It’s blueberry picking time! I remember those days when my kids were young and we would all look forward to those first picking days. With buckets in hand, off we’d go with hopes of collecting enough to feed our large family. Old timer Mike Voytko was still the owner of Votko’s Farm at that time in the 80s and 90s, and I think they were 40 cents a pound or something close to that. We would pull in the drive and if he wasn’t standing there, we knew we’d see him out in the field looking for those pesky crows. And he would always say, “Be sure to sample them. Find the ones you like best.” I assure you my kids weighed more when they left than when they arrived! He was certainly one of the friendliest farmers we knew.
We would try our best to pick enough to freeze for the winter to feed our ever growing family. I would throw handfuls into the oatmeal which we ate most mornings during the winter and a good number just became summer treats – like tiny flavored ice cubes to pop in your mouth. Fun times.
Voytko Farms
Voytko’s is till open for picking all these years later and offer currants as well now. Though the farm has changed hands, there’s still plump juicy berries waiting for you.
Their website says as of July 6:
Welcome to our 2013 season!!! We are now open for picking all types of berries. The black currants and raspberries are especially strong right now. There is a good supply of ripe blueberries now, but I think there should be many more and easier picking in about a week or so. We look forward to seeing everyone again this year. Please note that there is a temporary change in phone numbers this year. You may call me at (216) 570-9968. This is a cell that I will use just for the blueberry season. Thanks, Chuck
11391 Franks Rd.
Auburn Twp, OH 44023
Mon. thru Sat. – 8:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m.
Sunday – 10:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m.
(216) 570-9968
(Chuck’s cell for berry picking season)
Website
Wolff’s Blueberries
If you want to stay in Portage County, try Wolff’s.
They are a family-owned business that started planting in 1972. There are over 5000 plants with four blueberry varieties on their eight acre farm including Bluecrop, Colbalt, Jersey. and Blueray.
A couple of nice comments for them from their first of the season pickers:
“Amazing Wolff’s Blueberries!!!! Just left there and they are sweet and huge.” ~ Kelley A.
“Very nice day! I will be back on monday; bright and early”! ~ Scott P.
5831 Hankee Rd.
at corner of 700
Garrettsville, Ohio 44231
(330) 527-2894
Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Closed on Sundays