2024 Brant, Hamilton and Haldimand Area of Ontario Bean U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Bean U-Pick Orchards in Brant, Hamilton and Haldimand Area of Ontario 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 a province or region 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.

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Brant (Brant, Brantford, Bruce, Burtch, Cathcart, Hatchley, Paris)

• Brantwood Farm - apples, strawberries, raspberries, rhubarb, peas, beans, raspberries, tomatoes, pumpkins
  RR#6, Brantford, ON N3T 5L8. Phone: 519-759-4383. Email: brantwoodfarm@brant.net. Open: 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Sat; Sunday - 11 am to 5 pm. Click here for a map and directions. Fax: 519-749-0679 Take 403 to Brantford, exit north on the Wayne Gretzky Pkwy to Powerline Rd. Turn right to the 2nd farm on left. Also prepicked apples. Typical Upick dates: Rhubarb in May-June; Strawberries in June-July; Peas in June-July; Beans in July-September; Raspberries in July; Tomatoes (Field) in August; Apples in September-October. (UPDATED: May 21, 2024 JBS)

Haldimand (Simcoe, Waterford)

• Wholesome Pickins - apples, asparagus, beans, blueberries, cherries, corn, peaches, pumpkins, raspberries, strawberries, farmstand
  500 Church St., Delhi, ON N4B1V3. Phone: :519 582-1114. Email: info@wholesomepickins.ca. Open: 10 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week from late May to October 31. Click here for a map and directions. From 403 take Hwy #24 South. Turn right on Vanessa Road #4 - follow signs - end at farm! From Hwy #3 - take Fertilizer Road - follow signs. We also have fresh picked apples, asparagus, beans, blueberries, cherries, corn, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, raspberries, strawberries. (ADDED: June 10, 2014X)

Hamilton (Alberton, Glanbrook, Hamilton, Hayesland, Kirkwall, Lynden,Sheffield, Renforth, Rockton)

• Josling Farms - beans, peppers, tomatoes, other vegetables,
  512 Concession Rd 8 E, Carlisle, ON L0R 1H0. Phone: (905) 689-5523. Email: josling1@bell.net. Open: Monday to Saturday 8 am to 6 pm, Sundays 8 am to 3 pm September 1 to October 31 inclusive of holidays; Weather permitting the season might extend. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
  Josling Farms Facebook page. . Monday to Saturday 8 am to 6 pm, Sundays 8 am to 3 pm September 1 to October 31 (inclusive of holidays); Weather permitting the season might extend Products available: Cabbage, Cauliflower, eggplants, Peppers (many varieties), Onions, Potatoes, Roma Beans and Tomatoes. (ADDED: September 01, 2017)
• Murphy's Country Produce Ltd. - strawberries, peas, raspberries, tomatoes, peppers, fava beans, romano beans, sweet corn, squash, and pumpkins.
  2040 Guyatt Road, Binbrook, ON L0R 1C0. Phone: 905-692-5733. Email: murphys@mountaincable.net. Open: during STRAWBERRY AND RASPBERRY SEASON: Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 5 pm. Directions: R.R. # 1,, Binbrook area - Take hwy #56 to Guyatt Road Turn east, continue for about 2km on the north west corner. Near Hamilton. . Click here for a map and directions. . But before you grab your hat and sunscreen we always recommend you call us to get up to date crop reports at Click here for a map.
  Comments from a visitor on July 02, 2011: "Took the whole family (three kids 6 and younger) out for PYO strawberries, it was a good experience. Found the rows to be a little tight together but the staff were great, never made a deal about the kids. We've been to other PYO strawberry farms and they have always spoken sternly about the kids. We know how to keep out kids in line, thank you. Anyway, the strawberry crop was quite nice. We also picked some sugar snap peas, great price on both. Will be back there each year for more."
  Comments from a visitor on July 21, 2009: "We picked raspberries at Murphy's today and it was an altogether nice experience. The young woman in the field was friendly and helpful; the berries were great; we were charged a competitive price; their pride in their farm is evident as everything is beautifully kept. We will definitely be back for more berries (and corn!) after we have eaten our way through today's yummy harvest. My husband & I are always impressed with how these hard-working farmers accept the losses they experience with people who come in their fields and pick only the very best & easiest to reach fruit, leaving many to rot on the plants. Customers should try to stand in the farmer's shoes for just a moment. Shame on those who are so wasteful.
  Comments from a visitor on July 05, 2009: "Today we were at one of the many farms we visit every year. We were there to pick strawberries. Since it was near the end of season the girl in the field told us to go where ever we could fine ripe nice berries. She then came over 15 minutes before the field closed to tell us that if our baskets were not full, we would not be charged full price. We realized it would take us longer to fill our basket (wanting to let the workers go home on time after a long hot day) and we had 3/4 of a basket so we decided to go. Once we left the field to pay for our basket the girl at the gate told us we would have to pay full price. When I challenged this she said it was "pretty full" so we would have to pay the full amount. "Pretty full" and full are two different things.. She continued to be rude and we will never return to this farm again. We all work hard for our money and I love to support our local farms, but this farm cannot encourage me to leave with a 3/4 full basket and then ask me to pay in full. I will support someone else for my strawberries next year, and look to pick raspberries elsewhere this season."
• Struyk Farm - beans, tomatoes, vegetables
  1960 4th Concession, Troy, ON L0R 2B0. Phone: :519-647-3111. Email: cstruyk@rogers.com. Open: Monday to Friday from 8 am to 7 pm; Saturday 8 am to 5 pm. Click here for a map and directions. Closed SundayFrom Cambridge, take Hwy. 8 southeast. Past Sheffield, turn right on Lynden Rd. At stop sign, turn left onto Conc. 4. Go to second farm on right

 

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
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