Granny Mays: Make this U-Pick Strawberry Farm a Family Tradition
Granny May’s Strawberry Farm is Elisabeth Saechao’s family legacy – and she hopes your family will make the u-pick farm an annual tradition.
Elisabeth Saechao, co-owner of Granny May’s Strawberry Farm, was raised on a farm – but she understands that many people didn’t have that same experience. Since 2018, she’s welcomed the public to her Placer County u-pick farm, offering visitors a first hand look at where their food really comes from – and the opportunity to harvest their own fresh fruits.
Farming is a labor of love for Elisabeth. Smiling, she recalls, “My grandparents brought me with them (to the farm) every day. Growing up in that environment taught me the value of hard work and where our food comes from. They started farming after immigrating from Thailand in 1986, using the skills they brought with them to build a life here.” The name Granny May’s is a heartfelt tribute to her grandmother’s legacy.
Honoring tradition, embracing change
While Elisabeth embraces her grandparents’ tireless work ethic and love of the land, she’s ushered in a few significant changes to the original business model. For years, the family sold their fruit at a local farmstand. After the family moved to their current Granite Bay location in 2017, they decided to offer a u-pick experience as well. She explains, “We decided to open for u-pick to give everyone an opportunity to see where food comes from and appreciate the hard work that comes with it. We actually have a lot of people who don’t even know where strawberries come from! So when they get the opportunity to come to our farm and see all the varieties that we have to offer, I think it makes them appreciate their food even more.”
Granny May’s Strawberry Farm: U-Pick Strawberries and More
Granny May’s u-pick farm is open to the public from April through the end of August. Although strawberries tend to be the main attraction, Granny May’s also offers u-pick blackberries, blueberries, flowers, watermelons, and peaches. Visitors can choose between a u-pick experience or choose from a selection of pre-picked produce – berries, flowers, melons or peaches – at the on-site farm stand.
Educational signs explaining the differences between the different types of berries are peppered throughout, along with numerous Insta-ready backdrops – ranging from a giant strawberry to a brilliant butterfly. Elisabeth admits, “We do have some educational signs that give you a feel of each berry and which one you want to pick – but they’re here for the pictures. Our rows look very beautiful throughout the season, and we have photo opportunities throughout.”
Granny May’s partners with the University of California- Davis strawberry breeding program, testing new strawberry varieties and sharing information on how each performed!
Each year, Granny Mays grows between 8-10 different varieties of strawberries each strawberry season. Elisabeth cites Albion strawberries as her longtime favorite, but recently discovered a love for a newer variety, The Warrior. She explains, “What I like about Albion is that they’re firm, they last really long and they’re so sweet. With The Warriors, they’re softer – very juicy and bursting with flavors.”
Rooted in Placer County
Granny May’s strawberry farm is in Placer County, at the base of the Sierra Nevadas. The cooler nights and well-drained soil make Placer County a great place to grow fresh strawberries, but Elisabeth believes that what really makes it special is the community. She explains, “People here care about local farms and where their food comes from. From vineyards and orchards to vegetable farms and family-run operations, the region supports many different crops. We feel fortunate to be a part of this supportive environment.”
Visit Granny May’s Strawberry Farm
Elisabeth and her family invite you to come strawberry picking. In fact, they hope you’ll make it an annual tradition. Granny May’s is open from April through August. The fresh produce stand is open daily, and u-pick is by reservation only. Dates and times may vary, so be sure to check their website for the most current information.
7246 Auburn Folsom Rd, Granite Bay, CA
(916) 300-9291
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Article by Hilary Rance. Photography by James Collier.