In Rhode Island, August is the time to delve into the endless supply of fresh, juicy peaches and berries. August is when these fruits are ripe for the picking, and below explains the stories behind the local farms that offer these sweet fruits, and delightful ways to enjoy the bounty.
Rhode Island’s Late‑Summer Harvest: Peaches & Berries
August in Rhode Island is a time of sun-soaked sweetness: peaches ripen to golden perfection, and berries glut the fields in a riot of red, blue, and purple. Whether you’re a pick‑your‑own adventurer, a home baker or a foodie simply chasing local flavor, this is your moment.
The Peach Season: Late-July Through Mid-September
In Rhode Island, peach season kicks into high gear in early August and often extends into mid‑September, weather permitting. Growers—both orchardists and local pick‑your‑own farms—are reporting a healthy crop for 2025. The USDA’s crop insurance data emphasizes that peaches remain a key fruit in the state, with sustained planting and protection efforts to support harvest yields .
Where to Pick:
- Sweet Berry Farm (Middletown) offers peaches mid‑August to mid‑September alongside blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
- Barden Family Orchard (North Scituate) lets you pick yellow, white peaches, plus berries.
- Narrow Lane Orchard (North Kingstown) and Elwood Orchard (North Scituate) open daily for peach picking from late July through early fall.
- Appleland Orchard (Smithfield) and Harmony Farms (North Scituate) also include peaches in August’s offerings.
Why August? Peaches need consistent heat and sun—warm spring and summer temperatures this year have set the stage for juicy fruit in late summer . Still, growers remain vigilant: peach trees are susceptible to pests like brown rot and Curculio, so vigilant orchard sprays and cleanup practices are essential for a good yield.
Berries Galore: The Triple Threat
August is berry prime time. Here’s when the juicy treasures peak:
- Blueberries: Ripen early July through mid-August.
- Blackberries: Late July to mid-August.
- Raspberries: With summer and fall varieties, berries are available mid-July through August.
Rhode Island even ranks among the top berry-picking states—wild blueberries and other foraged berries dot the woods, power-line clearings, and farms alike .
Top Pick-Your-Own Spots:
- Rocky Point Blueberry Farm (Warwick): Tuesdays–Thursdays and weekend mornings in August—blueberries ripe and waiting.
- Sweet Berry Farm: Mid-July through August for blueberries, blackberries, fall raspberries—plus peaches.
- Other notable farms: Barden Family, Dame Farm, Harmony Farms, Jaswell’s Farm, Smith’s Berry Farm, Macomber’s Blueberry Farm, Quonset View Farm, and Young Family Farm offer a spectrum of berry varieties. Wild berry foragers echo similar enthusiasm: Wild blueberries, although smaller … taste so much better. I’m going to freeze a bunch for the winter.
Picking Guide: When, Where, and How
Timelines & Tips
Created by Edible Rhody and RIFGA, the information below outlines peak berry seasons throughout August.
| Crop | Peak Season in August |
| Blueberries | Early/mid-August |
| Blackberries | Late July–mid-August |
| Raspberries | Mid–late August |
| Peaches | Early–mid September |
Packing for Picking
- Bring sturdy containers, wear breathable, closed-toe shoes, bring water and sunscreen, and leave your dog at home—most farms restrict pets
Best Conditions
Warm, stable weather promotes plump fruit. After rain, pick apple‑dry mornings to enjoy fruit at its sweetest. Rain can dilute flavors.
The Farming Community & Sustainability
Rhode Island Fruit Growers Association (RIFGA), active since 1913, supports over 30 local farmers producing tree fruits and berries—with backing from URI and UMass extension programs. Crop insurance participation reflects the commitment and resilience of growers in maintaining peach and berry production.
Sales figures from Farm Fresh RI highlight consumer demand:
- Blueberries: ~$34K
- Apples: ~$45K
- Peaches: ~$22.6K in 2024
This speaks volumes: these summer fruits are essential to local food culture and economy.
5. Recipes & Uses: Home Kitchen Inspiration
Once you’ve picked your haul, here are bright ideas to maximize flavor:
- Grilled Peaches with Honey & Thyme: Slice, grill until caramelized, drizzle honey, scatter fresh thyme.
- Mixed Summer Berry Crisp: Combine raspberries, blueberries, blackberries with a buttery oat crumble—bake till bubbly.
- Homemade Jams & Preserves: Cook down equal parts stone fruit and berries, sugar, and lemon juice for shelf-stable sweetness.
- Fresh Fruit Tart: Spread custard or mascarpone on a crisp crust and layer peaches and berries for a summery centerpiece.
- Berry & Peach Smoothie: Blend fresh fruit with yogurt, honey, and ice for a refreshing pick‑me‑
Farm Experiences Beyond Picking
Many farms offer on-site options to enhance your visit:
- Sweet Berry Farm: Features a café, farm market, artisan cheese, smoked meats, pastries, and more.
- Barden Family Orchard: Offers supplemental treats and sunflowers for browsing.
- Appleland & Jaswell’s Farm: Provide apple cider, baked goods, hayrides, and seasonal stands .
Your August visits help to support local farmers and to preserve Rhode Island’s agricultural heritage. Shopping-direct boosts local economies, cuts food miles, and supports ecological farming. RIFGA and Farm Fresh initiatives reinforce community collaboration with producers, researchers, and eaters .
In August 2025, Rhode Island’s peaches and berries are at a peak of ripeness and flavor. Fields bustle with families gathering fruit under summer skies, farm markets overflow, and home kitchens come alive with jams, pies, and grilled delights. This is local food at its most vibrant, with deep roots in RI’s past and bright promise for its future.
So, gather your baskets, check farm hours, and set out to taste the best of Rhode Island’s late‑summer harvest. And don’t forget to share your bounty and stories—these traditions are what makes our food culture truly local and lasting.
Enjoy the harvest—and happy picking!
