U-Pick Information & FAQ
U-pick is closed for the 2023 Season.
U-pick is available on select crops in the summer and fall. Typically, those options include certain varieties of cherries, apples, pears, tomatoes, and peppers when they are in season. Please note that often not all varieties/rows of a crop are available for picking, so check in with someone at the farm for instructions on where to go and what to pick. Sorry, we do not offer u-pick on other crops including peaches, corn, and pumpkins. U-pick seasons and crop yields vary, so feel free to call us to see what’s available or check the homepage of our website for day-to-day updates. Below you’ll find the u-pick code of conduct as well as answers to some frequently asked questions. See our blog post, “Going U-Picking? Here are 7 Tips” for more in-depth advice. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of crop and u-pick updates.
Please check in at the farmstand before you pick. Don’t forget your take-home containers.
U-Pick Code of Conduct
When you u-pick at our farm, you agree to do the following:
Respect signs and instructions for where to go and what to pick. Do not enter fields or orchards without checking in at the farm stand.
Pick only what you have been instructed to pick, despite apparent ripeness of other crops that you see. (Yes, this is pretty much the same as #1, but it bears repeating.)
Drive slowly! Help us keep dust down and watch out for other u-pickers, tractors, our employees, and our four-year-old grandson.
Feel free to sample while you’re picking, but please only pick what you plan to pay for. (No dumping those last five apples because you picked too many, for example.)
Keep kids close to you. Children love visiting our farm, but please keep them close to you, off of tractors and other equipment, and out of the trees.
Respect our farm: do not drive over irrigation pipe, climb on ladders or farm equipment, break branches, or enter fields and orchards you have not been instructed to enter.
Keep in mind that our farm is a working farm. We want you to enjoy your experience, but remember that our primary focus is sending you home with delicious, ripe, affordable produce. We are not set up as an entertainment destination as are some other (wonderful!) farms to visit in the area.
U-Pick FAQ
What do I need to do to u-pick?
When you arrive at our farm stand, please park in the lot and check in at the farmstand. Head to the u-pick check-in area just outside and ring the bell for service if there isn’t a staff member already there. There you will receive instructions and buckets if you did not bring your own. Sometimes we need to limit the number of buckets that can be checked out at once, so it’s helpful if you bring your own take-home containers and transfer your pickings into them as you go (just get them weighed to establish a tare ahead of time). Please do not take our buckets home with you! When you are finished picking, return to the outside u-pick area to weigh, transfer your pickings into take-home containers (we appreciate it if you bring your own), return buckets, and pay.
Can I pick into my own buckets/containers?
Yes, absolutely! You are more than welcome to bring your own buckets or containers and it may even save some time and hassle at checkout. The weight of containers will be subtracted from the total. We can get a tare weight on your containers before you head out to pick, or we’re usually pretty good at estimating.
What can I pick and when?
We offer u-picking on various crops throughout the summer and fall, usually the following at these approximate times: select varieties of cherries (late June/early July), select varieties of apples (August–December), Bartlett pears (August–Early September), tomatoes (August–mid-October), select varieties of peppers (September–October). Please DO NOT pick anything other than what you have received instructions to pick. This includes other varieties of the crop you’re picking. If you’re instructed to pick Anaheim peppers, for example, do not pick bell peppers (which are often not available for u-pick) unless you have been given permission. We hate to see people pay for under-ripe produce, which is often what happens when u-pickers don’t follow instructions. Due to their delicate nature and difficulty of determining ripeness, we don’t offer u-picking on peaches or nectarines, so as tempting as they look, please do not stop to pick peaches on your way to the apple orchards.
Do I need to bring anything special?
No, but it is helpful if you bring your own containers to transport your pickings home. You are welcome to pick into your own containers if you’d like as well, but we do have buckets available to check out. We do have to-go bags and boxes if you forget your own take-home containers.
We take various forms of payment, so there’s no need to stop at the ATM. You will want to dress for the weather and dress to get dirty. Even when it’s sunny, there may be muddy spots from irrigation or recent rain, so wear comfortable, mud-ready shoes. Later in the season, there are plenty of bees and wasps in the orchards, so closed-toe shoes are recommended (really they’re a good idea at all times) and you may need to take special precautions or avoid picking at those times if you are allergic. Water, sun-hats, and sunscreen are recommended!
Am I allowed to sample while I’m picking?
Absolutely! But within reason. Apart from a few samples, please only pick what you plan to pay for. If you want sorted produce, we provide that already picked in the farm stand. Or you can be choosy while you pick. Please no sorting in the orchard or field before you pay. Of course, if you pick something and find that it has a rotten spot, feel free to discard it.
Are pets allowed at the farm?
Unfortunately, no. We know how much people love their fur babies (we have several of our own!), but unfortunately, due to health and safety regulations, pets must remain in your vehicle at all times. This applies to all areas of our farm including orchards, veggie beds, the parking lot, inside our farmstand, etc.
Can I schedule my engagement/maternity/senior/family photos at your farm?
We get a lot of requests, but unfortunately, we're just not set up to accommodate both photography sessions and normal operations. A few casual phone photos are fine, but we don't allow photoshoots.