Plum picking in Rhode Island is a delightful and enriching activity, much like the experience of picking strawberries, raspberries, and corn. The state’s fertile soil and favorable climate create ideal conditions for growing a variety of plums, making it a prime destination for this summer activity. Visiting plum farms in Rhode Island allows you to connect with nature, enjoy the outdoors, and gather fresh, juicy plums straight from the tree.
These farms provide a welcoming atmosphere and a range of amenities, ensuring a fun and memorable experience for families and individuals alike. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a peaceful day in the countryside or participate in additional farm activities, Rhode Island’s plum farms offer something for everyone.
But before that, let’s also list out some of the must-have plum-picking tools and other accessories that you need to carry before your farm adventures,
- Fruit Picking Tool: For those hard-to-reach plums, consider a fruit picker with an extension pole.
- Gardening Gloves: Protect your hands from twigs and the plum’s sticky juice.
- Sturdy Containers: Bring along some containers to safely transport your plums home.
- Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen will keep you protected under the sun.
These accessories not only help you easily carry plums but also ensure your farm activity is safe, fun, and uninterrupted.
Northern Rhode Island
1. Blanchard Farm
- Address: 90 John Potter Rd, Glocester, RI 02814
- Phone: (401) 647-3759
- Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed Sundays and Mondays)
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, picnic areas
- Additional Activities: Vegetable picking, farm tours
Blanchard Farm is a charming, family-friendly destination for plum picking. The farm features well-tended fields and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors. Visitors can enjoy ample parking, clean restrooms, and picnic areas for a comfortable experience. In addition to plums, the farm offers vegetable picking, providing a diverse picking experience. Farm tours offer educational insights into sustainable farming practices and the history of the farm.
2. Barden Family Orchard
- Address: 56 Elmdale Rd, North Scituate, RI 02857
- Phone: (401) 934-1413
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Amenities: Farm store, picnic areas, restrooms
- Additional Activities: Apple picking, hayrides, cider tasting
Barden Family Orchard is a well-loved spot for plum-picking enthusiasts. The farm offers a welcoming environment with well-maintained fields and friendly staff. The farm store sells a variety of fresh produce, homemade goods, and local products. Picnic areas provide a perfect spot to relax and enjoy your plums. Besides plums, the farm offers apple picking in the fall, hayrides, and cider tasting, making it a year-round destination.
Also Read: Strawberry Picking in Rhode Island: The Best Farms for PYO
Southern Rhode Island
3. Rocky Point Blueberry Farm
- Address: 130 Rocky Point Ave, Warwick, RI 02889
- Phone: (401) 738-0694
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Amenities: Picnic areas, restrooms, farm store
- Additional Activities: Blueberry picking, nature trails, farm tours
Rocky Point Blueberry Farm offers a scenic and family-friendly environment perfect for a day out. With lush fields filled with juicy plums, you can enjoy the outdoors while picking fresh fruit. The farm also features picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy your pickings. The on-site farm store sells various local products, including homemade jams and fresh produce. The nature trails provide an opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings, and the farm tours offer a glimpse into the farming process.
4. Peckham Farm
- Address: 200 Peckham Rd, Little Compton, RI 02837
- Phone: (401) 635-4964
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Amenities: Farm stand, restrooms, picnic areas
- Additional Activities: Vegetable picking, seasonal events
Peckham Farm is a delightful destination for plum picking. The farm features well-maintained fields and a welcoming atmosphere. The farm stand offers a variety of fresh produce and local goods. Picnic areas provide a perfect spot to relax and enjoy your surroundings. In addition to plums, visitors can enjoy vegetable picking and seasonal events, making it a versatile destination for family fun.
Also Read: Best Pepper Farms in Rhode Island for Fun PYO Activity
Western Rhode Island
5. Dame Farm and Orchards LLC
- Address: 91B Brown Ave, Johnston, RI 02919
- Phone: (401) 949-3657
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Amenities: Picnic areas, restrooms, farm store
- Additional Activities: Apple picking, hayrides, corn maze
Dame Farm and Orchards is a beloved spot for families and friends looking to enjoy a day of plum picking. This picturesque farm offers expansive fields and a welcoming atmosphere. The farm store features a variety of local products, from fresh fruits and vegetables to delicious baked goods. Picnic areas provide a perfect spot to relax and enjoy your plums. Additionally, the farm offers apple picking, hayrides, and a corn maze during the fall, making it a year-round destination.
Also Read: The Best Corn Farms in Rhode Island for Picking Activity
Central Rhode Island
6. Salisbury Farm
- Address: 11 Peck Hill Rd, Johnston, RI 02919
- Phone: (401) 942-9741
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Amenities: Farm store, restrooms, picnic areas
- Additional Activities: Corn maze, pumpkin patch, educational tours
Salisbury Farm offers a delightful plum-picking experience in a picturesque setting. The farm features well-maintained fields and a welcoming atmosphere. The farm store sells fresh produce, homemade goods, and local crafts. Picnic areas allow visitors to relax and enjoy their surroundings. In addition to plums, the farm offers a variety of seasonal activities, including a corn maze and pumpkin patch in the fall. Educational tours provide insights into farming practices and the history of the farm.
7. Narrow Lane Orchard
- Address: 213 Narrow Ln, North Kingstown, RI 02852
- Phone: (401) 294-3584
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Amenities: Farm stand, picnic areas, restrooms
- Additional Activities: Apple picking, hayrides
Narrow Lane Orchard offers a serene and picturesque setting for plum picking. The farm features well-tended fields and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors. The farm stand offers a variety of fresh produce and local goods. Ample parking and clean restrooms ensure a comfortable visit. In addition to plums, the farm also offers apple picking and hayrides, providing a delightful dual-picking experience. The friendly staff and beautiful surroundings make Narrow Lane Orchard a must-visit destination.
Also Read: The Best Raspberry Farms in Rhode Island
Eastern Rhode Island
8. Casey Farm
- Address: 2325 Boston Neck Rd, Saunderstown, RI 02874
- Phone: (401) 295-1030
- Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
- Amenities: Farm stand, restrooms, picnic areas
- Additional Activities: Organic produce, farm tours, farmers market
Casey Farm offers a delightful and educational plum-picking experience. The farm features well-maintained fields and a welcoming atmosphere. The farm stand offers a variety of organic produce and local goods. Picnic areas provide a perfect spot to relax and enjoy your plums. In addition to plum picking, Casey Farm hosts a popular farmers market and offers informative farm tours, making it a versatile destination for visitors of all ages.
9. Young Family Farm
- Address: 260 W Main Rd, Little Compton, RI 02837
- Phone: (401) 635-0110
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Amenities: Farm stand, restrooms, parking
- Additional Activities: Blueberry picking, apple picking, seasonal events
Young Family Farm is a popular destination for plum-picking enthusiasts. The farm offers a serene environment with well-tended fields and friendly staff. The farm stand sells a variety of fresh produce, homemade goods, and local products. Ample parking and clean restrooms ensure a comfortable visit. Besides plums, the farm also offers blueberry and apple picking, as well as seasonal events, making it a versatile destination for year-round fun.
10. Orr’s Farm
- Address: 818 Middle Rd, Portsmouth, RI 02871
- Phone: (401) 683-0997
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Amenities: Farm stand, picnic areas, restrooms
- Additional Activities: Vegetable picking, farm tours
Orr’s Farm offers a serene environment for plum picking, with lush fields and a peaceful atmosphere. The farm stand provides a variety of fresh produce and local goods. Visitors can enjoy the picnic areas and relax while taking in the beautiful surroundings. Besides plums, the farm offers vegetable picking and informative farm tours, providing a versatile and enjoyable experience for all ages.
Also Read: Best Blueberry Picking Farms in Rhode Island
Most Frequently Asked Questions on Plum Farms in Rhode Island
Ripe plums will feel slightly soft to the touch and will easily come off the tree with a gentle twist. The color of the plum can also indicate ripeness, but this varies by variety; for example, some plums turn a deep purple, while others might be green or yellow when ripe.
The best time to pick plums is early in the morning when the temperatures are cooler. This helps maintain the plums’ firmness and reduces the risk of bruising and spoilage.
Plums should be stored in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Place them in a breathable container or perforated plastic bag. For longer storage, plums can be frozen; wash and slice them, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.
Plums come in various types, including European plums like ‘Stanley’ and ‘Damson,’ which are often used for jams and drying, and Japanese plums like ‘Santa Rosa’ and ‘Satsuma,’ known for their sweet and juicy flesh. Each type has unique characteristics in terms of flavor, texture, and ripening time.
Essentials for a successful plum-picking trip include a sturdy container for collecting plums, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable clothing and shoes, and plenty of water. Some farms may provide containers, but it’s always good to bring your own to ensure you have enough space and the right type of container.
While it is possible to pick plums in rainy weather, it is generally better to pick them on dry days to avoid the fruit becoming waterlogged and more prone to damage. Wet conditions can also make the trees slippery and harder to navigate safely.
Plum picking season typically lasts from late spring through mid-fall, depending on the variety and local climate. Some varieties ripen in late June, while others may not be ready until August or September.
Common mistakes include picking plums that are not fully ripe, which can affect their sweetness and flavor, and handling the fruit too roughly, which can cause bruising. Always use proper techniques to ensure the best quality and longevity of the plums.
Wrapping up: The Best Plum Farms in Rhode Island
Exploring plum farms in Rhode Island offers a delightful and enriching experience for people of all ages. These farms provide a perfect setting to enjoy the outdoors, learn about local agriculture, and pick fresh, delicious plums. With well-maintained fields, friendly staff, and various amenities such as farm stands, picnic areas, and additional activities like farm tours, hayrides, and seasonal events, each farm ensures a fun and memorable outing. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a family looking for a fun day out, Rhode Island’s plum farms offer something for everyone.
Remember to contact the farms before your visit to ensure plum picking is available, and enjoy a delightful day in the beautiful Rhode Island countryside.
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