With June?s arrival and the advent of long summer days, thoughts turn to locally grown foods and the bounty from Maryland?s farms.
Three of the state?s finest are in Howard County, offering great opportunities for family fun, togetherness and education.
This month at Larriland Farms, visitors are invited to “pick strawberries [while] the picking is good,” said Guy Moore, vice president of the family-run operation, which began in 1973 when the first acre of strawberries was harvested.
“The bulk of our business is mothers visiting with their children,” he said.
Today, the family grows 14 acres of strawberries, along with such fruity treats as tart and sweet cherries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, nectarines and apples. Almost 20 acres is devoted to vegetables, including spinach, beets and tomatoes. In the fall, the fields turn bright orange with the pumpkin harvest. Variety on the farm is abundant according to the season.
“We?ll provide the picking containers,” Moore said. “We?ll even sell already picked [produce] out of our red barn.”
A call to the Moore family before a visit will advise the “picker” what fruits and vegetables are ripe and ready.
Sharp?s at Waterford Farm is focusing on planting and growing its crops along with tending its greenhouse, said owner Chuck Sharp.
“We do schedule trips tailored for educational purposes to groups any time of the year,” he said.
Martha Clark, of Clark?s Elioak Farm, is welcoming her visitors as well as preparing to host day trips from summer nature camps throughout the area.
She invites the public to experience the 540-acre farm, which can be enjoyed on a hayride around the land.
“We have a petting farm here with over 60 animals, including an emu,” she said.
Children can get up close and personal while feeding a wide variety of animals including goats, donkeys, pigs, calves and alpacas. Pony rides are also available.
Additionally, the Clark family provides an excellent opportunity to experience a traditional farming operation, complete with the study of pond life and a garden tour.
“Bring a picnic lunch and make a day of it,” Clark said.
Where are the farms?
Larriland Farm, 2415 Woodbine Road, Woodbine
301-854-6110
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
www.pickyourown.com
Sharp?s at Waterford Farm, 4003 Jennings Chapel Road, Brookeville
410-489-2572 to schedule a tour
www.sharpfarm.com
Clark?s Elioak Farm, 10380 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City
410-730-4049
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
www.clarklandfarm.com
