2024 Brant, Hamilton and Haldimand Area of Ontario Pepper U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Pepper U-Pick Orchards in Brant, Hamilton and Haldimand Area of Ontario in 2024, by county

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

Not all areas of a province or region have peppers 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.

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Hamilton (Alberton, Glanbrook, Hamilton, Hayesland, Kirkwall, Lynden,Sheffield, Renforth, Rockton)

• Josling Farms - beans, peppers, tomatoes, other vegetables,
  512 Concession Rd 8 E, Carlisle, ON L0R 1H0. Phone: (905) 689-5523. Email: josling1@bell.net. Open: Monday to Saturday 8 am to 6 pm, Sundays 8 am to 3 pm September 1 to October 31 inclusive of holidays; Weather permitting the season might extend. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
  Josling Farms Facebook page. . Monday to Saturday 8 am to 6 pm, Sundays 8 am to 3 pm September 1 to October 31 (inclusive of holidays); Weather permitting the season might extend Products available: Cabbage, Cauliflower, eggplants, Peppers (many varieties), Onions, Potatoes, Roma Beans and Tomatoes. (ADDED: September 01, 2017)
• Murphy's Country Produce Ltd. - strawberries, peas, raspberries, tomatoes, peppers, fava beans, romano beans, sweet corn, squash, and pumpkins.
  2040 Guyatt Road, Binbrook, ON L0R 1C0. Phone: 905-692-5733. Email: murphys@mountaincable.net. Open: during STRAWBERRY AND RASPBERRY SEASON: Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 5 pm. Directions: R.R. # 1,, Binbrook area - Take hwy #56 to Guyatt Road Turn east, continue for about 2km on the north west corner. Near Hamilton. . Click here for a map and directions. . But before you grab your hat and sunscreen we always recommend you call us to get up to date crop reports at Click here for a map.
  Comments from a visitor on July 02, 2011: "Took the whole family (three kids 6 and younger) out for PYO strawberries, it was a good experience. Found the rows to be a little tight together but the staff were great, never made a deal about the kids. We've been to other PYO strawberry farms and they have always spoken sternly about the kids. We know how to keep out kids in line, thank you. Anyway, the strawberry crop was quite nice. We also picked some sugar snap peas, great price on both. Will be back there each year for more."
  Comments from a visitor on July 21, 2009: "We picked raspberries at Murphy's today and it was an altogether nice experience. The young woman in the field was friendly and helpful; the berries were great; we were charged a competitive price; their pride in their farm is evident as everything is beautifully kept. We will definitely be back for more berries (and corn!) after we have eaten our way through today's yummy harvest. My husband & I are always impressed with how these hard-working farmers accept the losses they experience with people who come in their fields and pick only the very best & easiest to reach fruit, leaving many to rot on the plants. Customers should try to stand in the farmer's shoes for just a moment. Shame on those who are so wasteful.
  Comments from a visitor on July 05, 2009: "Today we were at one of the many farms we visit every year. We were there to pick strawberries. Since it was near the end of season the girl in the field told us to go where ever we could fine ripe nice berries. She then came over 15 minutes before the field closed to tell us that if our baskets were not full, we would not be charged full price. We realized it would take us longer to fill our basket (wanting to let the workers go home on time after a long hot day) and we had 3/4 of a basket so we decided to go. Once we left the field to pay for our basket the girl at the gate told us we would have to pay full price. When I challenged this she said it was "pretty full" so we would have to pay the full amount. "Pretty full" and full are two different things.. She continued to be rude and we will never return to this farm again. We all work hard for our money and I love to support our local farms, but this farm cannot encourage me to leave with a 3/4 full basket and then ask me to pay in full. I will support someone else for my strawberries next year, and look to pick raspberries elsewhere this season."

 

Pepper

Pepper Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

There are various types of peppers based on their characteristics. It's important to note that pepper heat levels can vary, and individual tolerance to spiciness may differ. When using hot peppers, exercise caution and consider using gloves or washing hands thoroughly to avoid skin or eye irritation.

• Sweet Peppers - like Bell Peppers and Banana Pepper , used in salads and sandwiches
• Mild to Medium Heat Peppers - spicy, good for salsa.
  
• Hot Peppers - Often used in Mexican and Thais foods
  
• Very Hot Peppers - For crazy people...

See the table at the bottom of his page for detailed information and a master list of varieties.

When are peppers available?

Peppers are a hot weather crop, and cannot tolerate frost and cold soil. In the U.S. Peppers typically peak hot summer months into the Autumn.

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 (bags), 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 Peppers from your garden or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Look for Peppers that are :

1. firm
2. Bright and shiny
3. smooth, shiny pods, not wrinkly on the surface - that's an old or dried out
4. Avoid placing the picked Peppers 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. Peppers may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for a week or 2.

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 Peppers - It is VERY easy! Click on the links for easy instructions.
   • How to freeze peppers
   • How to can peppers (removing the skins)- P
   • How to can peppers (leaving the skins on) - P
   • Pickled peppers - W, P
   • How to can Hot peppers in oil - W
   • Jalapeno pepper jelly
   • Pepper Jelly, hot or sweet, including chilies, jalapeno, and pimiento
   • How to make chili sauce from your own tomatoes and peppers - W
   • Mixed  vegetable pickles (cauliflower, peppers, onions, celery, cucumber mix) - W, P
   • How to make your own roasted peppers!

 

Name	Heat	Photo	Description	Best uses
Bell Pepper	Sweet		Large, blocky peppers with a mild, sweet flavor. They come in different colors such as green, red, yellow, and orange.	Salads and sandwichs They also add sweetness and color to cooked dishes, stir-fries, and stuffed pepper recipes.
Banana Pepper	Sweet		Long and tapered, they have a mild to moderate heat level and a tangy-sweet flavor.	Salads, subs and sandwiches  Frequently used in pickled form, they add tang and crunch to sandwiches, salads, and antipasto platters. They can also be stuffed or sliced for various culinary applications.
Cubanelle Pepper	Sweet		Light green and elongated, they have a mild heat and a slightly sweet taste.
Pimento Pepper	Sweet		Large and heart-shaped, they have a sweet and fruity flavor, often used for stuffing.	Cooking
Poblano Pepper	Medium		Dark green, heart-shaped peppers with a mild to medium heat level and a slightly smoky flavor.	Frequently used in Mexican dishes like chiles rellenos, mole sauce, and salsas. They can be roasted, stuffed, or sliced and added to various recipes.
Shishito Pepper			Small and thin-walled pepper with a mild and slightly sweet taste.	Popular in Japanese cuisine, often enjoyed blistered or charred as an appetizer or side dish. They can also be used in stir-fries, tempura, or stuffed with cheese or other fillings.
Anaheim Pepper	Medium		Mild to medium heat, with a long and narrow shape. They are often used in Southwestern cuisine.	Commonly used in Southwestern and Mexican dishes. They are great for roasting, stuffing, or adding to salsas, chilis, and stews.
Hungarian Wax Pepper	Medium		Medium heat peppers that come in various colors. They have a waxy texture and a tangy flavor.
Chili peppers	Medium			Used in making... wait for it... Chili
Cherry Pepper .	Medium		Small and round, they have a mild to medium heat level and are often used pickled or stuffed	Thai and other Asian cooking
Jalapeño Pepper	Hot Peppers		Medium heat level with a distinctive bright green color and a slightly smoky flavor.	They are commonly used in Mexican cuisine. They add a spicy kick to salsas, guacamole, nachos, and are often used for stuffing or pickling.
Arbol peppers	Hot Peppers
Serrano Pepper	Hot Peppers		Hotter than jalapeños, they have a bright green color and a spicy taste.	Commonly used in salsas and sauces. Adds a spicy heat to salsas, pico de gallo, hot sauces, and other Mexican dishes. They can also be pickled or used to infuse flavor into oils and vinegars.
Cayenne Pepper	Hot Peppers		Thin and elongated, they are known for their fiery heat.	Often used in powdered form as a spice. Often used in powdered form as a spice for adding heat to various dishes. It can be sprinkled over pizzas, used in sauces, or added to spice rubs for grilling or roasting meats.
Thai Bird's Eye Pepper	Hot Peppers		Small and slender, they pack a powerful heat punch.	Commonly used in Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine. Commonly used in Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine. They are perfect for adding heat and flavor to stir-fries, curries, soups, and dipping sauces.
Habanero Pepper	Very hot		One of the hottest peppers, with a fruity flavor and intense heat. Use with caution.	Adds intense spiciness to salsas, hot sauces, marinades, and jerk recipes. Use with caution and in small amounts due to its high heat level.
Scotch Bonnet Pepper	Very hot		Similar to habaneros, they have a tropical fruity flavor and fiery heat.	Commonly used in Caribbean cuisine.
Carolina Reaper	Very hot		One of the hottest peppers in the world, known for its extreme heat. Handle with extreme caution.

 
 

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