Pick-your-own strawberries returns to Herrle’s Farm near Kitchener
Posted Jun 19, 2026 03:57:33 AM.
Last Updated Jun 19, 2026 03:57:39 AM.
It’s been a sign for decades that spring is about to give way to the fruit-blooming season in Waterloo Region when Herrle’s Country Farm Market’s pick-your-own strawberry season opened to the public once again on June 17.
Despite heavy rainfall through most of the spring season, Herrle’s says there are still be plenty of red, ripe strawberries available to be picked at the 1.2 km long rows of the fresh fruit.
James Herrle, a member of the Herrle family who runs the farm, told 570 NewsRadio strawberries in particular are a great summer fruit to collect.
“There’s something about picking your own strawberries that’s this beautiful, juicy fruit. It’s relatively easy to pick, and you don’t need a ladder to pick it, there are no scratchy thorns like there are on raspberries,” he said.
“It’s one of the best looking crops that we’ve had in a few years.”
Herrle’s Country Farm Market has been growing produce for their community since as early as 1964, but the modern market, as it’s known today, did not open until 1988.
“Generally, we are fairly well supported by our community. People just love coming out to the farm and getting a dose of strawberry-picking therapy. It’s just a feel-good moment for everybody that comes to pick.”
The team at Herrle’s says the key to strawberry picking is to “go slow and stay low.” Red berries found in the patch are the ripest and tastiest of the bunch, while orange and white berries have not ripened yet and should be left to be picked at a later time.
“People have come with their whole family and enjoy it as an annual outing,” said James of the strawberry-picking season. “It’s just sort of one of those first fruits of the season that everyone gets excited about. Nobody gets excited for pick-your-own asparagus.”
Herrle’s farm’s pick-your-own strawberry season will only last so long as there are still berries available, which is expected to be about 3 weeks after the opening on June 17.
Pick-your-own strawberries will take place each weekend until the patch is emptied of fruit from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
You can learn more about Herrle’s Country Farm Market on its website.
