Despite last week’s sizzling weather, moms and kids flocked to Webb Ranch farm to pick blackberries, loganberries and raspberries.
This is the third year for “U-pick” at the ranch, and now is the height of berry picking, which will end mid-July, depending on the weather. The pick-them-yourself berry patch includes boysenberries, olallie and butte blackberries, loganberries and, the most popular, red raspberries.
This year, Webb also has two new U-pick patches: one planted in strawberries and another in watermelon and cantaloupes; melons won’t ripen until late August.
U-pickers may bring their own containers or buy them at the ranch. Pickers are advised to wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts (so you don’t get poked by thorns), hats, sunscreen and comfortable shoes. This is not the place for high heels or sandals. Pets are not allowed.
There is a $3 entrance fee for each U-picker, except for children 5 and under and seniors over 60, who are admitted free. Berries sell for $2 per pound.
The berry patch is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If the temperature exceeds 100 degrees, the patch will be open only between 10 a.m. and noon. Hours for the strawberry and melon patches are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
To visit the berry patch, turn right as you leave the produce stand on Alpine Road. Go under Interstate 280, take the first right at the green sign for Webb Ranch, then follow signs to the U-pick.
Webb Ranch’s produce stand is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week selling fruits and vegetables from the farm. Two of the most popular items are corn, which is picked hourly, and tomatoes. Corn should be ready mid-July, with tomatoes appearing early in August.
Webb Ranch dates back to 1922, when George Webb first sub-leased the land from Stanford University. The family moved to the ranch in 1929.
Gary Webb has managed the ranch since his dad, Stanley, retired in the 1980s. It is the only working truck farm on the Peninsula. For information, call 854-5417.
