2024 Southeast Michigan Cucumber U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Cucumber U-Pick Orchards in Southeast Michigan 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.

Macomb County

• Blake Farms Orchard and Cider Mill - apples, asparagus, blackberries, cherries, corn (sweet), cucumbers, herbs or spices, lavender, melons, pears, peas, peaches, peppers, plums, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), rhubarb, summer squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, watermelons, Honey from hives on the farm, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, U-pick and already picked, farm market, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, restrooms, picnic area, inflatables or bounce houses, jumping pillow, trike track, pedal kart track, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations
  17985 Armada Center Rd, Armada, MI 48005. Phone: (586) 784-5343. Email: info@blakefarms.com. Open: MID JUNE THROUGH EARLY NOVEMBER from 8 AM to 6 PM, 7 DAYS A WEEK. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Blake Farms Orchard and Cider Mill Facebook page. . . We use integrated pest management practices (IPM). Blake's Big Apple, located in Armada, Michigan offers everything for the family. You can get our award winning cider and donuts prepared fresh daily, as well as pre-picked seasonal produce. You can also come out and pick our your own produce. We also carry our own line of jarred goods, like salsas, jams, jellies, pickled veggies and bbq sauces. During the fall we also have a variety of haunted attractions, like zombie paintball and haunted hayrides.Apple varieties: Empire, Jonathon, Japanese Rose, MacIntosh, Cortland, Gala. Also U-Pick tomatoes and Peppers: Jalapenos, Pablanos, Bell peppers, Banana peppers, Raspberries, Plums, Bartlett Pears.Apple varieties: Empire, Jonathon, Early Fuji, Japanese Rose, Wolf River, Wealthy, Cortland, Gala. Vegetables: Green beans, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Cabbage, and Lavender, Wild flowers. Peppers: Jalapenos, Pablanos, Bell peppers, Banana peppers, Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill LEARN MOREBlake's Big Apple LEARN MOREBlake's Almont Garden Center LEARN MORE (UPDATED: May 26, 2018)

Monroe County

• Gaskill Family Farm - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, asparagus, beets, blackberries, broccoli, cucumbers, eggplant, melons, onions, other berries, pears, peppers, raspberries (red),
  12433 Crowe Rd, Milan, MI 48160. Phone: 734-439-1225. Email: gaskillfamilyfarm@gmail.com. Open: Directions: From US 23 North: take exit 22 Cone Road and turn right west. Directions: From US 23 North: take exit 22 Cone Road and turn right \(west\). Immediately turn right \(north\) onto Crowe Road. From US 23 South: Take exit 22 \(Cone Road\) turn left \(north\) onto Ann Arbor Road. At stop sign, turn left \(west\) onto Cone Road. Cross the overpass and turn right \(north\) onto Crowe Road. Once on Crowe, we are the 3rd house on the left \(west\) after you cross the railroad tracks \(approximately 1 mile\). . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Gaskill Family Farm Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 734-260-2998. . From US 23 North: take exit 22 Cone Road and turn right (west). Immediately turn right (north) onto Crowe Road. From US 23 South: Take exit 22 (Cone Road) turn left (north) onto Ann Arbor Road. At stop sign, turn left (west) onto Cone Road. Cross the overpass and turn right (north) onto Crowe Road. Once on Crowe, we are the 3rd house on the left (west) after you cross the railroad tracks (approximately 1 mile). Strawberries (starting 2017) mid June to early July; Raspberries about 1 to 2 weeks after strawberries start until late Fall; vegetables all summer and into Fall (June to October); Apples/Pears September to late October. We use integrated pest management practices. Payment: Cash, Check, Credit Card. Updated June 2016. is a small farm growing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. In a normal year we will start out picking strawberries for the farmers markets followed about mid June with summer red raspberries then blackberries, fall red raspberries, apples and pumpkins. Our growing method is conventional with a great deal of effort put on Integrated Pest Management. We work with nature every where we can, from seeding down hard to plant areas to a vegetation that will attract beneficial insects to growing a combination of clover and grasses between rows of raspberries, not only make it easier for our customers to walk, but to supply some of the nitrogen the raspberries need to grow. (UPDATED: June 24, 2016) (ADDED: June 22, 2015)

 

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