McKemie HomeGrown
2336 Sand Hollow
Dale, Texas 78616
512 764-2122

B L A C K B E R R Y  -  P I C K I N G

1) You are encouraged to pick only the ripest, most perfect, and cleanest of the berries.

2) The ripe berries are solid black; a slight tint of red, particularly at the stem end means that the berry is not yetripe. As you gain experience, you will notice that the ripe berries separate from the stem easily. Try picking by twisting rather than pulling. Please taste test berries of various colors.

3) The over ripe berries are turning soft; they are the best flavored, but if you try to take them home you may arrive with only juice. Please eat these berries as you encounter them.

4) The berries that are near the ground are likely to be sandy. They are difficult to clean and you are discouraged from picking them.

5) You may over fill your containers, but please do not try to over fill so much that berries roll off and are lost.

6) S N A K E S ! Most people are wary of snakes while picking berries and that is understandable. We rarely see a snake and, of the ones that we do see, a small fraction are poisionous. We do have a native population of Copperheads and Rattlers. The fire ants seem to be reducing the snake density. Please keep in mind that snakes are generally not aggressive and that they will "run" from you if they get the chance. Almost all snake bites occur when the snake is accidently stepped on or grabbed. Look where you put your hands and feet. If you see a snake, let him "run" away.

7) Chiggers and Ticks. Many years ago we had populations of chiggers and ticks, but I believe that the fire ants have justabout cleared them out. Please let me know if you get attackedby any insects.