2024 Northeastern North Carolina Bean U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Bean U-Pick Orchards in Northeastern North Carolina in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for beans that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have beans orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

Chowan County

• Winborne Bros Farm - Beans, Cantaloupes, Corn, Gourds, HayBales, Pumpkins, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Watermelon, Hay Rides
  3443 Rocky Hock Road, Edenton, NC 27932. Phone: (252) 221-4204. Open: Sunday noon-7 pm, Monday to Saturday 9 am to 7 pm; July 4 thru October 31. Directions: North of Edenton off Hwy 32, turn on Rocky Hock Road at Smalls Crossroads then go 2.2 miles. Farm on right. . Click here for a map and directions. Crop availability: Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Tomatoes & Butterbeans - July-August Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkins, Indian Corn, Gourds & mini haybales - September-October. Hayrides for school children

Currituck County

• Coinjock Creek Farms - beans, beets, blueberries, broad beans, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, figs, onions, peas, peppers, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Other fruit or veg,
  180 Maple Road, Maple, NC 27956. Phone: 252-267-3332. Email: info@coinjockcreek.com. Open: Monday through Sunday, 8 am to sunset; Call ahead!. Directions: From NC 168: turn onto Maple Road \(SR1246\); our farm is located .5 mile on the right. From US 158: turn onto Maple Road \(SR1246\); our farm is located 1.5 miles on the left. GPS Coordinates: Latitude 36.41207; Longitude -76.01002. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Fax: 888-241-5820. . From NC 168: turn onto Maple Road (SR1246); our farm is located .5 mile on the right. From US 158: turn onto Maple Road (SR1246); our farm is located 1.5 miles on the left. GPS Coordinates: Latitude 36.41207; Longitude -76.01002.
• Martin Orchard and Vineyards - apples, beans, blackberries, broccoli, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, grapes, muscadine grapes, melons, pears, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, picnic area you may bring your own food, weddings and wedding parties, Wineries, Muscadine grapes,
  213 Martin Farm Lane, Knotts Island, NC 27950. Phone: 252 429 3542. Email: martinfarmandwinery@gmail.com. Open: 9 am to 5 daily mid - June - October 31st; it appears as though they do not always have pyo crops every year, iit seems to vary a lot, so call them. Directions: For a map to our farm, . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
  Martin Orchard and Vineyards Facebook page. . Peaches u-pick mid -June-mid August ;apples mid August- late September veggies july- October pumpkins mid October to late oct. family farm for 40 years on the outer banks of NC. (ADDED: August 11, 2016)
  Comments from a visitor on July 17, 2011: "Went to Martins Vinyard (Knotts Island, NC) last weekend and picked a bushel of peaches. This weekend the picking opened up for grapes and apples. Beautiful place and plenty of good pickin."
  Comments from a visitor on July 04, 2009: "Easy to park your car next to the peach trees, in early July, quite a few peaches. Only problem was the peaches were "color" ready, but otherwise were rock hard (still not ripe). $12 for 1 bag you are given that you put the peaches in. Will have grapes and apples too.
  Comments from a visitor on September 08, 2008: "This is a beautiful location and appeared to have lots of wonderful things to pick - however the apple crop this year is damaged. Lots of rotted apples on the ground & in the trees. We couldn't find more then 3 single apples that appeared in December ent condition. We did not try any of the other things available to pick but the location is absolutely beautiful (for what that is worth!)"

Halifax County

• Top Shelf Produce - beans, broad beans, U-pick and already picked
  3100 Hedgepeth Road, Littleton, NC 27850. Phone: (252) 883-4527. Email: danwarren71@gmail.com. Open: July September. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . ALL Wholesale order need prior notice. U-pick should call or email first to check availability Thanks. (ADDED: June 26, 2017)

Hertford County

• McCaskey Farms, Inc. - Beans, Broccoli, Cabbage, Collards, Corn, Greens, Peppers, Squash, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Vegetables, Cucumber
  145 McCaskey Road, Ahoskie, NC 27910. Phone: (252) 332-2855. Open: Monday to Friday 8 am to 7 pm; April thru January. Directions: Located 5 miles outside Ahoskie between St. John and Union Communities off Hwy 461 on McCaskey Road. Only structure on left 12 mile after turning onto McCaskey Road. . Click here for a map and directions. . Phone: (252) 398-2419. Located 5 miles outside Ahoskie between St. John and Union Communities off Hwy 461 on McCaskey Road. Only structure on left 1/2 mile after turning onto McCaskey Road. Crop availability: May Peas - May Strawberries - May-July Cabbage - May-July & October- December Salad - May-June & October- December Snaps, Tomatoes & Bell Peppers - June-July Sweet Corn - July Squash & Cucumbers - June-August Butter Beans & Field Peas - July, August & September Broccoli - October- December Collards - November-January.

 

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Green Bean, Lima Bean, Shelled Beans Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

When are fresh beans available?

Beans are a warm weather crop, and won't grow much in cold soil. It takes them about 60 to 70 days from seed to harvest.

 In the U.S. beans typically peak in harvesting from June through October in the South, and in July to September in the North. But they can be ready as early as early June in many places, if the weather is good.

  

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - it's hard to pick in a muddy field!
2. Most growers furnish picking containers designed for beans, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
3. Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.

  

Tips on How to Pick Beans

Whether you pick beans from your garden or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Tips on How to Pick Green Beans

1. Most beans these days are "stringless". That refers to a string, tough filament of the bean that runs along the outside from one end to the other.  Some beans have two, one on each side; and some have one.
2. I prefer to snap the bean off the plant just below where the stem attaches to the bean. If you do this, it will save time when you get home, because one end of the bean has already been trimmed.  But this only makes sense if you will be using, cooking, canning or freezing the beans that day. 
3. If you won't be using the beans the same day, then break  off the bean from the plant along the thin stem that connects the bean to the plant.
4. The beans snap off pretty easily. hence the name "snap beans".
5. Pole beans are the easiest to pick, because, since they grow up poles or twine, you don't have to squat down or bend over!
6. Beans are ready for harvest when the pods are plump and firm, but not yet bulging. .
7. In your own garden, pick your beans regularly to encourage more growth and prevent the pods from becoming tough and stringy.
8. To harvest, hold the stem of the plant with one hand and gently snap the pod with the other..

Look for string, snap or green beans that are :

1. firm
2. green (not yellowish - unless you're picking yellow beans!)
3. smooth, not wrinkly on the surface - that's an old or dried out bean. Snap beans are best when the pods are firm and snap readily, but before the seeds within the pod develop. The tips should be pliable
4. not lumpy - those lumps are the beans that are developed - that's an overripe green bean!  Of course, if you want mature beans (not including the pod) then that's a different story, but we're talking about green beans here).
5. The beans in the photo at right are, from left:
   - old and yellowing,
   - overripe and lumpy; and
   - dried out and damaged.
6. Avoid placing the picked beans in the sunlight any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the car trunk or on the car seat. Cool them as soon as possible after picking. I prefer to bring a cooler with ice in it. Green Beans may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for 3 or 4 days

 

When you get home

1. After harvesting, store your beans in the refrigerator or blanch and freeze them for longer storage.
2. Put them in the vegetable crisper in the fridge, in a loose plastic bag.
3. They will be good for about a week like that.

  

Bean recipes and home canning

Now, get ready to can or freeze the extra beans - It is VERY easy! Click on the links for easy instructions.

1. How to can green beans, yellow beans, snap beans, broad beans, etc.
2. How to make pickled beans
3. How to freeze green beans (and other beans)
4. How to Freeze Lima Beans, Broad beans, Butter Beans and/or Pinto Beans
5. Canning fresh shelled beans
6. Canned dried beans and peas (from kidney beans, peas, lima beans, broadbeans, chickpeas, pole beans, etc.)
7. Canned Baked  Beans With Tomato or Molasses Sauce
8. Canned Baked  Beans With Back, Pork or Ham and Tomato or Molasses Sauce -
9. Pickled green beans
10. Pickled Dill beans
11. Mustard beans (pickled mustard beans)
12. Pickled Three-Bean Salad

Varieties

There are many different types of beans, each with their own unique flavor, texture, and growing requirements. Some of the most popular varieties include:

• Green Beans: Also known as snap beans or string beans, green beans are a classic garden staple. They can be eaten fresh or cooked and come in bush and pole varieties.
• Lima Beans: Lima beans (called Broad Beans or Butter Beans in the UK) are a nutritious and protein-rich vegetable that can be eaten fresh or dried. They require a long growing season and prefer warm temperatures.
• Pole Beans: Pole beans are a climbing variety of bean that require support to grow. They can reach up to 10 feet tall and have a longer growing season than bush beans.
• Dried Beans: Dried beans are a versatile pantry staple that can be used in soups, stews, and other dishes. Popular varieties include black beans, navy beans, kidney beans, black beans, garbanzo (aka, chick peas) and pinto beans

• s, navy beans, kidney beans, black beans, garbanzo (aka, chick peas) and pinto beans

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers