2024 Central New Jersey Lavender U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Lavender U-Pick Orchards in Central New Jersey 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.

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.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Monmouth County

• Happy Day Farm - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, blackberries, blueberries, red raspberries red, lavender, sunflowers, zinnias, Honey from hives on the farm, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, Fresh eggs, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, pony rides, farm animals, No dogs allowed except for service animals, school tours, group reservations
  106 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726. Phone: (732) 977-3607. Email: njhappydayfarm@gmail.com. Open: re open Wednesday to Sunday from June to August to 5 pm. Directions: Keep right on New Jersey Turn Pike N, Take exit 8A towards Jamesburg, Keep left towards Jamesburg, Monroe, Turn right onto E Railroad Ave, Turn right on E railroad Ave, Turn right onto Tracy Station Rd, Turn right onto Mt, Vernon Rd, Turn right onto Iron Ore Rd, turn right at the stop sign, the destination is on you right 135 Iron Ore Road. Raspberries: June-August Blueberries: Mid June- August Blackberries: Mid-July to the end of July. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. Payment: - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Click here for our Instagram page. (UPDATED: June 05, 2024) (ADDED: September 02, 2015)
• Pleasant Valley Lavender - lavender, Honey from hives on the farm, gift shop, picnic area
  288 Pleasant Valley Road, Morganville, NJ 07751. Phone: 732-740-4832. Email: PleasantValleyLavender@gmail.com. Open: Monday to Friday by appointment - just call first, we are usually around, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm. Directions: From Garden State Parkway take exit 117 Lloyd road headed west. At intersection with route 34 a ShopRite will be on your left and a Stop and Shop will be on your right. Make left onto route 34. Go through 1 light and at next light make right onto Reids Hill Road. Go about 12 mile and make right onto Pleasant Valley Road. We are less than 14 mile on the left side. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. From Garden State Parkway take exit 117 Lloyd road headed west. At intersection with route 34 a ShopRite will be on your left and a Stop and Shop will be on your right. Make left onto route 34. Go through 1 light and at next light make right onto Reids Hill Road. Go about 1/2 mile and make right onto Pleasant Valley Road. We are less than 1/4 mile on the left sidePick your own Lavender from June through August; Peak harvest is mid-June through mid-July; Throughout the year Lavender gifts available for purchaseNew Jersey's only Lavender farm. We grow a variety of English and French hybrid Lavenders including Hidcote, Superblue, Ellagance Snow, Ellagance Purple, Munstead, Royal Velvet, Edelweiss, Jean Davis, Fred Boutin, Provence, Phenomenal, Grosso, Gros Bleu, White Spike, Super, and Seal. We grow more than twenty different types of this versatile herb in our demonstration plot. At you can explore the fields of fragrant Lavender and cut your own aromatic bouquets. We also offer fresh cut bundles, live plants, as well as a selection of Lavender buds, sachets, candles, handmade soaps, and delicious Lavender honey. . Come enjoy the fields. Throughout the season we have Lavender wand demonstrations, tea parties, and demonstrations for cooking with Lavender. Contact us if you are interested in wedding or sweet 16 photos in our blooming fields of Lavender

 

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