U-pick and pre-picked Fruit 

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Strawberries    Black Currants     Vegetables

 

Strawberry Update as of Monday, September 19th:

Due to the unexpected warm weather and sunshine we've been having, we have late season strawberries available until they last, or until the first hard frost.  Please note that picking is light and is on a first come, first served basis.

 

Read about Kayben's strawberry u-pick experience as featured on Calgary Herald blogspot

Other Notes & Changes for the 2011 Season:

We want you to know what to expect when you come out to the farm so your strawberry picking is a pleasant experience . We have re-planted the strawberry fields and have doubled the acreage since last season.  The plants in the raised strawberry boxes, and those left over from previous years are producing well, but the new plants are still small and will produce a limited crop this year. So far we have not had any hail here, and the recent warm weather has been good for flowering.

Picking is on a first come, first served basis.  We let as many pickers as we feel we can accommodate into the field, and then we shut down the picking for the day and do not allow any more people into the field.  The sign at the gate, the answering machine and the website will alert you as soon as picking is closed for the day.  You can also follow us and get instant updates on Twitter @JoJoscafeKayben or on the Kayben Farms facebook fanpage.  As the season progresses, we may add more picking days.  Updates will be posted here.

The farm gate will remain closed until 9:00 A.M. on weekdays, and until 10:00 A.M. on Saturdays to prevent anyone from entering the field before we open. Please proceed to the “strawberry tent” across from the garden centre to pick up your baskets and get directions before heading out to the field.  Return to the strawberry tent for payment after picking. We accept payment for strawberries by cash or credit card only.

We recommend that you bring a cooler and an ice pack with you to transport your berries home.  Do not wash berries until you are ready to use them. Depending on the day, you may also want bug spray and waterproof footwear.

-Kayben Farms staff

Strawberry U-pick Pricing & Information 

Strawberries - Our strawberries are Seascape Strawberries, which are a day-neutral & ever-bearing variety. Our strawberries are usually ready for light picking in mid-July, depending on the weather.

Strawberry pickings: Remember: we cannot guarantee supply.  Strawberries are available on a First come, First served basis.  The best time to pick is first thing in the morning.  No one will be allowed in the field until we open the gates.  Once all of the ripe berries are picked, we will close picking for the day.  Generally it takes a couple of days for the next berries to ripen.   Remember we CANNOT GUARANTEE SUPPLY.

U-Pick Price: $3.50/lb

Pre-picked - Not available. Strawberries are U-pick only. We will supply baskets for you.

 

2011 Black Currant U-pick Pricing & Information

Next Picking: U-Pick available now. Monday-Saturday.

U-pick:                         $12.00 per 4 litre  pail $1.00 off  if you bring your own pail

Pre-picked:                  $18.00 per 4 litre pail

U-pick days: Monday – Saturday Beginning mid August.  It takes aprox 1 hour to pick a pail, please be sure to arrive with enough time to finish picking before we close. U-pick will be available until at least September 4. 

Pre picked pails need to be ordered at least 1 day in advance and picked up after 12:00 noon.  As of September 14th all pre-picked pails will be FROZEN.  They are $18.00 per pail and will be available daily until August 27. Fruit picked up on Saturdays has been harvested on Friday. 

 

Market Garden Vegetables U-Pick information

The frost is coming!  Pre-picked produce available NOW at the Garden Centre while supplies last!

U-pick days: Monday – Saturday Beginning mid August.

Vegetable Varieties- Zucchini, lettuce, snow peas, swiss chard, radishes, spinach, dill, beet greens, potatoes, carrots, beans etc.

To harvest vegetables, go to the admission kiosk in Sunshine Adventure Park to get your harvesting baskets, and a 1 hour pass allowing you access to the garden.  Once you are finished harvesting, please return to the kiosk for payment.

 

Other U-pick Information

Vegetables- Available Now!! Supply varies as the vegetables ripen. Zucchini, lettuce, snow peas, swiss chard, radishes, spinach, beet greens, potatoes, carrots, beans etc.

Black Currants - Picking will begin mid August and will be available daily into September. See above for more information.

Pumpkins – Join us at our fall festivals in late September and early October for pumpkin picking. Visit our Family Events page for more details.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Remember those UV rays - wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Bring some mosquito repellent, just in case. Footwear should be sturdy, protect your feet from branches and weeds, and be okay with getting dirty.

Bring a picnic cooler with ice packs, to keep those berries just right until you get home, but please don't bring your own picking baskets since we cannot weigh everyone's basket ahead of time.  We'll supply you with a standard basket to use.

Call ahead to be sure we have a good supply of what you want today - don't go home disappointed.

Dogs: ask your owner to leave you at home.  You will be asked to stay in the car while at the farm, and could get uncomfortably hot while you wait.

 
Please respect our property and follow any written or verbal instructions you are given. Most of all, HAVE FUN!