2024 Montgomery and southeastern Alabama Cucumber U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Cucumber U-Pick Orchards in Montgomery and southeastern Alabama 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.

Autauga County

• Melina Hills Farm - blueberries, chestnuts, cucumbers, figs, muscadine grapes, peaches, peppers, pomegranates, summer squash, tomatoes, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, restrooms, picnic area you may bring your own food
  3462 US highway 82 West, Billingsley, AL 36006. Phone: 205-280-8796. Email: melinahillsfarm@outlook.com. Open: Saturdays 9 am to 5 pm. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Alternate Phone: 205-258-9825. Fax: 205 280 8796. . (ADDED: July 07, 2015)

Chilton County

• Andrews U-Pick-It Fruit and Vegetable Farm, LLC - apples, blackberries, blueberries, cucumbers, muscadine grapes, melons, pears, peas, watermelons, picnic area you may bring your own food
  54 County Road 13, Clanton, AL 35045. Phone: (205) 646-0452. Email: helenandrews1961@gmail.com. Open: Typical season is from early May through September: Monday to Friday 8 am to 2 pm; Saturday 8 am to 5 pm; Closed on Sunday. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. 3Andrews U-Pick-It Fruit and Vegetable Farm, LLC Alternate Phone: (334) 301-9159. . (ADDED: June 01, 2018)
• C&J Farms - okra, corn, peas, tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, pole beans
  Route 1, Box 159-A, Lawley, AL 36793. Phone: (334) 375-1486. Open: June - August, Anytime Monday to Saturday, closed Sunday, PLEASE CALL BEFORE YOU COME. Click here for a map and directions. . Alternate phone: (334) 366-2486. From Clanton take Highway 22 West 15 miles to Maplesville. Take U.S. Highway 82 West to Al. Hwy. 183 West; go 7 miles. Farm on right.

Geneva County

• Aplin Farms - strawberries(u-pick and pre-picked)and peaches, broad beans, broccoli, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, figs, flowers, onions, peas, pecans , peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, corn maze, tractor-pulled hay rides, wagon rides, and prepicked produce, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
  2729 N Co Rd 49 , Dothan, AL 36305. Phone: 334-726-5104. Email: japlin4863@gmail.com. Open: Daily. Directions: From Dothan take Hwy 84W about 5.5 miles. Turn left on County Road 49. Go about 5.6 miles on Co Rd 49. The Farm will be on the right. Co Rd 49 is also known as South Bay Springs Road. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available in May, June, July, August, September, October. Call for Hay Ride Times. Groups can make reservation Monday through Friday. Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch are open the Month of October. All other crops are available from May to October. Call for availability. Also operates greenhouse; we sell: Ferns, hanging baskets, & many other types of plant in the spring and Mums in the fall. (UPDATED: October 20, 2020 JBS)

Henry County

• Bretts Garden - Uses natural growing practices, asparagus, beans, beets, broccoli, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, herbs or spices, melons, onions, other berries, peas, pecans , peppers, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, U-pick and already picked, picnic area you may bring your own food
  2030 County Road 29, Abbeville, AL 36310. Phone: 561-718-1502. Email: orders@brettsgarden.com. Open: UPDATE for 2021, Their website is gone; Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me, their last reported hours were Upick from 8 am to 3 pm on weekends only , Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 3 Closed from December 15 pm to March 15 , July 15 pm to September 1. Directions: North of Dothan, South of Eufaula , off 431 Located on county road 29 1 12 miles off intersection Turn at the liberty gas station. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  Bretts Garden Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 561-376-8992. Fax: 561-622-7652. . North of Dothan, South of Eufaula , off 431 Located on county road 29 1 1/2 miles off intersection Turn at the liberty gas station. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. potatoes,cauliflower, brussel sprouts, kale, collard greens,okra,lettuce,swiss chard, we also sell home made jams ,hot sauces, jared peppers,pickles and shelled candied and raw pecans. WE HAVE A LARGE VARIETY OF CROPS GROWING MOST OF THE YEAR CHECK OUT WHATS AVAILABLE BY LOGGING INTO OUR SITE AND REVIEWING THE "WHATS GROWING" SECTION ON OUR PRODUCTS PAGE. WE WILL UPDATE PRODUCTS AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE. (UPDATED: June 25, 2018, JBS) (ADDED: February 28, 2015)

Houston County

• Bell Farms - Tomatoes, okra, squash, bell pepper, hot pepper, watermelons, cantaloupes, cucumbers, turnips, and collards.
  3329 Iris Road, Dothan, AL 36301. Phone: (334) 677-5267. Open: June 1 to August 1; Daily from 7 am to 7 pm. Directions: 6 miles south of Dothan on Hwy 231. . Click here for a map and directions. . Peas, corn, watermelons, cantaloupes.Note, their website is done in 2017, but they may still be open, it's a very, um, laid back operation. Be sure to call before you go!, (UPDATED: June 25, 2018, JBS)

 

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