In the lush countryside of the United Kingdom, a charming tradition thrives – pick-your-own (PYO) farming. From the sweet juiciness of freshly picked strawberries to the vibrant hues of blooming sunflowers, PYO farms offer visitors an immersive experience in the beauty and bounty of rural life. For farmers, these ventures not only diversify their revenue streams but also foster community engagement and agritourism. Join us as we delve into the world of PYO farming in the UK, exploring a diverse array of crops, best practices for setup, and the seasonal rhythms that guide these agrarian adventures. Whether you're a seasoned farmer looking to expand your offerings or a budding entrepreneur with a patch of land, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to cultivate your own harvest of memories. Need help setting up your own PYO farm? Contact Agritisement UK now!
There are a huge variety of crops that can be planted for PYO operations. Have a look below for ideas on what could be your next business venture!
1. Pick Your Own Fruit:
- Strawberries: Set up rows of strawberry plants in raised beds or fields. Provide containers or baskets for visitors to collect strawberries as they pick. Typically runs from late spring to early summer, with peak season in June.
- Raspberries: Plant raspberry bushes in rows with support structures. Offer visitors containers to gather raspberries, ensuring easy access to ripe fruit. Harvest season varies depending on the variety, with the main season from mid-summer to early autumn.
- Blueberries: Plant blueberry bushes in acidic soil and provide netting to protect berries from birds. Offer visitors containers or bags for picking. Blueberry season typically runs from late spring to early autumn, with peak harvest in July and August.
- Blackberries: Cultivate blackberry bushes along trellises or in hedgerows. Provide baskets or containers for visitors to collect ripe berries. Blackberry season typically begins in late summer and continues into early autumn.
- Cherries: Plant cherry trees in orchards, ensuring adequate spacing for sunlight and airflow. Provide ladders or picking poles for reaching higher branches. Cherry season varies depending on the variety and region, typically running from late spring to early summer.
- Gooseberries: Grow gooseberry bushes in rows or hedgerows, pruning for optimal fruit production. Offer visitors containers for picking ripe gooseberries. Gooseberry season usually starts in early summer and continues into mid-summer.
- Apples: Plant apple trees in orchards, selecting a variety of early, mid-season, and late-season cultivars for extended harvest. Provide picking poles or ladders for reaching high branches. Apple season typically begins in late summer and extends into autumn.
- Pears: Cultivate pear trees in orchards, ensuring proper spacing and pruning for fruit production. Offer visitors picking poles or ladders for reaching ripe pears. Pear season usually begins in late summer and continues into early autumn.
- Plums: Grow plum trees in orchards, providing support for branches laden with ripe fruit. Offer containers or bags for visitors to gather plums. Plum season typically starts in late summer and extends into early autumn.
2. Pick Your Own Vegetables:
3. Pick Your Own Herbs:
4. Pick Your Own Flowers:
5. Pick Your Own Christmas Trees:
6. Pick Your Own Berries (Other than Strawberries):
7. Pick Your Own Nuts:
8. Pick Your Own Salad Leaves:
9. Pick Your Own Mushrooms:
These "pick your own" opportunities offer farmers in the UK a diverse range of options to engage with customers, promote agritourism, and generate additional income. By providing well-managed picking areas, clear signage, and friendly staff assistance, farmers can create memorable experiences for visitors while showcasing the bounty of their land. Remember to check seasonal availability and local regulations when planning your PYO events to ensure a successful and profitable operation.
If you need help with setting up your PYO operation, contact Agritisement now.
Agritisement UK helped Dunham Pumpkins set up their PYO pumpkin patch. Agritisement UK delivered a brand new website, digital marketing campaign and online ticketing that lead to the success of the patch.