2024 San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties in California Lavender U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Lavender U-Pick Orchards in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties in California in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for lavender that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have lavender farms 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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San Luis Obispo County

• BeeWench Farm - Registered naturally grown, apples, asparagus, beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, flowers, horseradish, herbs or spices, lavender, melons, onions, peas, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Other fruit or veg, Turkeys, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, picnic area you may bring your own food, farm animals, school tours, group reservations
  198 San Juan Rd, Shandon, CA 93461. Phone: 805-423-7187. Email: info@beewenchfarm.com. Open: Thursday and Friday 9am to 1pm By appointment. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  BeeWench Farm Facebook page. We are registered naturally grown for all cropsis located on 10 beautiful acres in Shandon where we raise pastured chicken, pastured pork, dairy goats and hens for eggs. We sell meat and eggs at local farmers markets, on the farm and via the Community Supported Agriculture model. Our pastured chicken is also featured on the menu at local restaurants specializing in fresh, organically grown food. (UPDATED: May 02, 2018, JBS) ((ADDED: February 18, 2015)
• Jack Creek Farms - Uses natural growing practices, beans, cucumbers, flowers, herbs or spices, lavender, olallieberries, onions, peas, pumpkins, summer squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
  5000 Highway 46 West, Templeton, CA 93465. Phone: 805-239-1915. Email: info@JackCreekFarms.com. Open: Late May through September Thursday, Friday Saturday and Monday 10 am to 6 pm Sunday 11 am to 6 pm Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday; October Thursday, Friday Saturday, Monday and Tuesday 10 am to 6 pm Sunday 11 am to 6 pm Closed on Wednesday November Thursday, Friday Saturday and Monday 10 am to 5 pm Sunday 11 am to 5 pm Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday; December Please check website - dates and hours are dependent upon weather. Directions: Our farm is midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles in San Luis Obispo County, about a half hour drive from Hearst Castle. We are located west of Templeton and Paso Robles; and east of Cambria, Harmony and Cayucos, on Highway 46 West. If you are coming from the north or south on Highway 101, we are located about 7 miles west of Highway 101 on Highway 46 West. If you are traveling from Highway 1, we are exactly 16 miles east of Highway 1 on Highway 46 West. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  Jack Creek Farms Facebook page. Our farm offers a number of special events each year including an annual Kid's Day on the Farm (August), Old-fashioned Threshing Bee (September - Labor Day Weekend), Heirloom Tomato Tasting (September), Scarecrow Contest (September through October), Pumpkin Painting Workshop (October) and more; Please check our website for exact dates and times; For updates on our current harvest, please check the bottom left-hand side of every page on our website. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certificationWe offer u-pick with almost every crop grown on our farm. You can pick your own sweet onions and garlic in early June, and blackberries from our olallieberry patch in late June and early July. Middle July means u-pick lavender season, for buds or bundles. July and August means u-pick peach and plum season. In August we have available for u-pick all of our heirloom tomatoes (over 50 different varieties), and September through November means u-pick apple season.(UPDATED: October 02, 2021, JBS)
• SLO Creek Farms - CERTIFIED ORGANIC, apples, crabapples, beans, beets, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, flowers, herbs or spices, lavender, melons, onions, peas, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, Honey from hives on the farm, porta-potties are available, picnic area, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  6455 Monte Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. Phone: (702)245-3135. Email: slocreekfarms@live.com. Open: everyday, from 11 am to 5 pm, Mid August through Mid December. Directions: On the East side of highway 101 and San Luis Bay Drive. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  SLO Creek Farms Facebook page. Fax: (702)261-0060 Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesWe do not use pesticides on the crops U-Pick Organic Apples. Start a family tradition by visiting in beautiful San Luis Obispo, CA. We invite you and your family to come wander our orchard as you search for the best apples. Grab one of our apple baskets to fill with the apples you choose straight from the tree. Make sure you taste the apples and eat as many as you can along the way. It's free to pick, just purchase the apples you take home with you. With 40 acres of organic apple trees, there are plenty to go around. Go ahead and bring your friends and family and make picking apples a fun family event. We have the following apples: Jonalicious, Empire, Early Fuji, Gala, September Wonders, Sundancers, Granny Smith, and Braeburn. More details about each variety are listed on the apple schedule page. All Ages Welcome! (UPDATED: May 02, 2018, JBS)
  Comments from a visitor on September 22, 2011: "This is a beautiful place to bring your friends and family.They also have pick your own crab apples (aka, crabapples)"

Santa Barbara County

• Blueberries Ole'!, LLC - No pesticides are used, blackberries, blueberries, flowers, lavender, strawberries, tomatoes, Honey from hives on the farm, farm market, porta-potties, picnic area you may bring your own food, school tours
  3665 Dominion Road, Santa Maria, CA 93454. Phone: (805) 260-0497. Email: upickberries@yahoo.com. Open: Typical season is Aril through August, open Wednesday through Sunday, from 9 am to 4 pm; Closed Monday and Tuesday. Directions: From Highway 101 at the South end of Santa Maria, take the Clark Avenue Exit \(Orcutt\) and head East on Clark to the end \(2+ miles\). Make a left turn onto Dominion Road and go 1.8 miles to our UPICK Farm. We are on the left side of the road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Blueberries Ole'!, LLC Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: (805) 361-0360. Typical season is Aril through August, open Wednesday through Sunday, from 9 am to 4 pm; (Closed Monday and Tuesday) From Highway 101 at the South end of Santa Maria, take the Clark Avenue Exit (Orcutt) and head East on Clark to the end (2+ miles). Make a left turn onto Dominion Road and go 1.8 miles to our UPICK Farm. We are on the left side of the roadBlueberry season usually wraps up in July, while blackberry season starts in June and ends in September; Strawberries are ripening in February and continue through the summer;. We do not use pesticides on the cropsCheck our website or Facebook page for updates on events and specials. (UPDATED: February 12, 2020)
• U-Pick Blueberries - blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, tomatoes, lavender, apricots & plums
  3665 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93454. Phone: (805) 260-0497. Email: upickberries@yahoo.com. Open: Starting June 6th, Everyday 10 AM to 4 PM; see their Facebook page or website. Click here for a map and directions.
  U-Pick Blueberries Facebook page. Fun family outing! We offer spray-free in season..for you to pick! Bring your family and friends out for a fun outdoor experience and learn all about all the wonderful things Central Coast Farming has to offer. At , not only can you have fun harvesting seasonal berries, but you can sample while you pick because we don't spray any pesticides! You can also find us on Saturdays at the local farmers markets below:Templeton and San Luis ObispoFacebook page. (ADDED: June 27, 2022, JBS)

 

Lavender: Picking Lavender and Its Uses

 

Lavender is a fragrant and versatile herb that has been cherished for centuries. With its beautiful purple flowers and calming aroma, lavender is not only pleasing to the senses but also offers a range of practical uses. Here's what you need to know about lavender and how you can incorporate it into your daily life:

What is Lavender?

Lavender is an herb native to the Mediterranean region and is widely cultivated for its vibrant flowers and distinct scent. The flowers are small, purple, and grow in spikes, adding a touch of beauty to gardens and landscapes. The essential oil derived from lavender is renowned for its therapeutic properties and is commonly used in various products.

How to know when lavender is ready to be harvested and how to pick it:

Harvesting lavender at the right time ensures that you capture its maximum aroma and flavor.

 

1.  When to Harvest:
   - Lavender is typically harvested when the flowers are in full bloom but haven't started to fade or wilt. The ideal time to harvest lavender is usually in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun is at its strongest.
   - The exact timing can vary depending on the lavender variety and local growing conditions, but a good rule of thumb is to harvest when about two-thirds of the flowers on the stem have opened.
   
2.  Checking the Blooms:
   - Take a close look at the lavender flowers. They should be fully open and vibrant in color, usually a rich shade of purple or sometimes pink or white, depending on the variety.
   - Avoid harvesting lavender with flowers that have already started to fade or turn brown, as they may not have the desired fragrance or potency.
   
3.  Fragrance Test:
   - Gently rub a few lavender buds or flowers between your fingers to release their fragrance. The aroma should be strong, sweet, and distinctly lavender.
   - If the scent is not as pronounced or if the flowers appear to lack fragrance, it may indicate that the lavender is not fully mature and ready for harvest.
   
4.  Harvesting Lavender:
   - Use sharp pruning shears or scissors to harvest lavender stems. It's best to cut the stems just above the foliage, where the flowers begin.
   - Choose stems that have the most open and vibrant flowers, as they will have the highest concentration of aromatic oils.
   - Aim to harvest the stems in long, uniform lengths to make it easier to handle and bundle later.
   
5.  Bundling and Drying:
   - Gather a small bunch of lavender stems, typically 20-30 stems, and tie them together at the base using a rubber band or string. Make sure the stems are secure but not overly tight.
   - Hang the lavender bundles upside down in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from direct sunlight. This allows the lavender to dry slowly and retain its color and fragrance.
   - Allow the lavender to air dry for several weeks until the stems feel dry and the flowers easily crumble when touched.
   
6. Storing:
   - Once the lavender is completely dry, remove the dried flowers from the stems by gently rubbing them between your fingers or using a clean, dry cloth.
   - Store the dried lavender flowers in airtight containers, such as glass jars or resealable bags, in a cool, dark place to maintain their fragrance and quality.
   

Uses of Lavender:

1. Aromatherapy: Lavender is famous for its soothing scent, known to promote relaxation and reduce stress. You can enjoy the benefits of lavender by using essential oil in diffusers, candles, or even adding a few drops to your bathwater.
2. Skincare: Lavender is gentle on the skin and has antimicrobial properties, making it suitable for various skincare applications. It can help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote a healthy complexion. Look for lavender-infused lotions, creams, or natural soaps for nourishing your skin.
3. Sleep Aid: The calming aroma of lavender is often used to aid sleep and promote a restful night. You can sprinkle a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow or use lavender-scented linen sprays to create a tranquil atmosphere in your bedroom.
4. Culinary Delight: Lavender flowers can be used in cooking and baking to add a unique floral flavor. Infuse lavender buds into tea, use them as a seasoning for desserts, or create delicious lavender-infused syrups for cocktails and lemonades.
5. Home Freshener: Lavender's delightful scent can freshen up your living spaces. You can make your own homemade lavender air fresheners, potpourri, or linen sprays to bring a calming and pleasant aroma to your home.
6. Natural Insect Repellent: Lavender has natural insect-repellent properties, making it an excellent alternative to chemical-laden repellents. You can use lavender essential oil or dried lavender sachets to ward off mosquitoes, flies, and other unwanted insects.
7. Relaxing Baths: Adding dried lavender flowers or lavender essential oil to your bath can create a luxurious and soothing experience. The aromatic properties of lavender help to unwind, relax muscles, and provide a spa-like atmosphere.
   

Lavender is a versatile herb that offers an array of benefits, from promoting relaxation to enhancing skincare routines and adding a delightful aroma to your surroundings.

 

 

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