This month's notes: May 2013: The cool weather has delayed blooms and slowed growth by a couple of weeks, but don't miss strawberries: they started in most Southern areas in late April, and in late May up north. Click here for strawberry facts and picking tips, and this page for easy strawberry jam making directions. Blueberries will come in June in most areas. Of course, Florida, southern Texas, and other very warm areas are already picking both crops! See this page for hundreds of easy canning and freezing instructions/recipes, canning equipment guide! Also make your own ice cream - see How to make ice cream and ice cream making equipment and manuals. Then see each state's crop availability calendar for more specific dates of upcoming crops. Organic farms are identified in green!  See our guide to local fruit and vegetable festivals!. Please tell the farms you found them here - and ask them to update their information!!

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Where in the greater metropolitan Des Moines area of Iowa to find pick your own farms and orchards for fruit, vegetables, pumpkins and canning & freezing instructions!

the greater metropolitan Des Moines area of Iowa 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!

Adair County

Boone County

Clarke County

Dallas County

  • Berry Fresh Farms - Strawberries, raspberries
    30339 K Avenue, Adel, IA, 50003. Phone: 515-554-6698. Call for hours. Check their website for updates. (UPDATED: July 08, 2010) (ADDED: June 21, 2008)
  • Patch's Pumpkins & Honey Farm - apples, pumpkins, winter squash, Turkeys, Honey from hives on the farm, prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
    35588 L Lane, Adel, IA 50003. Phone: 515-834-9092. Email: cary@patchspumpkins.com. Directions: From I-80 (Des Moines)Travel west from Des Moines past the Adel turn off to exit 106. You can see the pumpkin patch from the interstate at about mile marker 107 on the north side. Look for the red and white tent in the field (that's the straw maze). At the top of the exit ramp turn right and follow the blue & white DOT signs or the large signs on the hay racks. And for a map to our farm, click here. Crops are usually available in September, October. Open: Saturday and Sundays 10 am to 5 pm. We are open the last weekend in September and all weekends in October. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa/MasterCard. Pumpkin Cannon. (UPDATED: October 02, 2008)

Greene County

  • Deal's Orchard - apples, cherries, pumpkins, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, school tours
    1102 244th Street, Jefferson, IA 50129. Phone: 515 386-8279. Email: info@dealsorchard.com . Open: Monday to Saturday, from 8 am to 6 pm; Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm. Directions: 3 miles west of Jefferson on E 53 and 1/4 mile south on K Avenue. Click here for a map and directions. Fall Festival is the second full weekend in October. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard, Discover, WIC Vouchers, SFMNP Vouchers. (ADDED: September 10, 2009)

Grundy County

Guthrie County

Hamilton County

Hardin County

Jasper County

Lucas County

Madison County

  • Burr Oak Farms - Apples, apricots, blackberries, cherries, nectarines, pears, peaches, plums, and prepicked produce
    1121 220th Street, Winterset, IA 50273. Phone: 515-462-1482. Email us at: wce1482@yahoo.com. Directions: Turn south from exit 100 on I 80. Go to stopsign (About 10 miles). Turn left to first gravel road (220th Street) Go to "Y". Take right fork on "Y" and we are at top of hill. And for a map to our farm, click here. Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October, November. Open: Mid June to Mid November Monday to Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM Payment: Cash, Check.

Mahaska County

Marion County

Marshall County

Polk County

  • Pumpkinville @ Mitchellville & Corn Maze - asparagus, pumpkins, strawberries, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, corn maze, and prepicked produce, restrooms, picnic area, tractor-pulled hay rides, petting zoo
    618 Center Ave S, Mitchellville, IA 50169. Phone: 515-967-0972. Email us at: Pumpkinville@mchsi.com. Directions: Take exit 149 off of I-80 south to Center Ave Take Center Ave south out of town to 618 Center Ave S And for a map to our farm, click here. Crops are usually available in May, June, July, August, September, October. Open: Daily 10:00 TO Dusk Corn maze open August-October 10:00am - 9:00pm We are open for business from May 1 through October 31. We sell vegetables daily from spring through fall. Payment: Cash, only.
  • Van Dyke Sweet Corn - asparagus, corn (sweet), Turkeys (organic, not-hormone-fed)
    12270 Ne 22nd, Ankeny, IA 50021. Phone: 515-257-0298. Email: robinsvandyke@live.com. Open: Call for hours. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. (UPDATED: September 29, 2011) (ADDED: July 29, 2010)

Powershiek County

Story County

  • The Berry Patch - Uses natural growing practices, Apples, asparagus, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, currants (red and black), gooseberries, pumpkins, raspberries, rhubarb, strawberries, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, horse-drawn hay rides, tractor-pulled hay rides
    62785 280 Street, Nevada, IA 50201. Phone: 877-382-5138. Email us at: information@BerryPatchFarm.com. Directions: from Des Moines, north on I35 to exit 102,turn east on 210. Go east 5 miles to S14, go north 6 miles to 280 st. Go east 3/4 miles to Berry Patch Farm. From Ames: East on US 30 8 miles to S14. South 4 miles to 280 Street East 3/4 miles to Berry Patch Farm Directions and Mapquest on our web site. And for a map to our farm, Click here. Click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October. Open: please check website for current hours We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa/MasterCard. Heritage Red Raspberries and Fall Gold Raspberries,   Apples;  Honeycrisp, Earlygold,   Gala,  Mollies Delicious, Mac Intosh,  Priscilla , Liberty,  Red Cortland,  Jonathon, Lura Red/ (UPDATED: January 23, 2013, from their website)
  • Black's Heritage Farm - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, onions, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, picnic area, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
    26156 530th Avenue, Ames, IA 50010. Phone: 515-292-1936. Email: duane@duaneblack.com. Open: July - September by appointment Monday - Saturday. Directions: 2 miles south of highway 30 on 530th Avenue (University Blvd.) in Ames, Iowa. Click here for a map and directions. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. Payment: Cash, Check. (UPDATED: July 08, 2010)
  • Center Grove Orchard - apples, pumpkins, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
    32835 610th Avenue, Cambridge, IA 50046. Phone: 888-227-7531. Fax: 515-383-4354. Email: fun@centergroveorchard.com.  Directions: Just north of Ankeny and south of Ames, 5 miles east of I-35 on Highway 210 (Exit 102, Cambridge). Then, north 1/8 mile on 610th Ave. And for a map to our farm, Click here. Updates: Click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available in September, October, November. Open: Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 7 pm; Sunday Noon to 6 pm Open Labor Day Weekend through Thanksgiving Payment: Cash, Check, Visa/MasterCard, Discover. We offer bonfires and campfires for church groups, youth groups, company events, etc. We have weekend festivals throughout the season with extra activities. Details on our web site. (UPDATED: July 02, 2012)
  • McWilliams Apple Orchard - apples
    9773 NE 158th Avenue, Maxwell, IA 50161. Phone: (515) 240-4920. Open: September - October; Sunday - Friday, Closed Saturdays. Please call for times; we are a small family orchard; Please call for you-pick times. Directions: From I-35, go East on Hwy 210. Go South on S-27 for about 2 miles. Turn left onto gravel road NE 158th Ave. We are the first place on the right. Varieties: Honeycrisp, Haralson, Chieftain, and Jonathan.

Tama County

  • Hinegardner Orchard - pick-your-own apples, strawberries, Pumpkin Patch, pumpkins, squash, cider, honey, caramel apples, pies.
    1348 295th Street, Montour, Iowa 50173. Phone: 641-492-6353. Open: Call for hours and availability. Directions: Click here for a map. Apple Orchard, Strawberry Farm.

Warren County

Farmer's Markets, Farm Stands and Roadside Stands, Etc.
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

Boone County

  • Aaron and Jordan's Pumpkin Patch - pumpkins,
    Highway 30 And T Avenue, Boone, IA 50036. Phone: 515-433-2029. Email: pumpkins@aaronandjordanspumkinpatch.com. Open: Self service 24 hours, 7 days per week. Directions: from Boone: from the 4 way stop at Story and Highway 30, go approximately 4 miles east on Highway 30 to T Avenue. Turn left on T Avenue and go approximately 100 yards. Pumpkins will be on the left at 220th Street and T Avenue. From Ames, go west on Highway 30 to T Avenue (1 mile past United Community School). Turn right on T Avenue. Go about 100 yards, pumpkins on the left street 220th Street and T Avenue. Pumpkin sales September 22, 2012 through October 31, 2012 as long as supplies last. Payment: Cash, Check. Large pumpkins are $3 each. Pie pumpkins are $1 each. Mini pumpkins and gourds are 3 for $1. Self service, bring correct change. (UPDATED: September 11, 2012)

Greene County

  • Deal's Orchard - Indoor market, apples, beans, cherries, corn (sweet), cucumbers, onions, pears, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, walnuts, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, school tours
    1102 244th Street, Jefferson, IA 50129. Phone: 515 386-8279. Email: info@dealsorchard.com . Open: Monday to Saturday, from 8 am to 6 pm; Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm. Directions: 3 miles west of Jefferson on E 53 and 1/4 mile south on K Avenue. Click here for a map and directions. Fall Festival is the second full weekend in October. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard, Discover, WIC Vouchers, SFMNP Vouchers. (ADDED: September 10, 2009)

Polk County

  • Iowa Orchard - Farmers market (multiple stalls or vendors), Wide variety of seasonal, locally grown fruits and vegetables, Baked goods, Preserves, jams, jellies, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), concessions / refreshment stand, porta-potties, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, school tours
    9875 Meredith Dr., Urbandale, IA 50322. Phone: 515-276-0852. Alternate Phone: 515-707-3809. Email: feedback@iowaorchard.com. Open: Hours depend on the time of year because we do five or more markets per week during our busy seasons; Please check the website for details. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard, Discover. Click here for our Facebook page. We have a family fun zone included with our hay rack rides. The zone has hay slides, corn box, bean box, tire obstacle course, badminton, and horseshoe toss. We also have a bakery and kitchen that produces pies, made from scratch caramel apples, fudge, cookies, turnovers, and other wonderful treats. We also sell a large amount of Grimes Sweetcorn for those hot summer days. (ADDED: October 05, 2011)

Story County

  • Black's Heritage Farm - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, Wide variety of seasonal, locally grown fruits and vegetables, apples, beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, melons, onions, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, picnic area, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
    26156 530th Avenue, Ames, IA 50010. Phone: 515-292-1936. Email: duane@duaneblack.com. Open: July - September call ahead for availability. Directions: 2 miles south of highway 30 on 530th Avenue (University Blvd.)Ames, Iowa. Click here for a map and directions. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. Payment: Cash, Check. (UPDATED: July 08, 2010)
  • Little Stone House farm - Farmers market (multiple stalls or vendors), Wide variety of seasonal, locally grown fruits and vegetables, some produce is sustainably grown, some produce is grown using IPM (integrated pest management), Uncovered outdoor market, Fresh local eggs, Baked goods, Preserves, jams, jellies, Crafts, artistic products, etc, Turkeys, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs
    69576 200th Street, Colo, IA 50056. Phone: 1515-290-1347. Alternate Phone: 1515-290-3464. Email: broohay@hotmail.com. Open: Colo Farmers Market - May through September, 5 to 7pm Thursdays, at Reed/Niland (Lincoln Highway and US 65). Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Click here for our Facebook page. (ADDED: October 02, 2011)

Local Honey Sources:

Dallas County

  • Patch's Pumpkins & Honey Farm - Honey (retail), Clover honey, Crystallized honey, Raw honeys, Strained honey, Other honey products, Tours, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, farm market, gift shop, concessions / refreshment stand, porta-potties, picnic area, Bounce house, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
    35588 L Lane, Adel, IA 50003. Phone: 515-834-9092. Alternate Phone: 515-490-1924. Fax: 515-834-9092. Email: cary@iowapumpkinpatch.com. Open: Saturday and Sundays 10 am to 5 pm, September 29, 2012 through Saturday October 27, 2012; We are close during the day on Sunday October 28; School tours or group outings welcome durring the week; Please call to reserve your time slot; Haunted Corn Maze "Field of Screams" October 27th through October 31st, 7 pm to 10 pm. Directions: The Patch and Corn Maze is visible from Interstate 80 and most easily reached from I80. Use exit 106 and proceed north one half (1/2) mile. If from Des Moines that will be a right turn at the top of the exit 106 ramp. Turn right or east on 350th street, which is gravel, and travel again for one half (1/2) Mile. Turn right on the dead end. The road naturally curves left at this point; be sure to turn right here and do not take the curve. The patch is at the end of the road. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard, Discover. Click here for our Facebook page. Additional activities include pumpkin cannon, corn cannons, gourd gun, duck races and fire pit rentals. (UPDATED: July 13, 2012)

Madison County

Polk County

Story County

Meats, Milk and Eggs:

Story County

  • La Mar Farms - Fresh eggs, Brown eggs, Within an easy drive to an Interstate road,
    26857 510th Avenue, Ames, IA 50014. Phone: 515-291-4775. Alternate Phone: 515-460-6527. Email: clydesdale1961@gmail.com. Open: Eggs are for sale now; The grand opening of the bicycle store is March 10, 2012. Directions: La Mar Farms is located 3 miles south of Highway 30 on County Road R-38. From Ames, take South Dakota Street directly south. We are the first red corn crib on the west side of the road. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Call ahead appointments are welcome. Call 515-291-4775 and ask for David. We also feature used bicycles for sale. (ADDED: February 10, 2012)
  • Little Stone House farm - Chicken (free range), Turkey, Beef, Pork, Goat meat, No hormones used, No antibiotics used, 100% Grass fed (includes finishing), 100% mixture of corn, grain, soybeans and/or other natural supplemental feeds, Eggs (free range, vegetarian fed), sausage, Bacon (pork), Smoked meats, Within an easy drive to an Interstate road, Farm/ranch tours for visitors, children welcome, No pets please, Turkeys, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs
    69576 200th Street, Colo, IA 50056. Phone: 1515-290-1347. Alternate Phone: 1515-290-3464. Email: broohay@hotmail.com. Open: By appointment only, please call. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Click here for our Facebook page. Wine Jellies. (ADDED: October 02, 2011)

 

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Picking Tips

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