The segment on the life of a lobsterman was interesting, as was Martha's lobster roll making demonstration. After a commercial break, I expected more luscious lobster cooking tips, but no--Martha was back in the kitchen with her mother, ready to teach viewers how to make strawberry banana sherbet the way her mother always did.
The recipe called for fresh berries, and, as you'd expect, Martha produced a container overflowing with the most glorious-looking, vibrant-red strawberries imaginable.
She turned to her mother and told her she'd picked these fine strawberry specimens herself--"at the Pickin' Patch in Avon, Connecticut."
I about fell off the couch. I hit pause, rewind and play a few times to make sure I wasn't imagining things. After all, it seemed rather incredible that Martha and I might have something in common. The Pickin' Patch is my favorite Connecticut place for pick-your-own fruits and vegetables.
I've picked strawberries, blueberries and sugar snap peas at the family-owned farm and purchased other fresh produce in the Pickin' Patch store, and I've never been disappointed with the quality.
The farm opens in April each year for sales of flower and vegetable plants. Peas are usually the first crop ready for picking, and they're available from mid-May through late June. Here's a quick look at other popular pick-your-own crops and their approximate dates of availability:
Strawberries - mid to late June
Early Raspberries - early to mid July
Blueberries - late July through August
Fall Raspberries - late August until the frost
Broccoli, Cabbages and Greens - May through December
Beans - mid May through early September
Squashes - May through December
Sweet Corn - late July until the frost
Peppers - August until the frost
Tomatoes - August until the frost
Pumpkins - late September through October
Keep in mind that weather and other factors can alter the growing calendar a bit, so it is always a good idea to call ahead for information on current picking conditions. The number for the Pickin' Patch is 860-677-9552.
In December, shop the Pickin' Patch for fresh-cut Christmas trees, roping, wreaths, bows, holiday plants and other seasonal decorations.
Getting There: From I-91, take exit 31 for I-84 West. From I-84, take the Farmington exit, exit 39. At the center of Farmington, go right on Route 10 North (Waterville Road) toward Avon. At the light at the intersection of Routes 10 and 44, continue straight across 44 onto Nod Road. The Pickin' Patch is located at 276 Nod Road, 1-1/2 miles up on the left.
Hours: The Pickin' Patch is open daily from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., spring through October. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in November and December. The store officially closes December 24, but you will find some self-serve items available during the winter months.
