Lacey Blueberry Farm Kicks Off Picking Season Saturday

LACEY, NJ — The U Pick Blueberry Patch in Lanoka Harbor will reopen for its picking season on Saturday morning.

For the next few weeks, the patch will be open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Buckets will be provided and the berries cost $3 per pound. The farm only accepts cash.

The blueberry patch is experiencing a late bloom this year due to the early summer heat, according to the farm’s manager Michael Rodriguez.

“We’re about 60 percent pickable per plant and we’re hoping with another beautiful day we’ll get them to be nice and plump for opening day. They’ll still be some that aren’t ready for Saturday,” he said.

Berries that have a shade between blue and purple are ready to be picked, while the greenish berries are the ones still ripening.

Though the farm's four acres are maintained year-round, the bushes are only bursting with berries for about a month each summer.

“They have just a small window right now,” Rodriguez said. “Everyone loves the blueberries and comes together. There’s nothing better than having the berry off the vine.”

The U Pick Blueberry Patch is located at 611 Route 9 across from the Walmart in Lanoka Harbor. When the blueberry season finishes, the farm will continue to sell local produce and baked goods.

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