PYO Information for 2026 Season

Call  705-321-2432  for current crop conditions and PYO hours.

 For the most up to date information for the season call our Pick Your Own information number at (705)321-2432. This message is kept up to date daily throughout the season and has the most recent information. 

Hello everyone

We are working towards the start of our 2026 pick your own season.   The colder than usual weather over the last month has many people wondering how the berries are progressing for this season.  We are happy to report that despite the early cold weather the crop so far is looking good for this year (the mid season Varieties look especially good).  We have also expanded the size of our acreage to over 8 acres and we will be picking off of nearly double the area of fields we had available last year.  For the most up to date information for the season call our Pick Your Own information number at (705)321-2432 or call our garden centre and select the berry information in the message options.  This message is kept up to date daily throughout the season and has the most up do date information. 

Strawberries:  We are very close to the start of the season and currently estimate pick your own will start somewhere between June  18 and 25 depending on the weather.  Be sure to check the phone message for the most up to date information once the season gets rolling.   Price for pick your own Strawberries will be unchanged from last year at $4/L.

Haskap Berries:   The haskaps should be ready around the same time as the strawberries and will be available for picking any day that we are open for berry picking until the bushes have all been picked.  Price will be unchanged from last year at $8.00/L

Raspberries:  The raspberries did suffer some winter damage this year but there should still be plenty of berries for picking.  Currently they look like they will be ready near the end of June or early July.  Price will be unchanged from last year at $8.00/L

Black Currants:   So far the currants are looking good and will likely be ready around the end of June or early July.   Price will be unchanged from last year at $10.00/L

Peas: The peas are one of the few crops that have hardly been affected by the crazy weather we have been experiencing this year and should be ready around the end of June.   This year we will have both pod peas and sugar snaps available for picking.   Price for the peas remains unchanged at $3.50/L.

Frequently asked questions

When will strawberries start?

Our estimated start date is around mid-late June.  Please check our phone message closer to the middle of June for an updated start date and picking hours.

What varieties of Strawberries do you grow?

Our current Variety list is:

Annapolis (early season), Honey-Oye (early season), Jewel (mid season), Cabot (mid-late season) , Valley Sunset (late season)

All of our strawberries are summer bearing only.  We are not currently growing everbearing varieties in the fields.  After several years of experimenting with different methods of growing everbearing strawberries we have concluded that they just don't perform well in our soil type/location.  

Where are you located?

Our strawberries are grown at our Coulson Ridge Farm.  82 Horseshoe Valley Road East - between line 7 and line 8 of Oro-Medonte

How much are PYO Berries?

Prices for PYO berries are:

Strawberries $4 / L , Raspberries $8/L, Hascaps $8/L, Black Currants $10/L

How can you pay?

We accept Debit cards, mastercard, visa and cash in the berry patch for payment.    

Are there wagon rides available to the fields?

No.  Everyone is expected to drive their own vehicles to the fields.

Are there picnic/washroom facilities in the field?

There is a washroom on site but there are no picnic facilities. 

Does the field close if it is raining?

We remain open during rain but will close the patch immediatly in the event of Lightning/thunder or other severe weather.  The phone message gets updated immediately if the patch has to close for any reason. 

Are your berries organic?

No.   On our farm we use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) instead.  This means that while we do have chemicals on hand if they are needed (some of them are actually approved for organic use) we try very hard to avoid needing to use them through prevention methods such as cultivation, weeding, growing varieties that are more disease resistant, etc. 

Are your berries GMO’s (genetically modified organisms)?

No.   None of the produce we grow are GMO’s

Can we bring children to the field?

Yes children are welcome to come to the berry patch.   Due to the number of vehicles and people in the field children should stay with thier parents/guardians at all times.  If you have children in strollers we will find a row near the edge of the field for you (strollers do not fit between the rows of berries)  

Can we bring pets to the field?

Pets are not allowed into the berry patch and visitors should leave them at home instead of leaving them in vehicles (working animals are exempt but they will need to remain at the edges of the berry fields).  Also, we have started to use ultrasonic deterants to keep unwanted pests like seagulls, skunks and deer out of the berry fields.  This sound based repellant is inaudible to humans but very uncomfortable for animals like dogs to get too close to.

Can we bring our own containers for picking?

Yes.   However, since we charge based on volume all containers must have a manufacturer’s label on them that clearly indicate the volume in Litres.  A hand written volume on the side of a container does not count.  We have empty baskets available if you need them.  Please be aware that grossly overfilled containers will be charged for at the discretion of the cashiers.

How long does the season last?

A typical berry season in this area lasts for 3-4 weeks depending on weather. 

Can you accommodate Bus Groups?

No, we are not set up to accommodate buses in our fields.   

I don't want to Pick My Own... can I buy them already picked?

Yes, we do employ a crew of local highschool/university students to pick for us.  We will have fresh-picked berries daily (weather permitting) at the market shop at Ego's Garden Centre, (596 Horseshoe Valley Road East)