What Tanaka Farms offers and how the visit works
Tanaka Farms is a u-pick operation in Southern California where you harvest your own produce directly from the field. The farm grows strawberries, blueberries, and seasonal vegetables depending on the time of year. You pay by weight or by the container after you pick, and the farm provides the picking containers and tools.
When you arrive, staff will direct you to the section of the field that is currently open for picking and show you which plants are ready to harvest. They explain the picking technique for each crop — for example, how to twist berries without damaging the plant. You then pick at your own pace for as long as you want, and return to the stand to weigh and pay for what you collected.
The farm operates seasonally, so hours and what is available to pick change throughout the year. Strawberry season typically runs from late winter through spring, while other crops vary. It is worth calling ahead or checking their website to confirm what is currently available and what the current hours are.
Key Takeaways
- Tanaka Farms charges by weight or container size after you pick, not an entry fee, so your cost depends on how much you harvest.
- The farm provides picking containers and basic tools, so you only need to bring comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and a hat or sunscreen.
- Picking conditions vary by season and weather, so bring water and plan to spend 30 minutes to two hours depending on how much you want to gather.
- The farm is located in Irvine, California, and operates on a seasonal schedule that changes what crops are available each month.
What to bring and wear
Dress for outdoor work in the sun and heat. Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip, since you will be walking on soil and potentially wet ground. Long pants or long skirts protect your legs from sun and plant contact. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential, especially during peak season when the sun is strongest.
Bring a water bottle — picking is physical work and you will be in the sun for an hour or more. The farm may have water available, but it is safer to bring your own. Bring a small towel or cloth to wipe your hands, since you will be handling soil and wet plants.
Do not bring bags or containers from home. Tanaka Farms provides the picking containers, and using their containers ensures accurate weighing at checkout. Leave valuables in your car or at home, since you will be moving around the field and cannot easily carry a bag while picking.
How pricing works
Tanaka Farms charges by weight or by the size of the container you fill, depending on the crop. Strawberries and berries are typically priced per pound, while some vegetables may be priced per container. The exact price varies by season and crop availability.
You pay at the farm stand after you finish picking and your harvest is weighed. Bring cash or a card — most u-pick farms accept both, but it is worth confirming when you call ahead. There is no entry fee or minimum purchase, so you can pick as much or as little as you want.
Best times to visit
Early morning is the best time to pick. The berries and vegetables are cooler, firmer, and easier to handle. The field is less crowded, and you have more space to move around. Arrive within the first hour or two after the farm opens.
Avoid visiting right after rain, since the soil will be muddy and plants will be wet and harder to pick cleanly. Mid-afternoon heat can be intense, especially in summer, so plan your visit for morning or late afternoon if possible. Weekdays are typically less crowded than weekends.
Check the farm's website or call before you go, because seasonal crops mean availability changes week to week. Some crops are only available for a few weeks, and the farm may close temporarily between seasons.
What to expect when you arrive
When you pull in, look for the farm stand or entrance building. Staff will check you in and explain the current picking conditions — which sections are open, what is ripe, and any rules about picking technique. They will give you containers and show you where to go.
The field is typically divided into sections by crop. You will walk to your assigned area, and staff will point out which rows are ready to pick. Other families and groups will be picking nearby, so expect to share the space. The atmosphere is usually relaxed and family-friendly.
Once you finish, return to the stand with your containers. Staff will weigh your harvest, tell you the total cost, and you pay. Some farms bag your produce for you; others may ask you to transfer it to your own containers at this point.
Picking tips for better results
Pick berries that are fully colored and come off the plant easily. If a berry resists, it is not ripe yet — leave it for next time. Ripe berries bruise easily, so place them gently in the container rather than dropping them. Pick into the center of the container so the weight is distributed and berries on top do not crush those below.
For vegetables, ask staff which parts are ready to harvest. Some crops like beans or peas need to be picked at a specific size. Use the picking tools provided rather than pulling by hand, since this is gentler on the plant and you are more likely to return next season.
Pick steadily but do not rush. You are paying by weight, so the goal is to gather what you will actually use, not to fill containers as fast as possible. A typical visit yields 5 to 15 pounds of berries or vegetables, depending on how long you pick and what is in season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my young children to pick?
Yes. Tanaka Farms is family-friendly and children can pick alongside adults. Young children may pick more slowly and less efficiently, so plan for a longer visit. Bring extra water and snacks, and watch children carefully in the sun. Some farms have age restrictions for safety, so call ahead if you have very young children.
What if I have never picked berries before?
Staff will show you the correct technique when you arrive. Ripe berries should come off with a gentle twist or pull — if you have to yank, it is not ready. The learning curve is short, and most people pick efficiently after the first few minutes.
Do I need to make a reservation?
Tanaka Farms typically operates on a walk-in basis, but it is worth calling ahead to confirm the farm is open and what crops are currently available. During peak season or on weekends, arriving early helps you avoid crowds and get the best pick of ripe fruit.
What happens if I pick something that is not ripe?
You still pay for it. The farm trusts pickers to harvest only ripe, quality produce. If you accidentally pick something unripe, you can ask staff to replace it before you pay, but the farm is not responsible for mistakes after you leave.
Can I bring my own containers or bags?
No. You must use the containers provided by the farm so that your harvest can be weighed accurately at checkout. Bringing your own containers will not be allowed, since the farm needs to know the weight of the container itself to calculate what you owe.