Strawberry picking season is starting. Here’s where you can go to grab fresh fruit.

With the coming of spring brings fresh fruits and vegetables, and strawberries are among the first crop you can head out to pick yourself in the Charlotte area.

Multiple farms offer u-pick strawberries each year within easy driving distance of Charlotte. Fields typically open in April and close in May, but a few are open a bit earlier in late March or stay open until June. You’ll want to check social media for your farm of choice before you go, as conditions are often subject to change.

Pro tip: Weekends are often busy in the strawberry fields, so if you can go on a weekday, you won’t be fighting the crowds.

Here are farms where you can pick your own strawberries near Charlotte.

Bush & Vine

Location: Farm, 1650 Filbert Hwy, York, SC 29745

Location: Rock Hill farm stand (next to Dollar General), 1662 Ebenezer Rd, Rock Hill, SC

Location: Lake Wylie farm stand (next to Bagel Boat), 4090 Charlotte Hwy, Lake Wylie, SC

What to know: Bush & Vine’s pick-your-own strawberry patch typically opens in mid-April and closes in mid-May, but is subject to change depending on the weather and other factors. (Follow the farm on Twitter or Facebook or Instagram to receive updates.) However, a limited number of pre-picked buckets of strawberries are already available at its farm stands.

Cost: 2023 u-pick pricing is not yet available, but 2022 u-pick prices were $20 for a gallon and $11 for a half gallon. Pre-picked strawberries are currently $26 for a gallon or $14 for a half gallon.

Carrigan Farms

Location: 1261 Oakridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28115

What to know: Carrigan Farms offers strawberry picking across 5 acres with no reservations needed. “If all goes well, we might be picking strawberries as early as this Easter weekend,” its website said. (Follow the farm on Facebook or Instagram for updates.)

Cost: 2023 u-pick pricing is not yet available.

Hall Family Farm

Location: 445 W Rebound Rd, Lancaster, SC 29720

What to know: Hall Family Farm re-opens for strawberry picking each spring. This year, the farm has said it’s on track for an opening at the end of March. (Stay tuned to its Facebook and Instagram accounts for updates.)

Cost: 2023 u-pick pricing is not yet available.

The Ivy Place

Location: 8525 Van Wyck Rd, Lancaster, SC 29720

What to know: The Ivy Place projects its strawberry season will start March 22 with limited hours (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) and last until June. When the season starts, you can also place an order online to pick up at its farm stand. (Its website includes updates on picking availability and conditions.)

Cost: $3.59/pound

Lineberger’s Farm

Location: 906 Dallas Stanley Hwy, Dallas, NC 28034

What to know: Strawberry picking is available from April through June at the Lake Norman area farm that grows its berries the old fashioned way — on straw. The playground is free to visit, as well.

Cost: 2023 u-pick pricing is not yet available.

Patterson Farm

Location: 10390 Caldwell Road, Mount Ulla, NC 28125l

What to know: Patterson Farm’s strawberry picking fields, northeast of the Lake Norman area, have a growing season that typically runs from late April to mid June. Customers can also purchase pre-picked strawberries at its farm market at its satellite locations on West Innes Street in Salisbury next to Wells Fargo and at Mr. C’s in Concord.

Cost: $3 per person admission plus $7 per basket. For access to the barn and playground, as well, tickets are $15 per person on the weekend (including a cow train and wagon ride) and weekdays are $11 per person. Purchase tickets online.

Springs Farm

Location: 835 Springfield Parkway, Fort Mill, SC 29715

What to know: Springs Farms’ strawberry fields will be open for the 2023 season, but its opening date is uncertain. It is typically open for strawberry season from late April through the end of May, and no reservations are needed. Its indoor market stocked with local and handmade items, ice cream and slushies opened March 16. (Follow its Facebook and Instagram for updates.)

Cost: A fully picked gallon container is estimated at $24 — and it’s pick-your-own stand only takes credit cards.