Planting your own garden or participating in a community garden are great ways to reduce your carbon footprint while also enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables. But if you are lacking a green thumb, perhaps consider visiting a you-pick farm where you can work the fields and snag your own fresh food and even some lovely flowers. Here are three great local ones.

Hunsader Farms

 5500 County Road 675 E., Bradenton, (941) 331-1212, hunsaderfarms.com

Between April and May, Hunsader offers the opportunity to pick black-eyed peas, green beans, okra, eggplant, tomatoes, zipper peas and purple hull peas. Flowers available for picking include zinnias, wildflowers and sunflowers. Charges apply depending on the amount, weight and type of item picked. There is an entry fee, as well.

Albritton Fruit Farms

9600 State Road 72, Sarasota, (941) 780-0888, albrittonfruitfarms.com

Albritton is a family-owned establishment that produces sunflowers and blueberries. Through May 19, there are multiple opportunities to pick fresh flowers and four varieties of blueberry. In order to participate, RSVP for a specific time and date on the farm's website. Charges may apply.

Honeyside Farms

24105 State Road 62, Parrish, (941) 405-0015, honeysidefarms.com

Honeyside is an organic, all-natural farm that produces strawberries, tomatoes, sunflowers, lettuce, zucchini, squash, broccoli, snap peas, cabbage and honey. You-pick opportunities happen only on select days, which will be announced on the farm's website and social media channels. Charges may apply.

Brown's Grove

7362 Hawkins Road, Sarasota, (941) 266-2254, brownsgrove.com

One of the few citrus groves left in the area, Brown's offers you-pick citrus in December and January.  The rainbow of fruit includes tangerines, sugarbells, Meyer lemons, red and white grapefruit, pomelos, yellow and red navel oranges and more. Charges may apply.