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Last week's hot and humid weather is holding out promise for a bumper crop of blueberries and other fruit this summer.

"Everything is perfect, so far," said Carolyn Dufort of Dufort Farms in Rehoboth, where the pick-your-own blueberry season is about to get underway.

Growers report lots of bushes loaded with the green berries readying to ripen for plucking within the next week or so. Raspberry picking will coincide with the blueberry season at some farms.

Many, as of press time, said they still had not set prices for the pick-your-own this season, but John Morse, owner of The Big Apple in Wrentham, said he expects to charge about what he did last year, $1.85 per pound.

"They're doing real well, they like the heat coming now," he said. "As long as there's no drought now." Even the honey bees have been cooperative, despite reports they have been missing from hives due to mysterious circumstances.

Dufort said that the hives at her farm have been active this year.

Carol Bragg, owner of The Blueberry Place in Seekonk, said her berries did not fare as well this year because she did not spray them early enough and winter moth caterpillars decimated many of the flower blossoms. So she will not be open for business this season, but plans to next year. Much of her time in recent months has been running for town selectwoman, a race she won.

Picking berries has become a seasonal tradition for some families. Studies have shown that fresh blueberries also provide health benefits with their high levels of antioxidants which can protect against Alzheimer's, cancer and heart disease, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

There has also been reports that the agents in blueberries can help protect vision against the effects of aging.

Here’s a list of some local places to pick raspberries, blueberries or other fruits and veggies. Prices had yet to be established as of press time. To find other pick-your-own places in the state, go to www.mass.gov/agr.

E Dufort Farms. 55 Reservoir Ave., Rehoboth. Phone: 508-252-6323. Web site, dufortfarms.com. Pick-your-own blueberries July 18 through August. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon. Containers provided.

E Jane and Paul’s Farm. 33 Fruit St., Norfolk. Phone: 508-528-0812. Pick-your-own blueberries this week through late August. Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Call for picking conditions. Containers provided or bring your own.

E The Big Apple. 207 Arnold St., Wrentham, Exit 16 off Route 495. Phone: 508-384-3055. Raspberries were expected to be ready for picking by today; blueberries the second week in July. Open 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Containers provided or you can bring your own.

E Four Town Farm, 90 George St., Seekonk. Phone: 508-336-5587. Pick-your-own raspberries mid-July through end of August. Open for picking 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Containers provided. E Ward’s Berry Farm, 614 South Main St., Sharon. Phone: 781-784-3600. Pick-your-own raspberries starting mid-July; limited blackberry crop also available; pick-your-own blueberries starting mid-July; peach-picking beginning of August to mid- to late-September. Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Containers provided or bring your own.

SUSAN LaHOUD can be reached at 508-236-0398 or at slahoud@thesunchronicle.com.