Pittsboro, NC – Nestled just five miles west of downtown Pittsboro, North Carolina, Wild Abandon Farm is more than just a place to pick fresh blueberries; it is a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the joy of reconnecting with nature. Founded by Shari and Noah Becker, the farm has transformed from a horse property into a thriving blueberry haven where families can gather, learn, and enjoy the fruits of labor. The Beckers invite visitors to partake in the experience of berry picking while fostering a deeper connection to local agriculture.
From Subdivision to Sustainable Farming
A Leap into Farming
The Beckers’ journey to becoming blueberry farmers began with a desire for more space and a change in career. After leaving her job, Shari and her husband Noah stumbled upon a property that would soon become Wild Abandon Blueberry Farm. In a world where many are confined to the rules of homeowners’ associations, Shari and Noah Becker found their escape in the form of a 10-acre property that had once served as a horse farm. “It was an opportunity we couldn’t step away from,” Shari recalls, highlighting the serendipitous nature of their venture.
The Beckers were introduced to the property by friends who had become neighbors. The couple embraced the challenge with “wild abandon,” a name that reflects both their enthusiasm and the unpredictable journey of starting a farm. They embraced the name, reflecting their enthusiastic and carefree approach to farming.
The Transformation of the Land
From Horses to Blueberries
Originally a horse farm, the property required significant transformation before it could support blueberry cultivation. Shari and Noah explored various agricultural options, including hemp and hops, but ultimately decided on blueberries due to their lower capital and labor demands. “Hemp and hops are very capital intensive,” Shari explains. “If we messed up, we could lose the entire crop.”
Ultimately, the couple turned their attention to blueberries, a fruit they had enjoyed growing in their previous neighborhood. “We wanted something productive that would also allow us to connect with our community,” Shari said. With the help of the Chatham Cooperative Extension, particularly agent Debbie Roos, they attended workshops and learned the ins and outs of blueberry farming. They learned about soil amendment and planting techniques.
Planting and Growing
The Planting Party
In what can only be described as a community effort, the Beckers organized a planting party to establish their blueberry bushes. “We bought 230 plants from a nursery in Bailey, North Carolina,” Shari recalled. With the help of around 50 friends, they planted the bushes, marking the beginning of their fruitful journey.
Growing Together: The Blueberry Experience
The Joy of Picking
After three years of nurturing the plants, the farm opened to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although they couldn’t hold a grand opening, Shari and Noah welcomed friends and family to pick blueberries, creating a safe space for connection during a challenging time. Now, the Beckers invite the broader community to experience the joy of picking fresh blueberries. The farm’s blueberry season typically runs from late June to early August, providing ample opportunity for families to enjoy the outdoors.
Shari emphasizes the importance of education in the picking process, advising visitors on how to choose ripe blueberries. “Look for the blue ones with a powdery coating,” she instructs, noting that this natural bloom indicates freshness that is often lost in store-bought berries.
The Blueberry Experience
Picking the Perfect Berry
Visitors to Wild Abandon Blueberry Farm can expect a hands-on experience. Shari emphasizes the importance of knowing what to look for when picking blueberries. “You want the berries to be blue and slightly powdery,” she advises. “That powdery coating indicates they’re ready to eat.”
The farm offers seven different varieties of blueberries, each ripening at different times throughout the season, which typically runs from late June to early August. This careful planning ensures that customers can enjoy fresh blueberries for as long as possible.
Varieties and Community Connections
Diverse Offerings
The farm cultivates seven different varieties of blueberries, each with its own unique flavor profile. Noah’s research into plant varieties ensures a staggered harvest, allowing visitors to enjoy blueberries throughout the season. “My personal favorite is row three, where we have the powder blues,” Shari shares, adding that many visitors enjoy sampling different varieties to find their favorites.
The Beckers view Wild Abandon as more than just a farm; it’s a community hub. They actively collaborate with community businesses, such as King Fisher in Durham, which has experimented with unique blueberry products like pickled green berries and blueberry-infused cocktail. “We love promoting other local farmers and businesses,” Shari states. “It’s all about supporting each other.”
The farm also serves as a venue for families, particularly children, to engage with nature and learn about agriculture. “Seeing kids run up to the bushes, plucking berries and tasting them, brings me so much joy,” Shari shares. “It’s rewarding to see them develop a love for fruit, especially when they don’t typically eat a lot of it.”
A Space for Families and Friends
Creating Lasting Memories
The Bechers’ vision for Wild Abandon extends beyond agriculture; it is about creating a space for families to connect with nature and each other. “Seeing kids run up to the bushes and light up when they taste a fresh blueberry is the best part of this experience,” Shari enthuses. The farm serves as a backdrop for cherished family memories, drawing repeat visitors who return year after year.
Sustainable Practices and Future Aspirations
Nurturing the Land
Sustainability is at the heart of Wild Abandon’s operations. The Bechers utilize automated irrigation systems to maintain the health of their blueberry bushes, ensuring optimal growth while being mindful of water usage. As they look to the future, Shari expresses a desire to continue expanding their knowledge and practices to enhance the farm’s sustainability.
A Blueberry Haven for All
Wild Abandon Farm invites families to experience the simple joy of picking fresh blueberries while fostering connections with nature and each other. Everyone is invited to come and discover the hidden treasure that is Wild Abandon Farm. With its commitment to community, sustainability, and the joy of family engagement, Wild Abandon Farm is not just cultivating blueberries; it is cultivating a sense of belonging and connection within the heart of Chatham County.
Watch on YouTube – Wild Abandon Blueberry Farm in Pittsboro, NC – 7.19.25
00:15 Shari Becker shares the story behind starting Wild Abandon Blueberry Farm.
- The farm was discovered while looking for land after leaving an HOA subdivision.
- The name ‘Wild Abandon’ reflects their spontaneous decision to pursue this opportunity.
02:01 The couple chose blueberries for community engagement and manageable farming.
- They considered hemp and hops but found them too labor and capital intensive.
- With guidance from the Chatham Cooperative Extension, they learned about blueberry cultivation before planting.
03:53 Community planting event led to successful blueberry farm growth.
- A group of 50 friends helped plant blueberry bushes, which took about three years to start producing fruit.
- The farm offers various blueberry varieties for sale, with healthy and thriving bushes providing good production.
05:39 Pruning and selecting ripe blueberries is essential for optimal harvest.
- The pruning process focuses on maintaining upright growth and removing sideways branches to ensure quality fruit.
- When picking blueberries, look for large blue berries with a powdery coating, indicating ripeness, unlike those in stores.
07:09 The blueberry season runs from late June to early August in Pittsboro, NC.
- Green blueberries eventually ripen to blue, indicating readiness for harvest.
- The farm features seven different blueberry varieties, each maturing at staggered times for an extended harvest season.
08:48 Different blueberry rows offer unique tastes and community engagement.
- Each row has distinct blueberry varieties, with personal favorites varying among visitors.
- The farm encourages tasting berries before picking and fosters a sense of community.
10:27 Support for local farmers highlighted at Wild Abandon Blueberry Farm.
- Local businesses like Beagle and Angelina’s Kitchen have been supportive of the farm and Chatham County farmers.
- Children’s joy in picking and tasting fresh blueberries brings repeat visitors, emphasizing community engagement.
12:12 Wild Abandon Blueberry Farm hours and visitor recommendations.
- The farm operates on weekends from 8 AM to 12 PM, with updates posted during inclement weather.
- Visitors are advised to wear rain boots due to wet grass, ensuring comfort during their visit.