Now that spring is finally here and things are starting to bloom again, it’s time to start getting ready for one of the best times of the year– pick-your-own season! Nothing beats fruits and vegetables that you freshly picked yourself, whether you’re making savory meals, fresh salads, sweet desserts, or just eating some delicious produce as is. Farms all across the Berks County area are starting to prepare for the spring and summer and one of them is Prout’s Jollyview Farm in Oley, PA, run by husband and wife Ben and Jillian Prout.
The Prouts purchased their farm in 2005 and it’s now one of the staples of the area. On their acres of land, they grow everything from strawberries and tomatoes to sweet corn, cabbage, broccoli, and more. A roadside stand, a CSA program, and a box delivery service make it easy for locals to enjoy the homegrown taste of Prout’s produce all throughout the growing season.
Here are some of the exciting things that the team at Prout’s Jollyview Farm is preparing for in 2023!
Roadside Stand
The roadside stand at Prout’s Jollyview Farm is open each year from Memorial Day to Labor Day, which means it’s getting close to opening time. At the stand, fresh, seasonal produce is sold ripe and ready for eating. It’s a convenient option for people who love farm-fresh fruits and vegetables but don’t have the time or energy to devote to gardening or picking their own. The stand is typically open every day from 10 am to 5 pm, so whether you’re swinging by on your lunch break or picking up something for a weekend barbecue, don’t forget to make a visit!
Strawberry Festival
The annual Strawberry Festival takes place at Prout’s Jollyview Farm every year on the first Saturday in June, which this year is June 3rd. It’s an event welcoming the summer that you and your loved ones won’t want to miss! Parking is $20 per car, and you’ll get to enjoy strawberry picking, pre-picked strawberries, ice cream from WayHar farm, homemade whipped cream, delicious strawberry shortcake, hamburgers, hotdogs and drinks, face paintings, hay rides, and so much more. There will even be performances from live local musicians and booths for local vendors, so bring the whole family and get ready to enjoy a great day!
Pick-Your-Own Season
The growing season means welcoming crowds of people ready to roll their sleeves up and pick some produce at Prout’s Jollyview Farm. The season starts on Memorial Day and typically runs for about three weeks, based on availability and how busy it gets. By picking your own produce, you get access to the absolute freshest possible fruits and veggies you can get. Prout’s Jollyview Farm doesn’t use any sprays, meaning you can eat what you pick directly off the bush. It’s a great way to spend some quality time with friends and family, and a wonderful activity for children. Some people even come on a weekly basis and just pick what they need!
CSA Program
Joining a CSA, or community-supported agriculture program, is a great way to support a local farm and get yourself a regular supply of fresh produce for a discounted price. In a CSA, every week you’ll get a selection of whatever produce is in season at the farm. You’ll be helping the farmers by pre-paying for your weekly produce, giving them the funds they need to buy necessary seeds, plant, and equipment, and you and your family will have lots of healthy, delicious fruits and vegetables to eat throughout the season. You can either go to the farm stand and pick the specific produce you want each week, opt for a grab-and-go box, or if you live further away from Oley, you can opt to have your produce delivered to one of a few central locations in the area for easier pickup! Prices are listed on the farm’s website.
There’s a lot to look forward to this year at Prout’s Jollyview Farm in Oley, PA, and throughout the Berks County area! Make sure you’re getting ready to enjoy all the wonderful things that the spring and summer will bring.
