2024 Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and central Alabama Cucumber U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Cucumber U-Pick Orchards in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and central Alabama in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for cucumbers that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have cucumbers 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.

Calhoun County

• Glenn Acres Farm - apples, beans, corn (sweet), cucumbers, figs, grapes, melons, peaches, summer squash, tomatoes, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, porta-potties are available, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties
  306 Rainbow Drive, Anniston, AL 36207. Phone: 256 237 0054. Email: aglennjr@aol.com. Open: We are here most all the time; Call if you wish; 256 237 0054. Directions: We are across from White Plains Elementary school at 306 Rainbow Drive which is the first house on the right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. .

Cullman County

• Bagwell Farm - beans, blueberries, raspberries, cucumbers, peas, tomatoes, U-pick and already picked
  227 County Road 721, Cullman, AL 35055. Phone: 256-339-4342. Email: dbagwell412@yahoo.com. Open: for U-Pick. Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm during June and July; Our Farm Stand is open Monday to Saturday May to October. from 8 am to 5 pm. Directions: From Cullman travel Highway 278 East, turn right onto County Road 719, travel 2 miles, turn right onto County Road 721, (a dirt road), we are the third house on the right. Click here for a map and directions. Blueberries are ready to harvest the by the third week in June. Payment: Cash, Check. Call ahead if you want already picked blueberries to ensure freshness and to ask what vegetable we have available. (UPDATED: February 01, 2024) 

Etowah County

• Gypsy Ranch - Certified Organic, beans, beets, blueberries, broccoli, cucumbers, eggplant, herbs or spices, melons, onions, other berries, pears, peas, pumpkins, rhubarb, summer squash, Honey from hives on the farm, U-pick and already picked, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  10501 Fairview Cove Road, Altoona, AL 35952. Phone: 256-840-4994. Email: kim@gypsyranch.us. Open: Monday to Saturday 8am till 6pm Sunday Noon till 6pm. Directions: From Gadsden take highway 431 to highway 278 at Mountain top turn right onto highway 179 go 4 miles turn left on to Fairview Cove Road 8 blocks From Boaz take highway 169 to highway 179 8 miles turn right onto Fairview Cove Road the farm is 8 blocks down on left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Fax: 256-840-4041. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Strawberries April 20 till June 5. (UPDATED: June 25, 2018, JBS)

Tuscaloosa County

• Ingram Farms - beans, corn (sweet), cucumbers, peas, peppers, summer squash, tomatoes,
  12000 Plowman Road, Gordo, AL 35466. Phone: 205-799-5273. Email: JOHNE@INGRAMSACCOUNTING.COM. Directions: From Northport civic center go west on highway 82 to mile marker \32\". Proceed and take the next left onto Lee Bonner Road. Go 18th mile to 4-way stop. Proceed straight onto Church Road. Cross over wooden trestle bridge and past church on left. Turn right onto Plowman Road. Proceed a little over one mile. Look for mail box on left. Gate entrance to farm will be directly on your right. """. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Alternate Phone: 205-799-1277. Fax: 205-752-9536. . Be darned sure to call before you go - I haven't seen an update from this farm in years. From Northport civic center go west on highway 82 to mile marker "32". Proceed and take the next left onto Lee Bonner Road. Go 1/8th mile to 4-way stop. Proceed straight onto Church Road. Cross over wooden trestle bridge and past church on left. Turn right onto Plowman Road. Proceed a little over one mile. Look for mail box on left. Gate entrance to farm will be directly on your right.

 

How to pick cucumbers

When it comes to selecting cucumbers at a farm, there are a few key tips to keep in mind to ensure you choose the best ones. Here are two to three paragraphs of guidance to help you make the right selection:

1. Look for firmness and texture: The first thing you should check is the firmness and texture of the cucumber. Gently squeeze the cucumber to determine its firmness. A good cucumber should feel firm but not rock-hard. Avoid cucumbers that are overly soft or mushy, as these are signs of deterioration. Additionally, examine the skin texture. It should be smooth and shiny, without any wrinkles or blemishes. A uniformly colored skin is also an indicator of a fresh cucumber .The top cucumber in the photo is an overripe pickling cucumber.  The bottom cucumber is perfect!

2. Smaller size is better: Cucumbers come in various sizes and shapes, so it ultimately depends on your personal preference. However, there are a few general guidelines to follow.
Choose slicing cucumbers that are about 6 to 8 inches long, as they tend to have a better flavor and texture.
Burpless cucumbers may be much longer . Pickling cucumbers should be smaller, like 4 to 5 inches.
Avoid extremely large cucumbers, as they can be tough and have large seeds. In terms of shape, look for cucumbers that are straight and cylindrical. Avoid ones that are excessively curved or have bulges, as they may have developed irregularities during growth.

3. Look for dark color and freshness: The color of the cucumber can provide valuable information about its freshness. Ideally, cucumbers should have a vibrant green color, indicating that they are ripe and freshly harvested. Avoid cucumbers that have a dull or yellowish color, (like the top cucumber in the photo) as this could be a sign of overripeness or age. Additionally, check the stem end of the cucumber. It should be fresh-looking and not shriveled or dried out. A fresh cucumber will have a crisp snap when broken, while a stale one may feel limp or bend without resistance.

Cucumber Varieties

There are many types of cucumbers so it is important to select the  right type for your purpose.

1. Pickling Cucumbers: Pickling cucumbers are specifically cultivated for making pickles. They are smaller in size, have a firm texture, and a slightly bumpy or knobby skin. Pickling cucumbers often have a more concentrated flavor, making them ideal for preserving in brine or vinegar. Gherkins are simply very small (1.5 to 2.5 inch long immature pickling cucumbers.

2. Slicing Cucumbers: Slicing cucumbers are the most common type of cucumber found in grocery stores. They are typically larger than pickling cucumbers and have a smooth, dark green skin. Slicing cucumbers are great for fresh eating and are often used in salads, sandwiches, or as a refreshing snack.

3.Burpless, English or European Cucumbers: English cucumbers are longer and thinner than slicing cucumbers. They have a mild, crisp taste and a thin, tender skin that does not require peeling. These cucumbers are often referred to as "burpless" due to their reputation for being less likely to cause indigestion or gas.

4. Persian Cucumbers: Persian cucumbers are similar to English cucumbers but slightly shorter and thicker. They have a sweet and crunchy flesh, and their skin is thin and edible. Persian cucumbers are popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine and are great for salads or as a healthy snack.

5. Lemon Cucumbers: Lemon cucumbers are small, round cucumbers that resemble lemons in shape and color. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a thin, tender skin. Lemon cucumbers are often eaten fresh, added to salads, or pickled.

6. Armenian Cucumbers: Armenian cucumbers, also known as snake cucumbers or yard-long cucumbers, are long and slender with a twisted or curved shape. They have a thin, pale green skin and a crisp texture. Armenian cucumbers are often used in salads, sandwiches, or pickled.

7. Kirby Cucumbers: Kirby cucumbers are small, bumpy cucumbers that are popular for pickling due to their firmness and crunchy texture. They have a slightly bitter taste and are known for their ability to retain their shape and crunchiness during the pickling process.

These are just a few examples of cucumber types and varieties. Each has its own unique characteristics, so you can choose the one that best suits your culinary needs and preferences.

Pickling Cucumbers  (in water bath canners )

Cucumbers are not acidic so they ONLY way you may safely can them is as pickles:

• Bread and butter cucumber pickles - W, P
• Cucumber pickles (kosher dill, bread & butter,  or processed etc.) using mixes  - W, P
• Dill pickles, from scratch - W, P
• Old-fashioned fermented general store barrel dill pickles - W, P - (more photos coming)
• Cucumber pickle relish!  - W, P - This is the classic hamburger relish!
• No-canning-needed refrigerator cucumber pickles (kosher dill) - W, P
• Low salt / reduced salt low calorie dill pickles.
• Low-salt bread and butter pickles
• Sweet Pickled Gherkins - W, P
• Sweet Pickles (quick recipe) - W, P
• Zucchini pickles (bread-and-bu

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