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Berry Picking Near Augusta: What You Need to Know
Augusta is the capital of the wild Maine blueberry, one of the state's most iconic crops, and while most commercial wild blueberry barrens are harvested by machine, several pick-your-own operations near the capital let visitors rake or hand-pick their own berries each August in a tradition unique to Maine.
Berry Picking Across New England
New England has a deep berry-picking tradition that spans the calendar from June strawberries through July and August blueberries, with the region's acidic, glacially-formed soils particularly well suited to both wild lowbush and cultivated highbush blueberry varieties. Massachusetts adds a distinctive regional specialty in its cranberry bogs, which turn brilliant red each September and October during harvest and represent one of the most visually striking agricultural traditions in the country. The pick-your-own farms throughout Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts tend to be small, family-run operations that have cultivated loyal local followings, and many run strawberries and blueberries in sequence at the same location, giving visitors a reason to return across the summer.
Best Time to Go Berry Picking Near Augusta
Wild blueberries through August, the iconic centerpiece of the state's berry season, with strawberries available earlier in June.
Tips for Your Augusta Berry Picking Trip
Wild Maine blueberry picking is different from cultivated highbush picking—you'll be raking low bushes close to the ground, so bring knee pads or a cushion and ask the farm to demonstrate proper raking technique.