Plum U-Pick Orchards in Orange County in Southeast NY in 2024, by county
Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for plums that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have plums 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)
Plum Picking Tips, Recipes and Information
In the U.S., Plums typically peak during July for Sugar Plums; August for Blue, Yellow and Red Plums. In order to produce good local plums, producers depend on ideal spring and early summer weather conditions, and no late frosts. If you are looking for a plum festival, see this page.
Before you leave to go to the farm:
- Always call before you go to the farm - Plums are affected by weather (both rain and cooler temperature) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
-
Leave
early. On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON! -
Some growers furnish picking containers designed for plums, but they may
charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to
bring
containers.
If you use your own containers, remember that heaping Plums more than 14 inches deep will bruise the fruit on the bottom. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers. - 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, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.
- You might want to ask whether the plums are! There are two major types of plums: "Freestone" and. "Clingstone". Freestone plums have flesh that slips easily away from the pit. Clingstones are a REAL pain, because the fruit tenaciously clings to the stone or pit! Most plum varieties grown today are freestone and are usually available (depending upon your location) from June through September. Some nectarines are freestone and some are clingstone. Freestone nectarines are available in June and July. Most plum varieties are clingstone.
Tips on How to Pick Plums
A plum is softer than most fruit, so it is important to pick a plum gently, with little pressure. Using the sides of your fingers rather your fingertips helps to avoid bruising. Grab the plum firmly and pull it straight off the branch. DON'T drop the plum into the basket, but set it in gently!
Typical 2019 Orchard Plum Pricing:
- Average price is $2.49 /lb.
Picking Tips:
How to tell if the plums are ripe!
- Attached to the tree: Plums are best picked when the fruit separates easily from the twigs. If it is hard to pull off the tree, it isn't ripe! Plums will not ripen further once removed from the tree (they only "soften")
- Color: Green is definitely unripe, but you can't use red color as an indicator of how ripe a plum is. Different plum varieties have differing colors, darker is usually better in any variety. Pick them when the ground color changes from green to yellow, orange, red or even blue or purple (or a combination).
- Softness: unless you like your plums very firm, pick your plums with just a little "give" when gently pressed. Plums at this stage are great for eating, freezing, and baking. Plums won't ripen very much after picking!
- Odor: It should smell sweet and ripe!
- Larger plums are riper.
- Sugar plums grow in clusters, so carefully select the plum you want out of the cluster.
- Place them gently in a shallow wide container, no more than 8-inches deep, to avoid crushing the fruit.
Marks on the Plums: Bugs (particularly squash bugs and stink bugs)
bite fruit during development and this results in some imperfections in the
plum. This is especially the case with organically raised fruit. These
look like dents in the plums if the plums were bitten by a bug when they
were young. This causes a spot that does not grow properly and makes a wrinkle
in the plum. There's nothing wrong with these plums. They may look funny, but
they will taste just as good as blemish-free plums, and it's better not to
have the pesticides!
When you get home
- Spread the fruit out on towels or newspapers and separate any mushy or damaged fruit to use immediately.
- Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash and cut the others and freeze them up!
- Even under ideal conditions plums will only keep for a week in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible after purchase
Make preserves, can or freeze!
Easy directions, step by step, with photos
- plum jam
- plum jelly
- canned plums
- freeze plums
- canned plum pie filling to use in the winter
- plum pie recipe
- plum-blueberry pie
- plum salsa
- Plum chutney
- Spiced plums
- Plum butter
- Pickled plums
- Here are some great and easy plum desert recipes, like easy plum cobbler..
Plum dessert recipes
- Plum Cobbler
This recipe is easy and
DELICIOUS!!! - Plum Torte
- Italian Prune Plums (Empress Plums)
How much do you need?
Raw measures:
- About 2 medium plums = 1/2 cup sliced plums.
- About 4 medium plums = 1 /2cup pureed plum.
- About 3 medium plums = 1 /2 pound of plums
Process yields (Raw amounts to processed amounts)
- 2 to 21/2 pounds of fresh plums yields 1 quart canned
- 1 lb of fresh plums typically yields 3 cups of peeled, sliced plums or 2 cups or puree.
- It takes about 10 plums to fill one quart jar of canned plums.
- An average of 171/2 pounds of fresh plums are needed per canner load of 7 quarts;
- An average of 11 pounds is needed per canner load of 9 pints.
- 1 bushel = 48 to 50 pounds, yields approximately 18 to 25 quart jars.
Plums-Average retail price per pound and per cup equivalent
Plum pit tips
It's best to remove plum pits before you cook the plums. Cherry, plum, and apricot pits also contain amygdalin; the latter two, in potentially harmful amounts. Fortunately, plum and apricot pits are sufficiently large and hard that few people intentionally swallow or chew them. (The unapproved anti-cancer drug Laetrile is a semisynthetic derivative of amygdalin; a cheaper version of laetrile produced in Mexico came from crushed apricot pits.) See this page for more information.
Nutritional Information
- plums are virtually fat free. A medium size plum contains less than one gram of fat.
- plums are naturally sodium free.
- plums have no cholesterol.
- plums are a low calorie snack. A medium size plum contains only 40 calories.
- plums contain vitamin A which helps us see in dim light.
- plums are considered a good source of fiber. The skin of a plum provides both roughage and fiber.
Temporary Storage Tips
- Ripe plums have a creamy or golden undertone and "plumy-sweet" fragrance.
- Plums should be refrigerated and used within a few days.
- Putting plums in a loosely closed paper bag at room temperature for a day or two can help soften firm fruit - but they won't become sweeter or ripen further - that stopped when they were removed from th etree.
- For best flavor, allow the fruit to ripen fully on the tree.
- Store at 33�F to 40�F and high humidity (a vegetable drawer in the fridge).
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
Looking for canning equipment and supplies?
Water bath canner with a jar rack
Pressure canners for gas, electric and induction stoves: Presto 23Qt or T-fal 22Qt
Canning scoop (this one is PERFECT)
Ball Blue book (most recent version)
Find Other types of farms:
- Easter egg hunts
- Children's consignment sales
- Farm markets and roadside stands
- Road trips and camping resources
- Local Honey, apiaries, beekeepers
- Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
- Consumer fraud and scams information
- Home canning supplies at the best prices on the internet!
- Maple Syrup Farms, sugarworks, maple syrup festivals
- Environmental information and resources
- Farms For Your Event for birthday parties, weddings, receptions, business meetings, retreats, etc.
- Festivals - local fruit and vegetable festivals
- Pumpkin patches and corn mazes
- Christmas Tree Farms and lots
Get the
most recent version of
the Ball Blue Book
Get the
most recent version of
the Ball Blue Book of Home Canning
Find other types of farms:
- Easter egg hunts
- Children's consignment sales
- Farm markets and roadside stands
- Local Honey
- Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
- Road trip and camping
- Pumpkin patches and corn mazes
- Christmas Tree Farms and lots
- Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
Highly rated canning supplies:
- Regular Mouth Canning Lids with food-grade with BPA Free Silicone seals for Ball, Kerr Jars for Canning
- Canning accessories kit: funnel, jar tongs, lid lifter, etc
- Food Dehydrator, 400W Electric with 8 Trays, 48 hour Timer and Temperature Control 95-176℉, BPA-Free
- Water Bath Canner, 21 Qts with lid, Jar Rack, Speckled Black, cans 7 quart jars, 9 pint jars or 13 half-pint jars
- Air Fryer: Instant Pot Instant Vortex Plus XL 8QT Clear Windows, Custom Programming, 8-in-1 Functions that Crisps, Broils, Roasts, Dehydrates, Bakes, Reheats
- Pressure canner: All American 921, 21.5qt Pressure Cooker/Canner, never needs gaskets, Great for Gas, Electric or Flat Top Stoves - Made in the USA
- The Backyard Homestead:a guide to homesteading , on 1/4 acre, how to raise grains and vegetables; raise animals for meat, eggs, and dairy; and keep honey bees
- Smart silent HEPA Air Purifiers for Home, Large Rooms for Allergies, Smoke, Pets. Eliminates 99.97% of Dust, Pet Hair, Odors
