2024 Northern Georgia Bean U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Bean U-Pick Orchards in Northern Georgia 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 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.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather.  See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

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Gordon County

• Cedar Hill Farms - beans, cucumbers, peppers, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, and prepicked produce
  274 Cedar Hill Drive SW, Calhoun, GA 30701. Phone: 706-629-5400. Email: benmar519@aol.com. Open: Weds. Directions: national guard armory take hwy156 toward Rosedale, one mile on left New Zion church turn left, first road on left, look for long white fence on left.... . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Fax: 706-629-6151. Crops are usually available in May, June, July, August, September, October, November to Friday 830am to 700pm.Saturday 800am to 500pm Fax orders 24 hrs a day 706-629-6151 e-mail orders, questions, email request 24 hrs, mention Cedar Hill.
• Payne Farms - beans, cucumbers, eggplants, flowers, melons, peas, peppers, pumpkins, strawberries, tomatoes, daylilies in June; black-eyed peas, okra, cabbage, greens, collards, Honey from hives on the farm, and prepicked produce
  336 Salem Road, Calhoun, GA 30701. Phone: 770-878-2005. Email: Info@paynefarmandproduce.com. Open: Monday to Saturday 8am to 7pm; Sunday 10am to 5pm. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. from the intersection of GA 53 and US Highway 41 in Calhoun, travel south o US 41 bout 2 miles and turn right on Salem Road Market is .2 miles on the left. From Adairsville, travel north o US Highway 41 to Salem Road and turn left Market is .2miles on the leftSome containers available. Several old-fashioned high-flavor varieties. Farmers Market offering locally grown & pick your own produce. Come "Fall Down on Payne Farm" Weekends in October! Fall Activities and Farmer's Market Haunted Hayrides, Pumpkins, Produce, and more!(UPDATED: July 20, 2020 JBS) (UPDATED: May 13, 2013)

Lumpkin County

• DO call before you go - Strawberries, beans, okra, corn, tomatoes and other vegetables
  2650 Highway 19 North, Dahlonega, GA 30533. Phone: 706-867-9794. Open: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm; Mondays to Saturdays; 11 am to 6 pm on Sundays. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, only. Picking containers provided; bring your own take-home containers(Ed Patton) Note: I've been to this farm in 2009 and years past - they have excellent tasting Chandler strawberries in a picturesque location just 2 miles outside of Dahlonega. But , as visitors below point out, there are no guarantees that they will have what you want or even allow picking on any given day! Blake
  Comments from a visitor on May 22, 2011: "Dahlonega Vegetable Farm Lumpkin County May 2011 Sunday we decided to go strawberry picking and found several ads on the internet for Dahlonega Vegetable Farm. I had read the info on your site so I was sure to call the number they provided to make sure they were open before we left. It was a little difficult to find and after turning around twice we finally came upon it. When we walked in the store the bins were barely filled with strawberries much less any other vegetables. I told the lady at the counter that we wanted to pick our own and she said they were not allowing people to pick today. I countered with but your phone line says that you are "open" today. She replied that the phone line was just for the store and maybe I should come back another day, possibly Wednesday but you never know. I was very irritated because we had come along way. I decided to buy some of their pre-picked berries even though they didn't look that great. To my dismay, once I got them home, most of the ones on the bottom of the gallon bucket I bought were rotten. I won't be back. They are not very customer friendly and it wasn't worth the trip. "
  Comments from a visitor on May 25, 2010: "We have been picking strawberries here for the past 5 years as a nice Spring tradition. We drive 35 miles to get there and normally it is worth it. Today we arrived about noon and they advised us that they had already picked that morning (which they always do) but didn't want anyone picking to let more berries ripen. Their recorded message says they are open for business and the farm hours but nothing about restricted pick-your-own berries. I complained about this never being a problem before, our long trip and no warning on their recording about any restrictions. The girl said she would tell the owner. This is our last visit to this farm with this kind of treatment of customers."
  Comments from a visitor on May 23, 2010: "We drove up to this farm and arrived around noon. The place was pretty empty of people and so we got to start picking without having to worry about waiting in line. They informed us that the Strawberry season started later do to our cold winter and they hope it lasts longer into the year. The plants were pretty empty by the time we arrived, but we were still able to pick about a gallon of berries between the two of us. They are not sure if they will have other veggies/fruits available for sale in the shop this year. Right now all they had was strawberries. They provide buckets to pick in and you can buy the bucket for $1. One bucket of BYO berries was $12. Checks and cash ONLY."
  Comments from a visitor on July 06, 2009: "This listing says to call first, but alas, there is just an answering machine..was there today (Monday, July 6th) at 4:30 pm and the place was closed..Fortunately I was already in the area so it was not a biggie..just very inconsiderate to not answer phones or have updated times on the answering machine. I also agree that the person talking on the answering machine is extremely difficult to understand. And if you go by the address listed, you will not drive far enough down the road..the mailbox is on the South side of the bridge and the market is just north of the bridge. "
  Comments from a visitor on July 03, 2009: "Very Disappointing. This farm listed many kinds of vegetables as well as blackberries, which we were looking for. We tried to call ahead more than once to see if the blackberries were ready, but NEVER got an answer, just a difficult-to-understand recording of a child's voice saying they were open and some of the things they had available. We decided to go anyway, called the morning we went, got the same indistinct voice mail saying they were open. We took the kids hoping for a fun morning of vegetable picking, only to be told when we got there that there was nothing left to pick in the fields, only produce in their market. And they Never had had blackberries in spite of their recently-updated listing on the web. We were very disappointed."
  Comments from a visitor on June 13, 2009: "We went yesterday (6/12/09) to this farm and they still have lots of Strawberries for picking. Beware that there are steep metal stairs that you have to go down to get to the strawberries. The people were friendly and the strawberries are delicious! We picked about 8 quarts of strawberries and it was $15. Our children were able to eat as they picked. The farm is maybe 10 minutes or less from downtown Dahlonega. Bring your own container to take the strawberries home. Also they have great vegetables and other fruits at good prices."

Towns County

• Enota Mountain Retreat Organic Farm - ORGANIC, White Sweetcorn, asparagus, red and green okra, swiss chard, basil, squash, zucchini, pumpkins, watermelons, cantaloupe, purple potatoes, regular potatoes, carrots, pickled cucumbers, cucumbers, romain lettuce, sweet potatoes, heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, roma tomatoes, field peas, sugar pod peas, green beans, blueberries, gooseberries, restrooms, gift shop, picnic area, pumpkins (brought in from the field), pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
  1000 hwy 180, Hiawassee, GA 30546. Phone: 706-896-9966. Email: enota@enota.com. Open: 8 am to 5 Pm winter season 8 am to 9 pm spring through fall. Directions: See their website for directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx . Enota also operates as a certified organic farm and has over 300 family friendly animals \(chickens, bunnies, goats, cows, horses, and more\) on our farm. Adults and children are welcome to help with our daily feedings. The duck pond in front of the lodge is extremely popular and everyone has fun feeding the ducks. Help feed the animals, milk the cows, and gather the eggs - fun for the kids! Meet at t - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx .
  Enota Mountain Retreat Organic Farm Facebook page. See their website for directionsEnota also operates as a certified organic farm and has over 300 family friendly animals (chickens, bunnies, goats, cows, horses, and more) on our farm. Adults and children are welcome to help with our daily feedings. The duck pond in front of the lodge is extremely popular and everyone has fun feeding the ducks. Help feed the animals, milk the cows, and gather the eggs - fun for the kids! Meet at the farm at 4 pm daily. As part of Enota charter, we are also an educational and charitable facility. Adults and children can visit our organic garden, hydroelectric power plant, Cherokee ceremonial area and animal sanctuary to learn more about the heritage of this land and sustainability. Enota is based on shared ecological and social values and Rudolph Steiners biodynamic agricultural principals. Working with the principle of not taking more from the Earth than one gives back. Special Fun Enota Activities March 15 - November 30 Meals Healthy & freshly prepared with products from our organic garden Breakfast - Sundays 8:30 am - 10 am (please sign-up for dinners at the Lodge) Goats, Ducks, Doves, Chickens, Horses & Bunnies Feeding Daily 4 pm. at farm - No charge Feed available for purchase at the Lodge Organic Farm Tour Daily 4 pm. at farm - No charge Milk our cows & goats and pick fresh eggs Campfire & Marshmallow Roast (weather permitting) Fridays 8:30 pm in front of the Lodge - No charge Bring your musical instruments and good stories. Marshmallows Provided! Our camp store has chocolate & graham crackers for S'mores Hayrides (weather permitting) Fridays & Saturdays 7:30 pm - $1.00 per person Meet at the Lodge & pick ups all around the park Bonfire (weather permitting) Saturdays 9 pm Meet at the Big Circle in the family tenting area Organic Produce Freshly picked from our garden For sale at the Lodge. Enota Mountain Retreat Facebook page. (Updated by a visitor, ADDED: February 07, 2011)

Whitfield County

• Leo's Berry Patch - beans, blackberries,
  5433 Red Clay Rd, Cohutta, GA 30710. Phone: 706-264-9633. Email: ljwhaley@windstream.net. Open: Monday to Saturday, from 7 am to 8 pm; June and July. Directions: Cleveland Highway north \(from Dalton\) turn left at Cohutta exit; turn right on Red Clay Road - go past Fish Hachery; number on mailbox. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Alternate Phone: 706-694-3440Fax: 706-694-4350 Cleveland Highway north (from Dalton) turn left at Cohutta exit; turn right on Red Clay Road - go past Fish Hachery; number on mailbox

 

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