I love saving money! Well, I think I really hate spending money, particularly my money, but it sounds better when I say I love saving money.

We live in a great city and it’s very convienient for us to save money on our grocery bill by picking our own produce. There are over a dozen pick your own produce farms around town. I found an article with about 10 farms  from Lebanon to York County offering everything from blueberries to raspberries, apricots and even fresh flowers. Check out these 2 places and if you like those check out the rest of the article for the other farms….

 Before heading out to one of these farms, it’s recommended you call ahead to check availability. Some farms have become so popular they shut down for a few days to allow fruit to ripen.

Paulus Farm Market, 1216 S. York St., Mechanicsburg, 717-697-4330  

This family owned farm has its own niche with pick-your-own flower bouquets. Head out to the field with clippers and cut your choice of zinnias, lisianthus, straw flowers, dianthus, cosmos, coxcomb and more, July through September. Available in two sizes. 

Paulus Orchards, 22 E. Mount Airy Road, Dillsburg, 717-432-2544  

The orchard is a popular spot for blueberry picking. The season is underway and runs through July. Picking hours are 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Buckets are provided. Cost is $2 a pound. Pick your own apples and pumpkins in the fall. 

Strite’s Orchard Farm Market and Bakery, 1000 Strites Road, Lower Swatara Twp., 564-3130 

Strawberry picking is done but cherry and black raspberry picking is underway at the busy East Shore farmers’ market. Bring your own containers. Picking is 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Cherries are 95 cents a pound and raspberries $3.75 a pound. Pick apples and pumpkins in the fall.

 Image Courtesy of ~MVI~