Whether in shortcakes, milkshakes or cobbler, strawberries are back in South Carolina.
The Pee Dee is brimming with strawberries at roadside stands and in grocery stores, or waiting to be picked in a field. With berry sales on the rise and plenty of local options, there’s no shortage of opportunities to fill a basket or two.
South Carolina has seen a boom in berry sales over the past five years, South Carolina Department of Agriculture Communications Director Eva Moore said. Sales more than tripled from 2017 to 2022, with more increases still expected.
The state usually sees its first strawberries in late March, Moore said. South Carolina’s early warm spring weather usually encourages earlier harvests.
This year, many farms have managed to avoid early or mid-spring freezes, Moore said. Most harvests are intact and ready to be thrown into a pie or smoothie.
Farmers tend to plant a variety of strawberries without advertising them, Moore said. Pickers who want to fill their own baskets might run into different shapes, sizes and flavor profiles as the season passes.
No matter what sort of strawberry is on the vine, pickers always should aim for the red berries. Strawberries don’t ripen off the vine, so green berries won’t reach their full potential in a basket.
There are plenty of strawberries up for grabs in the Pee Dee before the season ends in early June. Here’s where to pick your own.
Cottle Strawberry Farm
Pickers can opt for quarts or gallons at Cottle Strawberry Farm in Florence. Prices start at $7 for a quart or $18 for a gallon, and sampling is encouraged while you fill your basket. If you don’t want to pick them yourself, you can pick up a quart for $7, a half gallon for $14 or a gallon for $20.
When: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. Pickers should call ahead in case the location is closed due to rain.
Where: 3712 W. Palmetto St., Florence
McLeod Farms
Pick strawberries and take in a variety of locally grown and homemade goods at McLeod Farms in McBee. Pick two quarts of berries for $11 or a gallon for $18. If you want to buy pre-picked berries, you can pick up a quart for $7.99, two quarts for $12.99 or a gallon for $20.
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday until the season is over. Check McLeod Farms’ social media before you head out to see if they’re closed due to weather.
Where: 29247 S.C. Highway 151, McBee
