Find a local pick your own farm here!

Pepper U-Pick Orchards in Omaha and Eastern Nebraska in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for peppers that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have peppers farms 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.

Douglas County

  • Nelson Produce Farm - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, beans, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, flowers, melons, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, watermelons, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, picnic area you may bring your own food, train rides (train on a track), pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations
    10505 N. 234th St, Valley, NE 68064. Phone: (402) 830-0567. Email: nelsonproduce@gmail.com. Open: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday open June 4 through October 30; Hours of operations 9 am;to 5 pm. Directions: We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, SFMNP Vouchers. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, SFMNP Vouchers.
    Nelson Produce Farm Facebook page. Home of Nebraska's only Sunflower Festival over Labor Day Weekend. Check website for exact dates of this festival. (ADDED: February 10, 2020)

Lancaster County

  • Princeton Produce - beets, carrots, cherries, corn (sweet), cucumbers, herbs or spices, onions, peas, peppers, pumpkins, strawberries, tomatoes,
    1600 Pella Road, Princeton, NE 68404. Phone: 402-798-7723. Email: rlb5x1@netzero.com. Open: Monday through Saturday as produce is available Pumpkin Patch: September 15 to October 31 Payment: Cash, only. Directions: From Princeton, Nebraska \(approx. 18 miles south of Lincoln, Ne., on Hwy 77\) 1.5 miles south and 12 mile east on Pella Road. Look for signs. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. From Princeton, Nebraska (approx. 18 miles south of Lincoln, Ne., on Hwy 77) 1.5 miles south and 1/2 mile east on Pella Road. Look for signsCrops are usually available in May, June, July, September, October

Richardson County

  • Hill Top Gardens - cucumbers, eggplant, melons, onions, peas, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, U-pick and already picked, events at your location (call for info)
    65040 707 Trail, Falls City, NE 68355. Phone: 402-245-4330. Email: dwfmvf@hotmail.com. Open: July 4 Friday Saturday and Sundays 10 am till 7 pm or as soon as vegetables are ready oriental vegetables call for specific items. Directions: From State Highway 73 turn West at Home Lumber or Merz Farm Equipment on 707 Trail go one Mile on Gravel road we are on the right just passed the railroad tracks. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. l, Falls City, NE 68355Alternate Phone: 402-801-0949 Watermelon and other melon picking begins in the middle of August or as soon as melons are ready call for availability; Pumpkin picking opens in last week of SeptemberMany Oriental vegetables such as Kang Kong, Eggplant, long beans, Bittermelon, Opo, Gabi, Oriental sweet potatoes, Sihkim, and many more call for specific vegetables.

Saunders County

  • Country Road Bees - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, asparagus, cucumbers, onions, hot peppers, sweet peppers, Heirloom tomatoes, paste or Roma tomatoes, tomatoes, sunflowers, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, farm market
    2580 County Road Y, Morse Bluff, NE 68648. Phone: (401) 416-0408. Email: balanplantz@gmail.com. Directions: Three miles South of Morse Bluff Nebraska. 34 mile West of highway 79 on County Road Y. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Venmo. . PYO is available Sunday's during respective crop seasons; The patches are small so please contact us via email to confirm availabilityThree miles South of Morse Bluff Nebraska. 3/4 mile West of highway 79 on County Road Y Asparagus Late April - Mid June blackberries Late July - Mid September;. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certificationOur focus is to preserve nature's diversity and protect all she has given us. (ADDED: April 01, 2022)

 

Pepper

Pepper Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

a variety of peppersThere are various types of peppers based on their characteristics. It's important to note that pepper heat levels can vary, and individual tolerance to spiciness may differ. When using hot peppers, exercise caution and consider using gloves or washing hands thoroughly to avoid skin or eye irritation.

  • Sweet Peppers - like Bell Peppers and Banana Pepper , used in salads and sandwiches
  • Mild to Medium Heat Peppers - spicy, good for salsa.
  • Hot Peppers - Often used in Mexican and Thais foods
  • Very Hot Peppers - For crazy people...

See the table at the bottom of his page for detailed information and a master list of varieties.

When are peppers available?

Peppers are a hot weather crop, and cannot tolerate frost and cold soil. In the U.S. Peppers typically peak hot summer months into the Autumn.

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 (bags), 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 while the weather is still cool, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.

General Picking Tips

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

Pickled Peppers

Look for Peppers that are :

  1. firm
  2. Bright and shiny
  3. smooth, shiny pods, not wrinkly on the surface - that's an old or dried out
  4. Avoid placing the picked Peppers 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. Peppers may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for a week or 2.

When you get home

  1. Put them in the vegetable crisper in the fridge, in a loose plastic bag.
  2. Now, get ready to can or freeze the extra Peppers - It is VERY easy! Click on the links for easy instructions.

 


Name Heat Photo Description Best uses
Bell Pepper Sweet red sweet peppers Large, blocky peppers with a mild, sweet flavor. They come in different colors such as green, red, yellow, and orange.  Salads and sandwichs They also add sweetness and color to cooked dishes, stir-fries, and stuffed pepper recipes.
Banana Pepper Sweet Banana peppers Long and tapered, they have a mild to moderate heat level and a tangy-sweet flavor.  Salads, subs and sandwiches  Frequently used in pickled form, they add tang and crunch to sandwiches, salads, and antipasto platters. They can also be stuffed or sliced for various culinary applications.
Cubanelle Pepper Sweet   Light green and elongated, they have a mild heat and a slightly sweet taste.  
Pimento Pepper Sweet   Large and heart-shaped, they have a sweet and fruity flavor, often used for stuffing. Cooking
Poblano Pepper Medium Poblano Pepper Dark green, heart-shaped peppers with a mild to medium heat level and a slightly smoky flavor. Frequently used in Mexican dishes like chiles rellenos, mole sauce, and salsas. They can be roasted, stuffed, or sliced and added to various recipes.
Shishito Pepper     Small and thin-walled pepper with a mild and slightly sweet taste. Popular in Japanese cuisine, often enjoyed blistered or charred as an appetizer or side dish. They can also be used in stir-fries, tempura, or stuffed with cheese or other fillings.
Anaheim Pepper Medium   Mild to medium heat, with a long and narrow shape. They are often used in Southwestern cuisine. Commonly used in Southwestern and Mexican dishes. They are great for roasting, stuffing, or adding to salsas, chilis, and stews.
Hungarian Wax Pepper Medium   Medium heat peppers that come in various colors. They have a waxy texture and a tangy flavor.  
Chili peppers Medium     Used in making... wait for it... Chili
Cherry Pepper . Medium   Small and round, they have a mild to medium heat level and are often used pickled or stuffed Thai and other Asian cooking
Jalapeño Pepper Hot Peppers Jalopeno Medium heat level with a distinctive bright green color and a slightly smoky flavor. They are commonly used in Mexican cuisine. They add a spicy kick to salsas, guacamole, nachos, and are often used for stuffing or pickling.
Arbol peppers Hot Peppers Arbol peppers    
Serrano Pepper Hot Peppers   Hotter than jalapeños, they have a bright green color and a spicy taste. Commonly used in salsas and sauces. Adds a spicy heat to salsas, pico de gallo, hot sauces, and other Mexican dishes. They can also be pickled or used to infuse flavor into oils and vinegars.
Cayenne Pepper Hot Peppers   Thin and elongated, they are known for their fiery heat. Often used in powdered form as a spice. Often used in powdered form as a spice for adding heat to various dishes. It can be sprinkled over pizzas, used in sauces, or added to spice rubs for grilling or roasting meats.
Thai Bird's Eye Pepper Hot Peppers   Small and slender, they pack a powerful heat punch. Commonly used in Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine. Commonly used in Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine. They are perfect for adding heat and flavor to stir-fries, curries, soups, and dipping sauces.
Habanero Pepper Very hot   One of the hottest peppers, with a fruity flavor and intense heat. Use with caution. Adds intense spiciness to salsas, hot sauces, marinades, and jerk recipes. Use with caution and in small amounts due to its high heat level.
Scotch Bonnet Pepper Very hot   Similar to habaneros, they have a tropical fruity flavor and fiery heat. Commonly used in Caribbean cuisine.
Carolina Reaper Very hot   One of the hottest peppers in the world, known for its extreme heat. Handle with extreme caution.  
         
         


 

 

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