Pick and Plant this Weekend at Bloomfield Farms!

This weekend, visitors to Bloomfield Farms' u-pick event will not only be able to pick their own certified organic produce, but plant it as well! Bloomfield Farms was selected to help grow the heirloom squash, pumpkins, and gourds for the giant tower of vegetables at this year's National Heirloom Exposition at the Santa Rosa Fairgrounds.

Families visiting the for u-pick on Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5, can help plant these heirloom seeds (contributed by the Petaluma Seed Bank and Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds). Then, come back in the fall to see how they've grown and pick a pumpkin, gourd, or squash (nature permitting, one per customer).

As usual, you'll also find a variety of great organic produce, including, kale, lettuce, chard, artichokes, leeks, broccoli, and more. We hear their new strawberry patch is in full swing now, too. Also, Chef John Lyle will be on hand again this Sunday for a "pay-what-you-can" Farm Fun Brunch. If you haven't been to u-pick yet this is a great weekend to check it out.

U-pick at Bloomfield Farms takes place on Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm through the spring, summer, and into the fall. An RSVP to upick@bloomfieldfarmsorganics.com is appreciated; please let them know when you're coming and how many will be in your party. The cost for u-pick is $30 per box of produce; cash only.

If You Go

Bloomfield Farms is located 12250 Valley Ford Road northwest of Petaluma, approximately 45 minutes from central Marin. To get there, take Highway 101 to the Washington Street exit in Petaluma. Turn left at the stop light onto Washington Street and follow it until it becomes Bodega Avenue. Follow Bodega Avenue into the Two Rock Valley area, then bear right as Bodega Avenue becomes Valley Ford Road. Bloomfield Farms will be on your right just after Bloomfield Road—look for the sign.

Bring a knife to harvest vegetables (a pocket knife or even a serrated bread knife is fine) and gloves, as well as a hat and sunscreen. Sturdy shoes or boots and clothes that you don't mind getting dirty are likewise a must. A portable toilet restroom is available, as well as drinking water, but you might want to bring your own, just in case. You can bring your lunch and picnic on the farm, and food will even be available on some days.

If you have your own wagon, they strongly suggest that you bring it along, as the farm's wagons are limited in quantity and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information on Bloomfield Farms, visit www.bloomfieldfarmsorganics.com.