Seasonal Guide to Pick-Your-Own Fruits in New Jersey
New Jersey, often referred to as the Garden State, offers an abundance of pick-your-own farms that provide fresh, seasonal produce throughout the year. From sweet strawberries in spring to juicy apples in fall, there's always something to pick. This guide will help you plan your fruit-picking adventures with a seasonal breakdown and a list of farms where you can enjoy the experience.
Spring (May - June)
Strawberries
Season: Late May to mid-June
Strawberries are the first fruits of the season, offering sweet and juicy berries perfect for jams, desserts, or fresh eating.
Farms:
Johnson's Corner Farm in Medford: johnsonsfarm.com
Alstede Farms in Chester: alstedefarms.com
Cherries
Season: June
Cherries, both sweet and tart, make for a delightful early summer treat.
Farms:
Terhune Orchards in Princeton: terhuneorchards.com
Demarest Farms in Hillsdale: demarestfarms.com
Summer (June - August)
Blueberries
Season: Late June to early August
Description: Known for their health benefits, blueberries are perfect for snacking, baking, and freezing.
Farms:
DiMeo Farms in Hammonton: dimeofarms.com
Mood's Farm Market in Mullica Hill: moodsfarmmarket.com
Raspberries
Season: Mid-June to August
Description: Raspberries come in several varieties, providing a mix of sweet and tart flavors.
Farms:
Bonacorsi Family Farm in Frenchtown: bonacorsifamilyfarm.com
Stony Hill Farms in Chester: stonyhillfarms.com
Blackberries
Season: Mid-July to mid-August
Description: Blackberries are larger and juicier, making them ideal for pies and preserves.
Farms:
Valley Crest Farm & Preserve in Lebanon: valleycrestfarmnj.org
Wemrock Orchards in Freehold: wemrockorchard.com
Peaches
Season: Mid-July to September
Description: New Jersey peaches are famous for their sweetness and juiciness.
Farms:
Battleview Orchards in Freehold: battlevieworchards.com
Hill Creek Farms in Mullica Hill: hillcreekfarms.com
Fall (August - October)
Apples
Season: Late August to October
Description: Apples are the quintessential fall fruit, perfect for pies, cider, and snacking.
Farms:
Sun High Orchards in Randolph: sunhigh.com
Eastmont Orchards in Colts Neck: eastmontorchards.com
Pears
Season: September to October
Description: Pears offer a delicate sweetness and can be enjoyed fresh, poached, or baked.
Farms:
Melick's Town Farm in Oldwick: melickstownfarm.com
Prospect Hill Orchards in Milton: prospecthillorchards.com
Pumpkins
Season: October
Description: Pumpkin picking is a favorite fall activity, perfect for Halloween decorations and pies.
Farms:
Happy Day Farm in Manalapan: happydayfarmnj.com
Ort Farms in Long Valley: ortfarms.com
Cranberries
Season: October
Description: Cranberries are often harvested in a unique wet method, but some farms offer dry picking.
Farms:
Whitesbog Village in Browns Mills: whitesbog.org
Plan Your Visit
When planning your visit, always check the farms' websites or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on picking times and availability. Many farms also offer additional activities such as hayrides, petting zoos, and farm markets, making them perfect for a fun family outing.
Enjoy the bounty of New Jersey's farms and the fresh, delicious fruits of each season!
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