Around our region there are many places where you can pick your own juicy produce. It’s a lot of fun – great for families – and that feeling of being connected to the earth is really therapeutic.

So, how does it work? Upon arrival you will be given a bucket for collecting your bounty.  Depending on where you go, you may have to pay a nominal entrance fee.   A friendly farm-hand will show you where you can harvest your goodies from. There are few rules: no eating while you collect (damn it), and you pay for whatever you choose to take with you.

Most orchards and farms are open between 10 am and 3 pm.   Inhale the fresh air and relish in the sense of satisfaction that comes with picking your own fruit from  the rows of flourishing trees. When your physical and spiritual bucket is full, weigh and pay for your pickings. The best part? You’ll be enjoying the fruits of your labour long after you’ve returned home.  Especially if you convert your bounty into jam, or chutney or other preserves.

Just a couple of places to pick:

Peaches, plums, nectarines and apricots – Paynes Orchards, 372 Bacchus Marsh Road, Bacchus Marsh

Strawberries, cherries, nectarines and peaches – Naturipe Fruits, 638 Bacchus Marsh Road, Bacchus Marsh

Photo: Kim Khor