PickYourOwn.org
Where you can find a pick-your-own farm near you!
Fresno - Monterey area
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This month's notes: November 2009: Apples are IN Learn about each apple variety here. Pumpkins and winter squash are in.(be sure to see our easy pumpkin pie-from a fresh pumpkin recipe! Fall raspberries are going strong in the northern half of the U.S., and many vegetables are in full swing! Organic farms are identified in green! (F ruit and vegetable festivals are here). Make your own applesauce, apple butter, spaghetti sauce and save money on food bills and eat better. See easy canning instructions/recipes, canning equipment guide! Also make your own ice cream - see How to make ice cream and ice cream making equipment and manuals
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Please tell the farms you found them here - and ask them to update their information!!!

To see the pick-your-own farms and orchards for this area, click here or scroll down the page

Crop availability calendar/ harvest schedule

To find pumpkin patches, corn mazes and other Halloween activities, click here.

To find choose and cut-your-own Christmas tree farms, click here.

This page provides a detailed list of the Fresno / Monterey area of California's pick- your- own (PYO, U-pick, pick-it-yourself) farms for everything from apples, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, other fruit, pumpkins, vegetables to cut-you-own Christmas trees! There are loads of related resources here, too.

We also have our own free and simple, step-by-step, illustrated instructions on canning, freezing and drying many fruits and vegetables, such as how to make jam, apple butter, applesauce, spaghetti sauce, salsa, pickles, ketchup or freezing corn . If you are looking for C anners, mixes, jars, pectin and other canning supplies at the best prices anywhere!

I'm always looking for suggestions of more farms and events to add and feedback about any you have visited, so if you encounter any, just click on the preceding link, as appropriate! And if you have a farm and want to add it or correct the information, please click on the link to "add my farm".

Remember to ALWAYS either email, call or click the link to the farm's own website (if they have one) on the morning before you go, to confirm hours, conditions and availability of the specific crops you want!

Does anyone know where there are pick-your-own grape vineyards in California? There MUST be plenty, but I've only found a couple!

Current Weather - Click on a map for forecast, or enter a zip code for a different location.
San Fran area (Brentwood)	Julian - Ramona near San Diego	Fresno	Bakersfield

Click here if you want to see a map and farm listings of all California counties!

U-Pick Farms and Orchards, sorted by county

Remember: ALWAYS call (or follow the link to the farm's own website, if the name is a blue link) to confirm the information before you go! They may close, run out or change events, times, etc. without notifying me!

Fresno County

Caitlyn Peck - Peaches (yellow, white), nectarines (white, yellow), apricots, apriums, blueberries, cherries, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, plums, pluots, onions, carrots, watermelons, corn, grapes, peppers
Just outside of Sanger, Centerville, CA 93720. Phone: 559-355-8669. Email: caitlynpeck@mac.com. Open: May to- November, call for an appointment A visitor writes on March 09, 2009: "Sumner Peck Ranch has been farming for 60 years, the farm is beautiful." (Suggested by a visitor, ADDED: March 09, 2009)
Chateau Fresno Nursery - follows organic practices, tomatoes, and prepicked produce, restrooms
13505 S. Chateau Fresno, Caruthers, CA 93609. Phone: 559-896-4225. Fax: 559-896-1528. Email us at: bosaitaly@aol.com. Directions: 20 minute from Fresno. 10 minute from high way 41 Main street MT. View west Click here for a map to our farm. Crops are usually available in February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. Open: Monday to Sunday 8 am to 7 pm We are certified organic for all crops! Payment: Cash, only. Organic vine- ripe Tomatoes Greenhouses
Ens' Vintage Estate - corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, herbs/spices, melons, peppers, persimmons, pumpkins, summer squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Other fruit or veg, restrooms, farm animals
Herndon Avenue near Hwy 99, Fresno , CA 93723. Phone: (559) 269-3143. Email: estate@lightspeed.net. Directions: Please call And for a map to our farm, click here. Crops are usually available in May, June, July, August, September, October, November. Open: By appointment. You can contact us by phone either at the barn (559) 269-3143 or (559) 275-2912 Pumpkin picking, all varieties, colors and sizes and HORSE-DRAWN WAGON RIDES Oct/Nov only, weekends by appointment. Beautiful wagon holds 12, circles farm, see the San Joaquin River meet our Giant English Shires (fee for excursion) Payment: Cash, only. BROWN EGGS available year round. POMEGRANATES, Dried luffa sponges, Blue Lake green beans, Okra, Brussels sprouts Farm friendly Llamas! Tours for Home Schoolers available w/picnic area.
Farley Family Vineyard - grapes, UPDATE August 11, 2006 - closed - the phone number is now a private residence - but see their son's new operation in Kings County (below)!
7523 S. Kenneth, Fowler, CA 93625.
Harvest Acres Pumpkin Patch - pumpkins, winter squash, Other fruit or veg, already-picked produce (of the pyo crop), snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
309 Madera Avenue, Kerman, CA 93630. Phone: 559-285-6122. Alternate Phone: 559-259-6155. Fax: 559-846-8432. Email: harvestacres@kermantel.net. Open: Monday - Friday,from 3pm to 8pm; Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 8pm; Field trips Monday - Friday, from 9am to 2pm. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: Northwest corner of Highway 180 (Whitesbridge) and Highway 145 (Madera Avenue) in Kerman, California. Google Harvest Acres Pumpkin Patch, Kerman, CA. Click here for a map and directions. Check our website for weekend story hours and special events. Payment: Cash, Check. We also offer fresh from the field galaxy of star gourds, mini pumpkins, Big Max, specialty pumpkins, indian corn, straw bales, and corn stalks. FREE ADMISSION, all pumpkins $4 (except Big Max), unique "I Spy" straw maze, tractor ride around the farm, and great fun at the "Grain Table". Family farmer owned and operated. Authentic agritourism for the field trips which are led by credentialed teachers. Can't wait to see you on the farm!. (UPDATED: September 03, 2009)
Pumpkin King Pumkin Patch - winter squash, pumpkins, other vegetables, Other fruit or veg
100 W. Shaw Avenue N/W corner of Blackstone & Shaw Avenues, Fresno, CA 93711. Phone: 559 658-2006. Fax: 559 658-2015. Email: pumpkinking@sierratel.com. Directions: West of Highway 41 at the Shaw Avenue exit on the North West corner of Blackstone & Shaw Avenues And for a map to our farm, click here. Crops are usually available in October. Open: 9 AM to 9 PM 7 days a week Pumpkin Patch and Straw Bale maze is open from October 1st through October 31st. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa/MasterCard. The Great Bumpkin Blood Drive 8 AM to 6 PM Friday October 12 and Saturday October 13th.
Redwood Orchards - peaches, plums and nectarines - but I'm still trying to confirm this information!
9284 South Rio Vista Avenue, Reedley, CA 93654. Phone: (559) 280-5321 or (559) 637-1046. Email: jkredwood@earthlink.net. Directions: Call for directions. Open: May 15 through September 30. This family orchard offers a farm and packing house tour. Enjoy the lush park setting with a picnic lunch, or watch demonstrations of jam-making before picking up
some fresh peaches, plums, and nectarines for the trip home. (ADDED: March 4, 2009)
Re Rustica - apples, asparagus, beans, beets, broad beans, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, flowers, grapes, herbs/spices, lavender, melons, onions, peas, peppers, pumpkins, rhubarb, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Other fruit or veg, Honey from hives on the farm, prepicked produce, farm animals, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
High Oaks Lane, Squaw Valley, CA 93675. Phone: 559-977-7539. Email: consultus@rerustica.com. Directions: please call ahead of time for directions. Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available in All year. Open: Year Round, seven days a week by appointment or call ahead. Payment: Cash, Check. We grow everything with NO pesticide, NO herbicide, NO fertilizer, NO antibiotics, NO hormones. Our animals are raised kindly with nearly unlimited pasture. Free home delivery also available near Fresno/Clovis and near San Jose! Low delivery rates for other areas. We also work with other local farms, so if we don't have it we can help you find it (or grow it special for you!). (ADDED: December 23, 2008)
The Shafer Family Farm - Grapes UPDATE July 23, 2008: They may have shut down - I notice their website is now unrelated junk advertisements
13378 E South Ave, Parlier, CA. Phone: 559-646-2586. Grapes for the home winemaker on either a "u-pick" or a "we-pick" basis

Kings County

Genesis Organic Farm - Follows organic practices, blackberries, herbs/spices, tomatoes, Other fruit or veg, restrooms
7595 Central Valley Highway, Hanford, CA 93230. Phone: (559) 410 3607. Email: jeannie@genesisorganicfarm.com. Open: Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8 am to 12 pm; Saturday afternoon from 12 pm to 3 pm. Directions: Located on Highway 43 between 10th Avenue and Fargo. The farm is set back on a private drive about one quarter mile from the Highway. A black mailbox with 7595 on it is at the mouth of the drive. Do not use GPS or you will be directed to the neighbors house. Pluots harvest throughout July and run until sold out; Tomatoes and herbs harvest July through September. We follow organic practices, but are not yet certified. Payment: Cash, only. We also grow Pluots ( Plum apricot cross ) Our permanent crops such as tree fruit and berries are in the process of being certified organic. Our herbs and vegetable crops are grown using the same organic practices as our permanent crops but we are not seeking certification for them. (ADDED: July 12, 2009)
J & K Farley Farms - grapes, and prepicked produce, restrooms, picnic area, petting zoo
512 N. 7th Ave, Kingsburg, CA 93631. Phone: 559-897-7112. Email us at: upickgrapes@hotmail.com. Directions: Take the Bethel / Kamm exit off of FWY 99. Go south on Bethel 3 miles. Take a right on Elkhorn. Take a left on Bethel (this is a "jog" in the road. Second house on the right. Follow signs. And for a map to our farm, click here. Crops are usually available in August, September. Open: Seven days a week, 7am to 7pm; dates in 2008 are August 16th through September 17th. Payment: Cash, Check. All picking supplies provided for free. See their website for a coupon!
A visitor writes in 2008: "I went by the new farm and picked more than 60 lbs. It was great! Although. they only have the Thompson Seedless green grapes now, but, they will have the Red Flame grapes in a couple of years! But, the green ones are still really wonderful."
Rancho Notso Grande - follows organic practices, apricots, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, flowers, nectarines, olallieberries, other berries, peaches, pecans , raspberries, tayberries, walnuts, and prepicked produce
5051 12th. Avenue, Hanford, CA 93230. Phone: 559-269-1152. Fax: 559-589-0420. Email us at: ranchonotsogrande@dtvbb.com. Directions: South East corner of 12th and Excelsior Avenues in Hanford, CA. This is 30 minutes south of Fresno, 25 minutes West of Visalia. And for a map to our farm, Click here. Crops are usually available in May, June, July, August. Open: We have a refrigerated, pre-picked fruit stand that is open from 7 AM to 7PM for seven days a week during the harvest season. During the season we are open for you pick and roadside sales from 7AM to 7 PM Tuesday through Saturday and all other times by appointment. We follow organic methods, but are not yet certified. Payment: Cash, Check. (UPDATED: August 26, 2008)

Madera County

Pizza Farm at Historic Cobb Ranch - U-Pick Christmas Trees, Pizza "Farm", Cornfield Maze
8805 Highway 41, Fresno, CA 93720-1002. Phone: 559-439-0606. Phone: 559-661-2172. Email: pizzafarmer@cobbranch.com. Open: March - December. Directions: Hwy 41 at the San Joaquin River (take Rio Mesa Exit). 5 miles North of Fresno - 15 miles East of Madera on the way to Yosemite National Park. Click here for a map and detailed directions. Tour the only farm in the San Joaquin Valley that actually grows pizza. Our Award Winning farm is located at the beautiful and historic Cobb Ranch on Highway 41, across from Children’s Hospital. Bring your students and enjoy a guided tour of the Pizza Farm, a visit with our farm animals, and a wagon ride around the ranch. In addition, each class plants their own “mini pizza farm,” which students take back to school as an on-going lesson in farming. Culminate your farm experience with a pizza lunch in the shade of the orchard. Guaranteed to the most fun, educational, and tasty farm field trip in the valley. And your cost is just a few bucks. Open March - September; All Tours Guided; Tours Last Approximately 2 Hours; Pre-K through Senior Citizens; Wheel Chair / Stroller Accessible; Ample Bus Parking; Shaded Picnic Area; Sorry, no concessions available. (UPDATED: June 30, 2009)
Sweetwater Berry Farm - follows organic practices, blackberries, raspberries, tomatoes, and prepicked produce
42961 Rd 628 , Ahwahnee, CA 93601. Phone: 559-658-8511. Email: sweetwaterberryfarm@msn.com. Directions: Highway 49 to Road 628 (Roundhouse Rd) And for a map to our farm, click here. Crops are usually available in September. Open: Monday to Saturday 8:00 am to 6:00 p.m. Blackberries July 14 thru August 20. Raspberries September thru Ocy 14. Public bathroom available. We follow organic methods, but are not yet certified. Payment: Cash, Check.

Merced County

Riverdance Farms - Certified Organic, blueberries, cherries, lavender, other berries, pecans , persimmons, walnuts, prepicked produce, restrooms, picnic area, school tours
12230 Livingston Cressey Road, Livingston, CA 95334. Phone: 209-761-0081. Fax: 209-394-4223. Email: RiverdanceFarms@gmail.com. Directions: The farm is located two miles from CA Highway 99 and two miles from Santa Fe Avenue, along the Merced River and across the river from McConnell State Park. The neighbor's mailbox nearest the farm gate has an address of 11801 Livingston Cressey Road which works better for Mapquest or Google Maps. And for a map to our farm, click here. Crops are usually available in May, June, July, October, November. Open: Webpage coming soon! Please watch for updates or call Cindy or email for more info or to make an appointment. Cherries May 30 through ~ June 14; Blueberries May 30 through June 28; Depending on weather and crop maturity these dates May change to a week earlier or later; Persimmons, Pomegranates and Walnuts are available in October, November and pre-picked in December; Pecans are ready for harvest in mid November. We are certified organic for all crops! Payment: Cash, Check. Fall pomegranates and organic oat hay & almond firewood year-round. They host you-pick days during the annual festival: The Pick and Gather & Merced River Fair on May 30, 2009 with a lower key, breakfast, u-pick & farm tours on Sunday May 31. Saturday camping is available. On Saturday: in addition to the u-pick blueberries and cherries , there is live music & art, kid's activities, local and/or organic food, workshops, wagon rides, wine and food tastings, farm animals, nature displays and crafts. Future plans are to offer flowers, stone fruits, pumpkins and Christmas trees on a you-pick basis. (UPDATED: May 23, 2009)
Valenta Farms - Certified Organic, blueberries, already-picked produce, restrooms
3689 Bert Crane Road, Atwater, CA 95301. Phone: 209-617-0004. Alternate Phone: 209-358-0576. Email: tv_atwater@hotmail.com. Open: almost all the time; Call ahead to arrange U - Pick. Directions: Just North of Atwater, CA. about 1 mile South of highway 99. For a map to our farm, click here. Blueberries are May 15 pm to July 1. We are certified organic for all crops! Payment: Cash, Check. Certified Organic By CCOF. Almonds will be available in the fall if reserved in advance. Blueberries U-Pick and we pick available during the harvest season. (ADDED: April 21, 2009)

Monterey County

Mahon Ranch - Watermelon, peppers
Star Route Box 2260, Bradley, CA 93426. Phone: 805-472-2465.
Morris Estate Vineyard - grapes
53600 Bradley-Lockwood Road, Lockwood, CA 93932. Phone: 831-385-9463. Fax: 831-385-9463. Email us at: bcv@inreach.com. Directions: From King City: 30 miles on Hwy G-18 towards Ft Hunter Liggett on Jolon Road. Cross over Interelake Rd continue another 2 miles to the 2nd Bradley-Lockwood Road, stay to the left. Road will bend around to the left go until you reach 3 grain silos turn right on Dirt Rd ( Murphy Rd ) go 3rd gate on right (Black Metal Gate). From the South: From Hwy 101 get off at Jolon / Ft Hunter Liggett exit go approximately 10 miles, you will pass the Pleyto Store/Gas station and then 1 mile more on left (stop sign) you will see Bradley-Lockwood Road. Continue down hill to 3 grain silos, turn left on dirt road ( Murphy ) go to 3rd gate on right (black) and you have arrived. Welcome! Crops are usually available in September. Open: Varies, please call for availability. Cabernet Sauvignon-Sold by the pound $1.50 or Ton $1,200.00 Prior reservations necessary ! Call for tour and assistance. Payment: Cash, only.

Tulare County

Harmony Hill - Follows organic practices, apples, blackberries, broccoli, cherries, figs, herbs/spices, lemons, olallieberries, onions, oranges, other citrus, summer squash, already-picked produce, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties
30709 Powell Drive, Exeter, CA 93221. Phone: 559-594-5654. Email: irthma@gmail.com. Open: Please call 559 594 5654 for which crops are available. Directions: East of Exeter on highway 198 towards the mountains to Merhten Drive and turn right till you come to a distinct fork in the road with a large castle-like house in the middle of the the fork. Take the right fork which is Palm Drive about 1/4 mile to Powell Drive and turn R again and drive to the end of the road and you will be here. If you call ahead the gate will be open for you. Harvest dates vary, but there is always something growing in every season and always something to do on the farm. We follow organic practices, but are not seeking certification. Payment: Cash, only. Free Range Eggs Goat Share Dairy Cheese making cooking classes, harvesting native plants, Yoga, Meditation. (ADDED: March 24, 2009)
Springville Lavender Gardens - follows organic practices, flowers, Other fruit or veg, and prepicked produce, gift shop
34515 Highway 190 P. O. Box 697, Springville, CA 93265. Phone: 559-539-2048. Email us at: info@springvillelavendergardens.com. Directions: 17 miles from Porterville on Highway 190 one mile before town of Springville. And for a map to our farm, Click here. Click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available in April through October. Open: Wednesday thru Sunday, 1 to 5 pm, or call for an appointment. Closed January and February. Lavender u-pick/we pick May 15 to July 15; pre-picked fresh herbs, roses & flowers March to October; pre-picked dried lavender & floral arrangements all months; some pre-picked in season apples, grapes, lemons, peaches. We follow organic methods, but are not yet certified. Payment: Cash, Check. Self-guided tour. Guided group tours by appointment. Available to speak about growing lavender & flowers. Raised bed, xeriscape, native plant, rose, herb & fruit demonstration gardens. Products made with lavender. Fresh & dried floral arrangements. Herbal & botanical gifts.

Farmer's Markets and Farm Stands - No PYO!

Huebert Farms - Pre-harvested Peaches, nectarines, plums.
21570 E Lincoln Ave, Reedley, CA, 93654. Phone: 559-638-5650. Phone: 559-638-4740. Email: peggyhuebert@gmail.com. Open: May 15 - September 15. Directions: From Hwy 99 take Manning Ave Exit. Go East through Reedley. Turn left on Alta Ave. Take a left when the road T's into American Ave. We are the first packing house on left. Alta is the main road taken by buses to go up to Kings Canyon Park. We are one-eight of a mile off the route. We operate a fruit stand from May thru Sept. Featuring peaches, plums, nectarines (UPDATED: October 14, 2008)

Home Canning Kits

Features:

* All the tools you need for hot waterbath canning - in one comprehensive set!
* Complete with 21 1/2 qt. enameled waterbath canner and "Ball Blue Book" of canning.
* Also includes canning rack, funnel, jar lifter, jar wrencher, bubble freer, tongs and lid lifter.
* A Kitchen Krafts exclusive collection.

This is the same type of standard canner that my grandmother used to make everything from applesauce to jams and jellies to tomato and spaghetti sauce. This complete kit includes everything you need and lasts for years: the canner, jar rack, jar grabber tongs, lid lifting wand, a plastic funnel, labels, bubble freer, and the bible of canning, the Ball Blue Book. It's much cheaper than buying the items separately. You'll never need anything else except jars and lids (and the jars are reusable). To see more canners, of different styles, makes and prices, click here!

Click here for a larger photo, more information, pricing, ordering, etc.

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Lids, Rings, Jars, mixes, pectin, etc.

Need lids, rings and replacement jars? Or pectin to make jam, spaghetti sauce or salsa mix or pickle mixes? Get them all here, and usually at lower prices than your local store!

Get them all here at the best prices on the internet!