2024 Northeastern Pennsylvania Cucumber U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Cucumber U-Pick Orchards in Northeastern Pennsylvania 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.

Luzerne County

• Burgers Farm Market - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, beans, cucumbers, eggplant, herbs or spices, peppers, pumpkins, tomatoes, other vegetables, Other fruit or veg, restrooms, petting zoo, farm animals, school tours
  371 Saint Johns Road, Drums, PA 18222. Phone: (570)788-1773. Email: Leonard.Burger@yahoo.com. Open: Call during business hours to verify on the vegetables in season. Directions: take exit 256 off I80 to state route 93 south, go 500 yards make left east on to saint johns road continue 2 miles farm is on your left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, WIC Vouchers, SFMNP Vouchers. Burgers Farm Market . The pumpkin patch is open Monday to Sunday 9am to dark; Hay rides Saturday and Sundays all day and weekdays by group appointment. They minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. Burgers Farm is fifth generation run est.1889. They continue to provide quality fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables for your enjoyment.
• Pumpkin Hill - strawberries, cucumbers, peppers, green beans
  250 Wapwallopen Road, Nescopeck, PA 18635. Phone: 570-379-2106. Open: call for hours. Directions: They are on route 239 2 miles north of route 93 in Nescopeck Township. They are well known for our yellow somborka peppers, people travel from New York City just for our somborka peppers. Call them for availability of our yellow peppers or other varieties of peppers. Yellow peppers and other peppers are in season from mid-August until frost. They have been told that they have the best strawberries in the county! They are up to 8 acres of pick-your-own strawberries; bring your own containers. Later pick your own peppers! Hot and sweet somborka\'s, sweet Italian, cubanelles, bells, anchos, jalapenos, hot banana, cherry peppers and thai hot peppers...pretty soon Carolina reapers. It\'s a 50lbs minimum picking your own. Mix and match. Even pick your own green string beans and pickling cucumbers. . Click here for a map and directions. . They are on route 239 2 miles north of route 93 in Nescopeck Township. They are well known for our yellow somborka peppers, people travel from New York City just for our somborka peppers. Call them for availability of our yellow peppers or other varieties of peppers. Yellow peppers and other peppers are in season from mid-August until frost. They have been told that they have the best strawberries in the county! They are up to 8 acres of pick-your-own strawberries; bring your own containers. Later pick your own peppers! Hot and sweet somborka's, sweet Italian, cubanelles, bells, anchos, jalapenos, hot banana, cherry peppers and thai hot peppers...pretty soon Carolina reapers. It's a 50lbs minimum picking your own. Mix and match. Even pick your own green string beans and pickling cucumbers. Facebook page.
  Comments from a visitor on June 06, 2010: "My family and I have been picking strawberries at this farm since I was a child. I have many happy memories there and continue to make new memories there with my friends and family. And the strawberries are fantastic!!"

Wayne County

• The Stevens' Farm - beans, beets, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, herbs or spices, melons, onions, pears, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, rhubarb, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Other fruit or veg, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, farm market, porta-potties are available
  652 Sterling Rd, Sterling, PA 18463. Phone: 570 689 2125. Open: Blueberries through August, as long as the weather permits; You May pick from 9 am to 6, every day; Call to be certain; They sometimes close for ripening. Directions: They are 5 miles south of Hamlin and 10 miles north of Tobyhanna. From I-84, take exit 17, go south on Route 191 for 14 mile. Turn left onto Springhill Road Go to the stop sign and turn right onto Route 196. The Stevens\' Farm is 14 mile on the right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. The Stevens' Farm They are 5 miles south of Hamlin and 10 miles north of Tobyhanna. From I-84, take exit 17, go south on Route 191 for 1/4 mile. Turn left onto Springhill Road Go to the stop sign and turn right onto Route 196. is 1/4 mile on the right. The farm stand typically opens in early July and closes by November 10th; After the blueberry season they start with apples, cider, Pumpkins, winter squash and seasonal decorations! This year they hoped to add our delicious homemade pies!. They are a fourth generation family farm that feature fresh-picking.

 

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