Frequently Asked Questions

Last weekend of April through the 1st week of July is our main season

No. Containers are provided. Visitors are welcome to bring their own, but it must be weighed before they pick so we do not charge for the weight of the container.

We also offer pre-picked produce for those who prefer not to walk or are in a hurry.

Our U-Pick season typically runs from late April through the first week of July, and offerings may vary slightly depending on weather and crop availability. Here’s what you can expect: Spring: Lettuce Beets Carrots Broccoli & Cauliflower Greens, Cabbage, Kale Greenhouse Tomatoes Fresh Herbs Early Summer: Thornless Blackberries (7 varieties!) Tomatoes (cherry and slicing) Peppers (jalapeño, bell, banana) Squash (yellow & zucchini) Okra Eggplant Cucumbers More herbs and seasonal veggies Flowers (in bloom during the season): Zinnias Celosia Sunflowers (timing may vary) We update our social media regularly with what’s currently ripe and ready, so be sure to check before you come!

Yes, there is a $3 entry fee per person (ages 3 and under are free). This fee includes: One bucket for blackberry picking Use of harvest baskets for vegetables Access to shears for cutting flowers and produce All guests entering the U-Pick fields must pay the entry fee, even if they don’t plan to pick. This helps cover the cost of additional insurance, maintenance, and produce that may be sampled or accidentally damaged during your visit. U-Pick Pricing: Blackberries: $6.50 per pound Vegetables: $3.00 per pound Cut Flowers: $5 per cup or $25 per bucket Sunflowers: $1 per stem (not included in cup/bucket pricing) We also offer bulk discounts and pre-picked options—just ask when you arrive or check our social media for updates!

The $3 entry fee helps us maintain a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable farm experience for everyone. It covers important costs like: Additional insurance required for visitors on the farm Supplies such as picking buckets, harvest baskets, and shears Produce loss from what’s sampled, accidentally damaged, or left behind in the field Charging a small fee allows us to continue offering hands-on, family-friendly experiences while keeping our U-Pick fields open and thriving for the community. We appreciate your support!

Yes! To help us maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, we kindly ask that all visitors follow these simple guidelines: Pick only what you plan to purchase and eat Stay on designated paths and do not step or stand on planting beds No pets allowed in the fields (service animals welcome); other pets may stay under the sales barn with supervision No smoking or alcohol anywhere on the farm Children are welcome, but must be supervised at all times Be respectful of the plants, produce, and other guests These rules help protect our crops and ensure a great experience for all who visit. Thanks for doing your part!

No reservations are needed—just come on out during our open hours! We welcome walk-ins on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM, typically from late April through early July. Please check our social media or website before your visit, as hours and availability may change due to weather or crop conditions.

Absolutely—Specklebelly Farms is a family-friendly destination! We love seeing kids explore the fields, learn where their food comes from, and enjoy the outdoors. For the safety of all guests and our crops, pets are not allowed in the picking fields. However, service animals are always welcome, and well-behaved pets may stay under the sales barn with a pet parent supervising. Please plan ahead—Texas spring and summer heat can be dangerous, so we do not recommend leaving pets in the car.

Yes! While we're a working farm, we do provide a few simple amenities to make your visit more comfortable: Portable restroom (cleaned weekly) Handwashing station Shaded picnic tables under the oak trees—perfect for a break or snack after picking

We do our best to make Specklebelly Farms as accessible as possible. Our picking areas are wheelchair accessible, but please note that the ground is primarily grass and dirt, which can be uneven, rocky, or muddy depending on the weather. We recommend using caution and planning accordingly. For those who prefer not to walk the fields, we also offer a selection of pre-picked produce during the season. At this time, restrooms are not ADA-compliant, but we’re working toward improving accessibility as we grow.

We practice sustainable farming with a strong focus on soil health, pollinator support, and long-term environmental care. While we are not certified organic, we use many organic methods—including cover cropping, composting, and crop rotation. We do not spray glyphosate (Roundup) over our crops, and we’re committed to minimizing chemical use across the farm. Our goal is to grow high-quality, nutrient-rich produce in a way that supports both the land and the people who enjoy it.

At Specklebelly Farms, healthy soil is the foundation of everything we grow. We use a combination of cover crops, large-scale composting, and organic soil amendments to naturally enrich and regenerate the land. These practices help improve water retention, reduce erosion, and build long-term fertility without relying on synthetic inputs. We also plant pollinator-friendly crops to support native bees and maintain our own honeybee hives right here on the farm. Everything we do is designed to work with nature—not against it.

Yes! We proudly collaborate with Texas A&M and Stephen F. Austin State University to conduct on-farm research trials that help improve plant health and sustainability under real Texas growing conditions. These partnerships allow us to stay at the forefront of responsible farming practices while contributing valuable insights to the broader agricultural community. We’re also active members of organizations like the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Texas Farm Bureau, Arkansas Blackberry Growers Association, and the North American Raspberry & Blackberry Association.

Yes, we are fully licensed and compliant with state regulations. Specklebelly Farms holds a Texas Class 2 Nursery License, a Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Applicator License, and we use TDA-certified scales for all of our product sales. These certifications ensure that we’re operating responsibly and transparently—for both our customers and the land we steward.

hile both are part of the bramble family, Texas dewberries and our thornless blackberries are quite different in how they grow, taste, and harvest. Texas Dewberries are wild, native trailing vines that grow low to the ground and typically produce small, tart berries in early spring. They’re unpredictable in yield and depend heavily on natural rainfall. Thornless Blackberries, on the other hand, are cultivated varieties bred for commercial and home production. They grow on upright or semi-erect canes and are known for their larger, sweeter fruit—and, of course, no thorns! Why Our Thornless Blackberries Are the Better Choice: Bigger, Sweeter Berries: Ours are specially bred for size, sweetness, and texture—perfect for snacking, baking, or freezing. No Thorns = No Ouch: Safe and comfortable for kids, families, and first-time pickers—no scratches or thick gloves needed. Easy to Pick: Our plants are trellised and upright, making the berries easier to spot and pick without crouching or digging. Longer Harvest Season: Unlike dewberries that ripen quickly and disappear, our blackberries ripen gradually from late May through June, giving you more time to enjoy them. Grown with Purpose: Our blackberries are grown using sustainable, thoughtful practices right here at Specklebelly Farms—so you can feel good about what you pick. If you’ve only ever tried wild dewberries, you’re in for a treat with our thornless blackberries. Come taste the difference!

Yes, we do! Specklebelly Farms offers guided farm tours for schools, gardening clubs, charity groups, and other community organizations. These tours give guests a behind-the-scenes look at how we grow, harvest, and care for our crops using sustainable methods. We’re also planning to launch hands-on classes and workshops starting in 2026, covering topics like seed starting, bouquet making, and seasonal growing tips. To schedule a tour or inquire about group visits, please call or email us—we’d love to host you!

Yes! In addition to fresh produce and flowers, we offer a variety of farm-made specialty items, including: Blackberry Jelly Jalapeño Blackberry Jelly Local Honey Handcrafted Blackberry Soap These items are available during U-Pick weekends and at our booth at the Columbus Country Market. They make great gifts—or a tasty way to enjoy a little piece of the farm at home!

Not yet—but we’re thinking about it! We’re currently exploring the possibility of offering memberships or CSA options in the future, where customers could receive regular boxes of fresh, seasonal produce and farm goods. If you’re interested, let us know! Your feedback helps us shape what comes next at Specklebelly Farms.

We attend the monthly Columbus Country Market the last Saturday of each month for March, April and May as well as September, October and November. We do NOT attend the June, July or August markets.

We currently provide produce/herbs to Dewberry Café, Magnolia Society, Big Easy Ranch, Boon & Co., Prost and The Falls. For restaurant/commercial orders – reach out by phone as we generally grow for the above-mentioned venues. Additionally, we do offer contact growing for or foodservice customers.

Yes, we do! We offer bulk discounts on U-Pick blackberries when you pick 50 pounds or more, and we also provide wholesale pricing on all of our produce. If you're a restaurant, food service provider, or looking to buy in bulk, give us a call or send an email to discuss availability and pricing. We'd be happy to set up a meeting and talk about how we can grow for your needs.

Not yet—but we’re getting there! While we don’t currently host large festivals or public workshops, we’re actively planning future events like a Sunflower Fest and Pumpkin Patch, as well as hands-on classes starting in 2026. In the meantime, we’re happy to host private events or workshops led by others—just reach out if you’re interested in using the farm as a venue! Stay tuned to our social media and newsletter for updates on upcoming activities.

A “Specklebelly” is the nickname for the Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons), a medium-sized goose known for the distinctive black and brown speckled markings on its breast and the white patch at the base of its bill. When we first began farming in Eagle Lake, Texas—proudly known as the Goose Hunting Capital of Texas—these geese were regular visitors to our fields. Their presence became part of our daily rhythm and a special connection to the land around us. So when it came time to name the farm, “Specklebelly Farms” felt just right. It honors both the wildlife that shaped our early days and the natural beauty that surrounds everything we grow. It’s a name rooted in place, memory, and the kind of connection we hope every visitor feels when they visit.