Blueberry bushes are in full bloom and ready to be picked at Randle Farms in Auburn.
The farm is open to the public Tuesday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to pick or purchase blueberries as well as other products.
The berries cost $10 per gallon, but you can eat while you pick for free.
Frank and Pat Randle opened the farm in 1975. Frank received a bachelor's degree in entomology from Auburn University in 1973. Upon graduation, he worked for the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries.
During his time as the state apiary inspector, Frank and his wife discovered their passion for farming.
Frank and Pat planted the first blueberry bushes in 1976, and the most recent was planted in 1995.
There are approximately 10 acres of blueberry bushes and other fruits on the property.
Ali Tyler, employee at Randle Farms, said the farm originally began as a honey farm.
Pat became allergic to bees, with that as her husband's line of work, he decided to change to something new. That something was farming.
Today, the whole family is involved with the farm. The two sons, Zach and Franklin, were raised on the farm and are now helping work the family business.
Both of the boys are now married, and their wives help out as much as possible.
"It has been really neat to watch the family, they never eat out unless it is at Amsterdam," Tyler said.
The Randle family eats at Amsterdam Cafe because it sells their produce, but usually they stay in and eat homegrown foods.
According to Tyler, Franklin didn't want to come back to the farm at first.
After his father had a minor farming accident, he came back to help out. He now enjoys his work on the farm and plans to stay.
The farm has now become a regular spot for those desiring locally-grown foods.
Larry Smith and wife come to the Randle Farms every year and pick four or five buckets.
Smith worked in the architecture department at Auburn University for 13 years. He uses the picked blueberries to make smoothies, cobbler and other desserts.
Smith prefers to pick his blueberries in mass quantity, grabbing clusters rather than one at a time. He spends a lot of time at the farm to pick many gallons and has learned the appropriate attire.
Smith said he wears a hat to protect his head from the sun and a long sleeve jack to protect his arms from the thorns on the trees.
Smith isn't the only one who likes to cook with his berries.
Tyler said she likes to create a blueberry crescent roll dessert, but ultimately she prefers to eat them fresh.
"I wish we targeted students more," Tyler said.
If students are looking for fresh fruit at a good price, they need to come pick at Randle Farms, Tyler said.
Tyler said she has enjoyed working at the farm and her discount on the fruit. She said she wished she knew about the farm as a student. It would save money and would have been a fun way to buy fruit.
During the fall and winter months, many other options of foods are available. They are available in bulk and brought into town weekly.
"It is a great and fun way to buy fruits," Tyler said. "I am surprised it isn't more popular among students."
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