2024 Orange County in Southeast NY Pea U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Pea U-Pick Orchards in Orange County in Southeast NY in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for peas that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have peas 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.

Orange County

• Lawrence Farms Orchards - Apples, strawberries, sweet and tart cherries, vegetables, Peaches, Sweet Corn, Grapes, Prunes, raspberries, Plums, apricots, currants, Pears, peas, greens,
  39 Colandrea Road, Newburgh, NY 12550. Phone: 845-562-4268. Email: jlaw614@aol.com. Open: spaces, well-groomed picking areas, play area, farm animals, and a corn maze in summer. Click here for a map and directions.
  Lawrence Farms Orchards Facebook page. . Our Spring/Summer Pick Your Own season begins with fresh, juicy, sweet strawberries, usually starting in mid-June. During this season we also offer for picking English Shelling Peas, Sugar Snap Peas, several Lettuce varieties, Beets and Greens, Red and Black Currants, and Gooseberries. Toward the end of June we also have Pick Your Own Sweet and Tart Cherries. We open of our Summer/Fall Pick Your Own season in mid-August for tree ripened Peaches, Sweet Corn, and early variety of Apples Throughout the fall season we offer later ripening varieties of Apples, as well as Seedless and Table Green Beans, Tomatoes, many varieties of Hot and Sweet Peppers, Cabbages, Beets, Spinach, Eggplant, Broccoli, and Pumpkins. please call or check our "Plan Your Trip" page first for crop availability (Note: They have a comprehensive harvest calendar on their website). Weather conditions sometimes change picking schedules and availability. 2022 Admission:$7 Monday to Thursday and $10 Friday, Saturday and Sunday (children under 2 free) Season passes available. Time: 9am; 4pm Daily. Our available apple varieties are Honey Crisp, Cortland, Fuji, Macoun, Ozark Gold, Macintosh, Aceymac, Jonamac, Empire, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Jonagold, Mutsu, Autumn Gala, Cameo, Idared, Sun Crisp, Fortune, Northern Spy, Rome, Stayman Winesap, Candy Crisp, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, and Braeburn. We also have Concord Niagara Grapes, and Pears. Our vegetables are tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, kale, beans, Sweet corn, zucchini, zucchini flowers, squash, cabbage, turnips, mustard greens, beet greens, spinach, and Pumpkins. We will be here everyday from 9-4. We look forward to seeing all of our amazing customers. (UPDATED: September 24, 2022, JBS)
  Comments from a visitor on September 09, 2012: (positive) "I was hesitant after reading some negative reviews about Lawrence Farms Orchard (ed: on other websites) in Newburgh NY but I'm so glad we gave it a try anyway. The staff were friendly and helpful. The fruit and vegetables were plentiful and reasonably priced. The farm is beautiful. The children's village is really creative and the kids loved it. All around a great experience!"
  Comments from a visitor on July 01, 2010: (positive) "Just got back from a fantastic visit at Lawrence Farm Orchards and I cannot say enough wonderful words about our trip. Called in the morning to confirm what was available for picking. The owner was very specific about crop availability (spinach, peas (all kinds) lettuce, zucchini, and limited raspberries and gooseberries. He apologized for not having more fruit available which was unnecessary as we completely understand crops vary from day to day. I must say that the one previous negative review of the farm was a concern, but we took the chance and made the 40 minute trip to the farm and boy are we glad we did. When we arrived at the farm, he took the time to point out all areas of the farm as well as location of the crops and to go over when new crops would be ready for pick your own. The vegetables were magnificent. I have never seen lettuce that big and healthy before. The zucchini were also quite large and the spinach was also A+. He even told us we were more the welcome to verify the raspberry bushes if interested. The prices were great. The farm is huge with a variety of animals to look at and feed including goats, swans, chickens, ducks, and horses (though you can only really feed the swans/ducks and goats. The farm also has a great old fashioned children's village with wooden houses and interior furniture. Our children 5, 3, and 2 did not want to leave. As well as a quaint farm stand with wonderful jellies, jams, and other homemade goods. They also have food including pizza, hot dogs, french fries, ice cream, cider doughnuts, etc. to snack. We left with enough peas, spinach, lettuce, and zucchini to last quite some time and were amazed how cheap it all was. 10 pounds of zucchini, 2 pounds of spinach, 1 pound of peas, and a head of lettuce - 22 dollars - how can you go wrong. They have an abundance of crops for pick your own (in late July/early august they often have 12 different fruits and vegetables to pick) and also give you the option of filling out postcards which they mail letting you know when peaches, apples, strawberries, and Christmas trees are ready for picking. We will most definitely be back to Lawrence farms and everyone is looking forward to it. I highly recommend this farm as it has quickly become a family favorite. I am surprised someone had such a bad experience with Lawrence Farms because they were so welcoming, helpful and genuine. If you have the opportunity to visit, especially with kids, this is one place not to miss."
  Comments from a visitor on May 24, 2010: (positive)) "I have visited about four times a year for the last three years and been very happy. It is a wonderfully kid-friendly location with big open It is far enough away from the city that it doesn't turn into a complete zoo like Westchester farms. It is true that cheaper farms can be found for adults who are doing serious picking, but for a great day with the family (especially with young kids) this user-friendly farm is a fantastic option."
• Ochs Orchard - apples, apricots, beans, blackberries, cherries, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, flowers, herbs or spices, kale, nectarines, other berries, pears, peas, peaches, peppers, plums, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (black), summer squash, strawberries, tomatoes, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, restrooms, picnic area you may bring your own food, petting zoo, farm animals
  4 Ochs Lane, Warwick, NY 10990. Phone: (845) 986-1591. Email: JKOchs1591@gmail.com. Open: Typical season is June through December every day 9am to 6pm; Farm market open January through May, please call for hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Ochs Orchard Facebook page. . . Strawberries June Cherries late June to early July Blueberries July to August Blackberries July to August Peaches July to September Veggies August to October Apples Late August to October Pumpkins September to October. We are best known for our spectacular views. Pack a picnic lunch and a blanket and while you are picking in the orchard, enjoy. Our petting zoo has ducks, miniature goats, "Misty" the Sicilian donkey and "Eeyore" the miniature donkey. On the weekends, we have a variety of baked goods & pies. We offer a wide variety of our own homemade ice cream. Many flavors made from fruits we grow right here. On weekends in the fall, we also provide hot food from our eatery with-in the store. Come on in to our beautiful room with tables & chairs to enjoy your lunch. Also, near the farm market you can enjoy our Pick-Your Own flower garden. The butterflies are waiting for you! Typical (emphasis on typical) harvest start dates (month / day) for our varieties are Jersey Mac 8/13; Zesta 8/20; Ginger Gold 8/25; Pristine 8/25; Paula Red 9/01; Jonamac 9/09; Gala 9/09; Honey Crisp 9/10; Tsugaru 9/12; R.I. Greening 9/12; McIntosh 9/12; Cortland 9/18; Macoun 9/25; Red Delicious 9/25; Empire 9/27; Golden Delicious 10/10; Cameo 10/10; Spigold 10/15; Jonagold 10/15; Mutsu/Crispin 10/15; Rome 10/22; Fuji 10/25; Stayman 10/25. (UPDATED: June 03, 2020)

 

Pea Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Peas (English, Snap peas, Snow Peas, Crowder Peas, etc.) are very easy to grow.  They thrive even in poor soil. In fact, as a legume, pea plants are able to take nitrogen from the air and fix it in nodules in their roots with bacteria to enrich the soil. Whether you grow them yourself or pick them at a PYO farm, or buy them at the market, they're available fresh almost everywhere.

Here's what to look for!

English peas

Pick English Peas when the pod is full and green and the peas are still tender and sweet. Test for maturity frequently by picking a couple of pods and examining them for firmness. Harvest the Chinese and snow peas, which are eaten pod and all, when the pods are 1-1/2 to 2 inches long and the peas are about the size of BB's. The pods are usually picked 5 to 7 days after flowering.

 

Snap Peas - aka, edible-podded peas

Similar to English peas, except the pod itself is also sweet and tender, like the peas inside.

Snow peas, aka Chinese peas

Like snap peas, the pod is edible, except you want to pick them while they are still flat, before the pod starts to swell with peas inside. Harvest Chinese and snow peas, which are eaten pod and all, when the pods are 1-1/2 to 2 inches long and the peas are about the size of BB's.

Specialty Peas

There are many varieties, like purple hulled peas, crowder peas, black-eyed- peas. Each has their followers!

 

When are peas available?

Peas are a cool, even cold weather crop, and can tolerate frost and cold soil. In the U.S. Peas typically peak during February (in the Deep South) through October in the North. Peak season is February through June before the weather gets hot.  Some farms plant a Fall crop too, as they only take 45 to 60 days from the time the seed is planted!

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 Peas, 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 while the weather is still cool, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.

General Picking Tips

Whether you pick Peas from your garden or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Look for Peas that are :

1. firm
2. Bright green (not yellowish!)
3. smooth, shiny pods, not wrinkly on the surface - that's an old or dried out pea.
4. The Peas in the photo at right are, from left:
   - old and yellowing,
   - overripe and lumpy; and
   - dried out and damaged.
5. Avoid placing the picked Peas 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. Peas may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for 3 or 4 days
6. It is best to shell English peas and either freeze them or use them promptly.

When you get home

1. Put them in the vegetable crisper in the fridge, in a loose plastic bag.
2. Now, get ready to can or freeze the extra Peas - It is VERY easy! Click on the links for easy instructions.
   • How to can Peas
   • How to freeze English peas, Crowder peas and other shelled peas
   • How to freeze snap peas and snow peas
3. Pea shellers - simple inexpensive devices to quickly shell English peas
    

1. 
2. The Peas in the photo at right are, from left:
   - old and yellowing,
   - overripe and lumpy; and
   - dried out and damaged.
3. Avoid placing the picked Peas 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. Peas may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for 3 or 4 days
4. It is best to shell English peas and either freeze them or use them promptly.

When you get home

1. Put them in the vegetable crisper in the fridge, in a loose plastic bag.
2. Now, get ready to can or freeze the extra Peas - It is VERY easy! Click on the links for easy instructions.
   • How to can Peas
   • How to freeze English peas, Crowder peas and other shelled peas
   • How to freeze snap peas and snow peas
3. Pea shellers - simple inexpensive devices to quickly shell English peas
    

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