High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy and Vitamin D

Pregnant? Why You Need to DEMAND This Test…

Posted By Dr. Mercola | September 18 2010 | 21,285 views

A new study finds that women who develop a severe form of pregnancy-related high blood pressure tend to have lower blood levels of vitamin D. The condition is known as early-onset severe preeclampsia, and it contributes to about 15 percent of preterm births in the U.S. each year.

Researchers found that vitamin D levels were generally low among 50 women with early severe preeclampsia. Their average vitamin D level in the former group was a very low 18 nanograms per milliliter.
Reuters reports:

“If vitamin D is involved in preeclampsia risk ... then it might help explain why African American women are at greater risk of the complication than other racial groups ... Vitamin D is naturally synthesized in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. This process is less efficient in people with darker skin.”

Sources:

  Reuters August 18, 2010

  American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology August 6, 2010

 

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

If you or anyone you know is pregnant, PLEASE make sure that you get your vitamin D levels (25 hydroxy D) regularly checked during your pregnancy.
We know today that your levels need to be above 50 ng/ml to protect you and your baby from some of the most serious complications of pregnancy such as premature delivery and preeclampsia -- but most obstetricians will NOT automatically check your levels for you.
Please do not assume that your levels have been tested in with the routine pregnancy blood work you receive. You will need to specifically ask to have your vitamin D tested. It is very likely that it will be considered malpractice to not check pregnant women’s vitamin D levels in the near future, but for now it is not standard practice.
Unfortunately, by the time health policy catches up with the research, many pregnant women today will have missed out on the chance to provide their unborn babies with sufficient vitamin D during pregnancy -- but this needn’t happen to you or your loved ones.

Vitamin D is Crucial for Preventing Many Serious Pregnancy Complications

Preeclampsia is a potentially deadly increase in blood pressure and fluid accompanied during pregnancy. Early-onset severe preelcampsia is especially dangerous as it occurs before the 34th week of pregnancy. Because the only “cure” for preeclampsia is to deliver the baby, it is responsible for 15 percent of preterm births in the United States.
Preeclampsia and related disorders are thought to cause 76,000 maternal and 500,000 infant deaths every year -- deaths that could potentially be prevented by simply optimizing vitamin D.
According to the latest research, women with early severe preeclampsia were more likely to have low vitamin D levels than women with healthy pregnancies. In fact, the women with preeclampsia had vitamin D levels that averaged just 18 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) -- a serious deficiency state.
You see, vitamin D is far more than “just a vitamin.” Rather it’s the only known substrate for a potent, pleiotropic (meaning it produces multiple effects), repair and maintenance seco-steroid hormone that serves multiple gene-regulatory functions in your body, including during pregnancy.
The researchers speculated that vitamin D may affect the regulation and function of proteins in the placenta, which are believed to be involved in preeclampsia. Even a 10-ng/mL increase in vitamin D was found to lower the women’s risks of preeclampsia by 63 percent!

Research Shows Vitamin D Benefits for Preeclampsia, Premature Birth and More

U.S. researchers Drs. Hollis and Wagner also found that the "core morbidities of pregnancy" -- diabetes, high blood pressure, and preeclampsia -- were reduced by 30 percent in the women who took high-dose vitamin D, amounting to 4,000 IUs of vitamin D a day (ten times the RDA of 400 IU).
Their findings were discussed at an international vitamin D research conference in Brugge, Belgium, and also included other promising benefits including:

• Mothers who took 4,000 IUs of vitamin D during pregnancy had their risk of premature birth reduced by half
• Premature babies born to women taking high doses of vitamin D were reduced by half at both 32 and 37 weeks
• There were also fewer babies who were born "small for dates"
• Women taking high doses of vitamin D had a 25 percent reduction in infections, particularly respiratory infections such as colds and flu, as well as fewer infections of the vagina and the gums
• Babies getting the highest amounts of vitamin D after birth had fewer colds and less eczema

Most Pregnant Women are Vitamin D Deficient

Unfortunately, the study by Drs. Hollis and Wagner found that over 87 percent of all newborns and over 67 percent of all mothers had vitamin D levels lower than 20 ng/ml, which is a severe deficiency state. As a result, the researchers recommended that all mothers optimize their vitamin D levels during pregnancy, especially in the winter months, to safeguard their babies' health.
This finding could also help to explain the disproportionately high numbers of poor outcomes among African American births along with the increased risk of preeclampsia among African American women, as deficiency is extremely common among people with darker skin colors.
African Americans and other dark-skinned people and those living in northern latitudes make significantly less vitamin D than other groups; the darker your skin is, the less likely it is that you will produce adequate vitamin D levels from sun exposure alone.
Again, this is why it is just so important that you get your levels tested.
Government Vitamin D Recommendations -- and Reference Ranges -- are Far Too Low
Current guidelines recommend pregnant women consume from 200 IU to 400 IU of vitamin D a day, an amount that is far too low; most adults will need from 5,000 to 10,000 units every day to reach therapeutic levels unless they are spending one or more hours a day in the sun with most of their skin uncovered.
Based on the latest research, many experts now agree you need about 35 IU's of vitamin D per pound of body weight. This recommendation is the same for adults, children, the elderly and pregnant women.
But, remember that vitamin D requirements are highly individual.
Your vitamin D status is dependent on several factors, such as the color of your skin, your location, and how much sunshine you're exposed to on a regular basis. So, although these recommendations may put you closer to the level of what most people likely need, it is virtually impossible to make a blanket recommendation that will cover everyone.
The only accurate way to determine your optimal dose is to get your blood tested, and then be aware that the reference ranges from the lab may say your levels are normal when in fact they are still too low.
Ideally, you'll want to maintain a vitamin D level of at least 50 ng/ml and perhaps as high as 80-90 ng/ml year-round.
For in-depth information about safe sun exposure, dosing and other recommendations to safely and effectively optimize your vitamin D levels, please watch my free one-hour lecture on vitamin D.http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/12/16/my-one-hour-vitamin-d-lecture-to-clear-up-all-your-confusion-on-this-vital-nutrient.aspx

http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/articles/vitamin-D-questions-answers.php

Benefits of Vitamin D, Sources of Vitamin D

Everything You Ever Needed To Know About Vitamin D

By Alona Pulde, MD, LAc., Specializing In Lifestyle Medicine At Exsalus Health and Wellness Center
Vitamin D facts. Is Vitamin D really a vitamin? What are the benefits of vitamin D? What are vitamin D deficiency symptoms? What are the sources of vitamin D? Do we need to get vitamin D from sun exposure or take Vitamin D supplements? Will sun exposure increase the risk of cancer?
Dr. Alona Pulde answers these questions and more!
We admit - this is a long article. But - We all need to know about Vit. D!

What Is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is actually a fat soluble hormone, but for convenience we call it a vitamin. The two major forms are Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3. Vit. D2 is found in fungi, plants, and fortified foods or supplements. Vit. D3 is synthesized in our skin when it's exposed to UVB light from the sun. It's also found in fish oil, and fortified foods or supplements.
Vitamin D synthesis starts in the skin. Then the liver and kidneys process Vit. D to it's final, active form - calcitriol. Some studies have found that Vit. D3 has longer lasting effects than Vit. D2, while other studies have found them equally effective.

What are the Benefits if Vitamin D - What Does It Do?

Vitamin D is essential for the human body to function properly. It regulates over 200 genes, in cells all over the body - including the brain, heart, kidney, bone, intestine, skin, gonads, prostate, breast, parathyroid gland, and immune system.
Vitamin D is important for bone health because it regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. It can suppress the immune system, to fight against conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, and Multiple Sclerosis. Or Vit. D can activate the immune system, to fight cancer and infections like TB, Pneumonia, and Flu, and decrease the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Vit. D helps prevent diabetes by modifying the release and response to insulin.

How Much Vitamin D Do We Need And Where Do We Get It?

We need up to 10,000 IU Vit. D daily to maintain adequate levels in our bodies. However, Vit. D levels fluctuate with geographical location, UV index, skin type, and exposure to the sun.
The best source of Vit. D is sunlight - when the UV (ultra-violet) index is 3 or higher. Most people can make up to 10,000 IU of Vit. D per day with maximum UVB exposure according to the chart below. Other sources of Vit. D include supplementation and to a smaller extent foods such as cod liver oil.
Adequate sun exposure depends on the UV index (UVI) and skin type. It means 50-75% of your skin exposed (shorts, sleeveless T-shirt, or swimsuit) to the sun between 10:30am and 2 pm, about 3-4 times per week when your local UV index is 3 or higher.
Early in the day and late in the day, sunlight provides only UVA which doesn't help us make Vit. D but can still cause skin damage.
Note: You should double sun exposure time if you're over 50.

What Is The UV Index?

UV Index is an international standard measurement of UV (ultra-violet) radiation from the sun for a particular place and time. It takes into account UVA and UVB rays, with values ranging from 0 at night to 17 in areas where the ozone is depleted. It predicts how strong UV intensity will be at the sun's highest point - 2 to 4 hours either side of solar noon. The UV Index helps people protect themselves from UV light.
One hour of sun exposure at UV Index 10 is about the same as two hours of sun exposure at a UVI 5. The balance of UVA and UVB from sunlight depends on the time of day. Early in the day and late in the day sunlight provides only UVA. The closer you get to solar noon the more UVB is available from sun exposure.
The balance of UVA/UVB changes with latitude, time of day, and season. That's reflected in the UV index. E.G. in Chicago, during winter, the UV index will never get above 2. For roughly 6 months all you get are UVA rays, which damage the skin without any UVB benefit. Most people are covered up so they're protected, but you shouldn't intentionally expose your skin when the UV index is less than 3.
The Weather Channel lists the UV index on local weather reports. Visit the EPA Sunwise Index to find your local UV index for an hour each side of solar noon. This webpage warns you to cover up, use sunblock or stay out of the sun during that time, to avoid sun burns. Use the chart above for safe exposure times, and get your Vit. D before you cover up!
Web applications such as the iPhone will also give you local weather report updates including the UV index, for any time of day.

What Causes Vitamin D Deficiency?

The main cause is lack of sunlight. This may be due to geography (living above latitudes of 35 degrees – north of Los Angeles and Atlanta), skin color (darker skinned people need more time in the sun), application of sunscreen (SPF 15 sunscreen can block 99% of Vit. D synthesis), or avoiding the sun for fear of sun damage.
Inadequate Vit. D intake (from fortified foods or supplements) and diseases of the liver and kidneys (which may affect conversion of Vit. D to its active form) also promote deficiency.
Obesity promotes Vit. D deficiency because Vit. D is a fat soluble hormone that is sequestered into fat cells, and as a result is not available for circulation.
Old age contributes to Vit. D deficiency, because it's more difficult to synthesize vitamin D as you age. After equal doses of sunlight exposure, a 70 year old produces 25% less vitamin D3 than a 20 year old. That's why people 50 or older should double their sun exposure time on the chart above.

Why Is Vitamin D Deficiency So Serious?

Up to 50% of young adults and children are Vit. D deficient. And 25-57% of adults in the United States are deficient. Likely even more people are deficient as Vit. D levels aren't checked nearly as often as they should be.
Low Vit. D levels are associated with higher death rates, myalgias (nonspecific muscle aches and pains), cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, impaired bone mineralization (leading to rickets in children, osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults), several autoimmune conditions (including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus), depression, and seasonal affective disorder among others.
During pregnancy and early childhood, normal Vit. D levels are essential, to prevent infections, osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Nursing mothers must have optimal Vit. D levels to provide enough Vit. D for their babies.
A growing number of studies highlight the benefits of Vit. D and the hazards of Vit. D deficiency. In 2005, a meta-analysis of 63 studies showed that "an additional 1,000 international units (IU) (or 25 micrograms) of Vit. D daily reduced an individual's colon cancer risk by 50%, and breast and ovarian cancer risks by 30%."
The effects of Vit. D on cell growth, differentiation, and death are all important components in the development of cancer. Other studies demonstrate the positive role Vit. D plays in preventing heart disease. A study published in the Journal of Circulation found that heart attack risks were 53 - 80% higher in people with low levels of Vit. D.
Another study looked at 150 patients with nonspecific musculoskeletal pains and found that Vit. D levels were "insufficient in 93% of individuals and severely deficient in 28%." Low Vit. D levels have also been correlated with increased death rates.
One study of 57,000 people, found that 500 IU or more per day of Vit. D lowered death rates. Researchers found that low levels of Vit. D were associated with a sharp increase in death rates. Clearly Vit. D is an important factor in overall health and should be studied more.

Can We Get Too Much Vitamin D?

The safe upper limit of Vit. D for a healthy adult is 250 micrograms, or 10,000 IU daily. Vitamin D toxicity results mostly from hypercalcemia - too much calcium in the blood. Symptoms of Vit. D toxicity include high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, constipation, weakness, decreasing kidney function with increased urination, confusion, and lethargy.
Overexposure to sunlight doesn't cause Vit. D toxicity. Once Vit.D synthesis has reached a saturated state, the rest of the Vit. D is degraded. Too much Vit. D can be toxic, although this isn't very common. High doses of Vit. D supplements should only be taken under a doctor's supervision.

What About Cancer From Sun Exposure?

UV light can damage cellular DNA, which may lead to skin cancer. But that doesn't mean we should go to the other extreme. Studies have shown that people who work both indoors and outdoors have the lowest risk of melanoma, compared to indoor and outdoor workers. This supports the idea that some sun exposure protects against cancer. Sun burn is probably cancer promoting, but so is no sun exposure.
One study points out that melanomas or skin cancers often show up on areas that haven't been damaged by the sun. This suggests that sunlight exposure isn't the only important factor in skin cancer. People should get enough sun exposure for Vit. D synthesis, based on the UV index and their skin type (see chart above). After that, use a sun block or cover up with shirts, hats, etc. Sun blocks are great at protecting us from burns and skin damage, but they don't prevent cancer.

Why Not Use Tanning Booths Instead Of Going Out In The Sun?

Tanning booths aren't all the same. Some use light bulbs that emit only UVA light, some emit UVA and UVB light, and some UVA, UVB, and UVC light. UVC light is normally blocked by the ozone and very damaging, so it should be avoided at all costs. UVA light causes skin to tan quickly and is preferred by tanning salons. However, UVA rays do not promote vitamin D production. UVB light is the only wavelength that promotes Vit. D production, so only bulbs that emit UVB light will have any potential benefit.
The ratio of UVA:UVB light from the sun is 10:1 to 20:1. But some tanning bulbs have a ratio as high as 100:1. What this means for cancer risk still isn't clear, but high levels of UVA exposure is probably a bad idea. There are some studies that show that people who use tanning booths have increased rates of skin cancer. But it isn't always clear what type of UV light they were using, what the UVA:UVB ratios were, or whether they were overexposed.
Other research shows that people who use tanning salons have healthy Vit. D levels. No matter what you choose, be careful when tanning as the light bulbs are very strong and have a UV index of approximately 7-8! We need a study to show how tanning and supplements compare to sunlight, but getting enough sun is still your best bet for safe accumulation of Vit. D.
The sun has gotten a bad rap, but studies show that areas with greater sun exposure have reduced risks of cancers and heart disease. In addition, sunlight has positive effects on rickets, osteomalacia, high blood pressure, depression, sleep disorders, ADHD, premenstrual syndrome, and acne.

What's The Verdict On Vitamin D Supplements?

Getting enough sun isn't always possible. For those living in areas with little to no sun exposure and/or for people such as the elderly, nursing home residents, or hospitalized patients, Vit. D supplements may be necessary and recommended.
People with optimum levels of Vit. D are much healthier than those with lower levels of Vit. D. We also know that a low level of Vit. D is really a sign of sunlight deficiency. At this point we can't say for sure that Vit. D supplements will make you as healthy as someone who gets their Vit. D from sunlight.
Doubling Vit. D levels doubles our ability to absorb calcium. We also know that parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels normalize at optimum Vit D levels. When Vit. D levels are too low for adequate calcium absorption, PTH stimulates bone breakdown, to maintain constant calcium levels in the blood. This is very damaging to our bones.
In one study of 1100 postmenopausal women, subjects took 1100 IU daily of Vit. D3, plus calcium. Unlike this study, most studies in the past were not randomized and placebo-controlled. Those studies that were randomized, used small amounts of Vit. D3 that barely raised Vit. D levels. The postmenopausal study increased Vit. D levels over 30% on average, and showed a 4-5% cancer risk reduction at the end of 4 years.
If we can't get enough sun, the best strategy is to use supplements to get our Vit. D up to optimum levels, boosting calcium absorption, protecting our bones and improving our overall health.
The average American needs about 20 to 25 IU of Vit. D per pound of body weight to get their levels up high enough. This is much more Vit. D than the current RDA. Keep in mind that getting enough sun for one day (see chart above) can give you up to 10,000 IU’s of Vit. D.
We should get Vit. D levels up as high as we can through sun exposure. If Vit. D levels still test below normal, then use supplements. Even then, some people may have symptoms that could be due to Vit. D deficiency: certain autoimmune diseases, fibromyalgia, seasonal affective disorder, particular musculoskeletal problems, etc. Those people may benefit from a trial of increased Vit. D supplementation. If symptoms don't improve, they should decrease their supplements to the recommended level.
We should try to spend more time in the sun - between 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM with UV index of 3 or greater - to reduce our dependence on Vit. D supplements.

Main Points:

Vitamin D deficiency is a sign of sunlight deficiency.
Vitamin D is necessary for proper functioning of many organ systems, and optimim health.
Low Vitamin D levels are associated with cancer, heart disease, diabetes, rickets, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis, among other diseases.
Vitamin D supplements can't replace our human need for sunlight! For those who can, pack a picnic or grab your Frisbee, and head out for some fun in the sun!
Copyright © MMVII.(2007)Exsalus. All Rights Reserved

References:

1. Vitamin D, Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy Professional Edition
2. Lee, John H. MD; O'Keefe, James H. MD; Bell, David MD; Hensrud, Donald D. MD,MPH; Holick, Michael F. MD, PhD "Vitamin D Deficiency: An Important, Common, and Easily Treatable Cardiovascular Risk Factor?" Journal of American College of Cardiology Vol. 52, No. 24, 2008
3. Looker AC, Dawson-Hughes B, Calvo MS, Gunter EW, Sahyoun NR. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status of adolescents and adults in two seasonal subpopulations from NHANES III. Bone 2002;30:771-7
4. Beer T, Myrthue A (2006). "Calcitriol in the treatment of prostate cancer". Anticancer Res 26 (4A): 2647–51
5. Lee, John H. MD; O'Keefe, James H. MD; Bell, David MD; Hensrud, Donald D. MD,MPH; Holick, Michael F. MD, PhD "Vitamin D Deficiency: An Important, Common, and Easily Treatable Cardiovascular Risk Factor?" Journal of American College of Cardiology Vol. 52, No. 24, 2008
6. Lappe JM, Travers-Gustafson D, Davies KM, et al. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation reduces cancer risk: results of a randomized trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007; 85(6):1586-91
7. Dowd MD, James. "The Vitamin D Cure." John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, New Jersey. 2008
8. www.uptodate.com – "Treatment of Vitamin D Deficient States." October, 2008

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Pick Apples this Labor Day Weekend- yum!

Greenville County


Arrowhead Acres - blueberries, restrooms

37 Bates Bridge Road, Travelers Rest, SC 29690. Phone: 864-836-8418. Directions: Coming from Greenville: Take 276 North through downtown Travelers Rest. After you pass Ingles on your right, you will go through one stop light. Approximately one mile later, turn Right onto highway 414. After exactly one mile, turn left onto Bates Bridge Road You will see a lake and our farm on your left as you go around the turn. Follow the road winging around until you get to our driveway, on the left. And for a map to our farm, click here. Crops are usually available in July. Open: Monday through Saturday, dawn until dusk for pick your own and from 7am to 5pm for purchasing berries; Please call ahead for large orders. Our blueberries are ready during the month of July. Payment: Cash, only. (ADDED: July 26, 2008)

Beechwood Farm - beans, blueberries, broad beans, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), melons, peas, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, corn maze, and prepicked produce, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, tractor-pulled hay rides

204 Bates Bridge Road, Slater, SC 29683. Phone: 864-836-6075. Open: Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6:30pm; closed Sunday. Directions: Hwy 276 north toward Marietta then right on Hwy 414 (follow signs) then left on Bates Bridge Rd continue to U-pick beside Saluda River. Crops are usually available in April, May, June, July, September. Strawberries are usually available from April 20 through June 20th, depending on the weather. Pumpkin tours in September! Payment: Cash, only. (UPDATED: July 14, 2010)

Fisher's Orchard - peaches, nectarines, apples

650 Fisher Road, Greer, SC 29651. Phone: 864 895-4115. Open: See their website! Note their other orchard locations: Fisher's #3 on South Buncombe: 504 S Buncombe Road Greer, SC; Fisher's #2 at Fairview: Located in the Historical Taylors Shed at 1001 Locust Hill Road, Greer ,SC and their You pick/We pick Stand at 262 Fisher Road, Greer. SC, located next to Mt Lebanon Church. Open: in season only, 7 days a week 8am to 7pm. The peach season is normally from June 1 through mid September.

A visitor writes on October 07, 2008: "We've been there June through September and found them open. They have a small fruit stand area where they sell drinks for hot, thirsty pickers. They have a porta-potty. The unique thing is that they grow probably 20 varieties of peaches, so they are coming ripe all through the summer. Very well. The apple trees are relatively new...and the fall activities, I called and they said in October they are only open on Saturday for some apple picking (not a lot left) and Fall celebration activities.....mazes, apple picking, maybe some other things. They are well established" (Suggested by a visitor, ADDED: October 07, 2008) (UPDATED: May 18, 2009)

Fisher's Orchard - peaches, nectarines, apples

4181 Jordan Road, Greer, SC 29651. Phone: 864-895-2892. The peach season is normally from June 1 through mid September.

Mini Miracles Farm, Inc. - Follows organic practices, cucumbers, herbs/spices, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Fresh eggs, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours

708 Old Rutherford Road, Taylors, SC 29687. Phone: 864-968-9678. Email: nattybrook2@bellsouth.net. Open: Monday to Sunday same hours as Pumpkin Patch Haunted Trail starts October 23rd, 24th 30 Thursday, 31st Tickets online by credit card through paypal or at our webstore or at front door (cash check only at the door). Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Directions: From Greenville towards Greer on Wade Hampton Blvd (29) pass Taylors Post Office. At next red light (MTP Nursery left)Make a left onto Street Mark Road Follow until stop sign(DAWGS Hamburger place on route )Make a left onto highway 290 / Locust Hill Road pass Greer Greenville Tech on route Come to next red light (before Spinx) make left onto Old Rutherford Road We are 2nd drive on left Green roofed barn (which you can see from highway 290. See our website for easy directions from your location. Click here for a map and directions. Please check with us for availability. We follow organic practices, but are not yet certified. Payment: Cash, Check. Tickets to the Haunted Trail and Group Tours maybe paid in advance by credit card through paypal on our website store. Please call in advance for further instructions. (UPDATED: September 02, 2009)

Perdue's Mountain Fruit Farm - Hay Ride,

Scenic Hwy. 11 at N. Tigerville Road, Northern Greenville County. Phone: 864-895-5002. Open: September 15 - October 20, 10 am to 6 PM, Tuesday to Saturday, Hay Ride, Farm Tours, Fun filled and educational, especially for elementary school classes and senior citizens, and family groups (Picnic area). Walking Tour Route of Farm - No Charge.

Sandy Flat Berry Patch - Strawberries only.

4715 Locust Hill Road, Taylors, SC 29687. Phone: 864-895-2019. Alternate phone: 864-895-4780. Open: April and May, Opening date is typically late April, Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday 1-6 p.m. Directions: Seven miles northwest of Greer on Hwy. 290. Restrooms: port-o-potties. Payment: Cash or Check (Suggested by a visitor, ADDED: April 22, 2010)

A visitor writes on April 22, 2010: "Excellent farm!"


Laurens County


Bar W Ranch - blueberries,

2146 Harris Bridge Road, Woodruff, SC 29388. Phone: 864-313-0656. Alternate Phone: 864-876-2649. Email: paulwilkie@prtcnet.com. Open: Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 8 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 8 pm. Directions: From I-385, take SC highway 101 toward Woodruff 6.5 miles, turn right on Harris Bridge Road 1.6 miles look for farm on the left. From Woodruff, take highway 221 south 1.5 miles, turn right onto Harris Bridge Road 2.6 miles cross Enoree River .3 miles look for farm on the right. Blueberries-June 15 to August 15. Payment: Cash, Check. (ADDED: June 15, 2009)

Ghost Creek Gourds - Gourds

2108 Ghost Creek Road, Laurens, SC 29360. Phone: 864-682-5251. Email us at: rmartin@backroads.net. Directions: We are are one mile from exit 10 on interstate 385. Click here for a map to our farm.http://www.pickyourown.org/PYO.php?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stewartfarms.net/directions.htm Crops are usually available all year. Open: Monday thru Saturday Daylight till Dark - Thirty Payment: Cash, Check. Cleaned gourds of all varieties and sizes both large and small. Cut ready to hang martin house gourds.

Stewart Farms - blackberries, pumpkins, strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, picnic area, petting zoo, birthday parties, school tours

6600 Highway 92, Enoree, SC 29335. Phone: 864-969-7270. Open: See our website for current hours. Directions: From Greenville - Take I385 to exit 16 highway 101 - Gray Court/Woodruff, turn left on 101 toward Woodruff, approx. 4 miles turn right on Bramlett Church Road, approx. 4 miles to stop sign, turn left on highway 92, farm 1/2 mile on right. >From Spartanburg - Take I26 to highway 221 exit (at the new Dorman High), turn right toward Woodruff, go through Woodruff and Enoree to Lanford, turn right on highway 92, farm 2 miles on left. >From Columbia - Take I26 to I385 toward Greenville, take highway 221 exit (at Wal-mart Distr. Center), turn right toward Woodruff, go through Ora to Lanford, turn left on highway 92, farm 2 miles on left. Click here for a map and directions. Strawberries: Mid April to the End of May Blackberries and Summer Produce: Mid June to End of July Pumpkins: Mid September to October 31st. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard. (UPDATED: May 01, 2010)

http://www.pickyourown.org/SC.htm

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