of crops without synthetic chemicals. All of our Strawberries, Blackberries, Blueberries and Raspberries are grown without synthetic chemicals. We use and integrated pest management program in our orchards which are generally treated in bud and as needed to ensure yields and quality. We are working to use only treatments approved for organic growing. The vegetable gardens are grown with sustainable growing practices including plasticulture, companion planting, shade planting, crop rotation, cover crop plantings and lots of hand weeding.
Tips for a great day of Pick Your Own at Great Country Farms:
- Dress for picking with sun screen, hats, and closed toed shoes. Consider wearing long sleeves if the serrated edges of leaves tend to irritate your arms, and note that dark colored clothes will hide the inevitable juice stains. Be sure to check for ticks when you get home.
- Produce supplies can vary daily based on the weather and number of people picking. We update our website and Facebook page daily during the season, so you can check on crop conditions before you come.
- Plan a Weekday Afternoon Visit Shhhh… The best kept secret around here is to visit on Weekdays when we are least busy. Take an afternoon off or come after school and enjoy the farm at an easy pace. Visit Saturday or Sunday Mornings right at opening for the least busy weekend time. If you plan to arrive on a weekend afternoon, check our website for any updates on crop availability– especially during May/June Strawberry Picking Days as we often are picked out of strawberries on weekends.
- Wagon rides take guests to and from the fields, so plan for some extra time to sit back and enjoy the ride. The wagon runs regularly throughout the day. The first wagon typically goes out at 9:15am and the last wagon goes out at 4pm so you have time to pick prior to our 5pm close. Times will vary throughout the season but we run wagons regularly based on the number of guests visiting.
- Dogs are welcome to join your family on the farm, please keep on a leash. Feel free to take Fido on the wagon ride. Please clean up after your dog. Dogs are not allowed into the actual strawberry field for health reasons as this is a ground crop. Thank you for having your pup wait at the side of the strawberry field while the other members of your party pick.
- Bring a Cooler- Berries are fragile and need to be kept cool. Please bring a cooler with ice packs to store your berries if you plan to stay at the farm and play after picking.
- Feel free to bring a picnic and a blanket to toss on a shady spot to enjoy your lunch. Picnic tables are first come, first serve.
- “Wine” a Little! No other Northern Virginia Pick Your Own Farm offers sips from Henway Hard Cider by the pond. After you farm visit, enjoy 10% off craft beverages across the road at Bluemont Vineyard or Dirt Farm Brewing- just a short drive up the mountain . For a less crowded tasting experience, start your day with lunch at one of these mountain locations above GCF and then come down to the farm to pick and play later in the afternoon.
- Craft Coffee & Cider Donuts are available daily. Stop by the Knead it! Bakery on your way into the market for a Latte or hot tea and donuts to rev your engines for a day of fun on the farm.
