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

Bean U-Pick Orchards in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and central Alabama 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.

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)

Perry County

• Moore-Webb-Holmes Plantation - Uses natural growing practices, beans, blackberries, blueberries, corn (sweet), melons, pears, peas, pecans , pumpkins, summer squash, strawberries, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
  Rt. 1 Box 260, Marion, AL 36756. Phone: 334-683-9955. Open: Any day of the week by appointment. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Highway 14 West in Folsom, Seven miles outside of Marion, AL Latitude and Longitude coordinates are N 32 40.866 and W 087 24.280. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. We are a historic site with over 20 buildings dating back to the 1820's. The farm has been in the same family since it was settled in 1819. All of the buildings are apart of the tour and every thing you see was used by our family. Some of the buildings include the old general store, cotton gin, smoke house, gristmill, blacksmith etc. Take a walk through the past in the present and into the future. (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.

 

Feedback

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