Find a local pick your own farm here!

Summer Squash U-Pick Orchards in Fresno area of California in 2024, by county

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

Not all areas of a state have summer squash 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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Fresno County

  • Re Rustica - apples, asparagus, beans, beets, broad beans, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, flowers, grapes, herbs or spices, lavender, melons, onions, peas, peppers, pumpkins, rhubarb, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Other fruit or veg, Honey from hives on the farm, prepicked produce, farm animals, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
    High Oaks Lane, Squaw Valley, CA 93675. Phone: 559-977-7539. Directions: please call ahead of time for directions. Picking updates: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Call before you go - I haven't had an update from this farm in years and there is nothing current about them on the internet; their website is gone, (Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own? If so, please write me!)Click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available in All yearWe grow everything with NO pesticide, NO herbicide, NO fertilizer, NO antibiotics, NO hormones. Our animals are raised kindly with nearly unlimited pasture. Free home delivery also available near Fresno/Clovis and near San Jose! Low delivery rates for other areas. We also work with other local farms, so if we don't have it we can help you find it (or grow it special for you!)

Inyo County

  • Apple Hill Ranch - CERTIFIED ORGANIC, apples, apricots, beans, beets, blackberries, boysenberries, carrots, cherries, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, figs, grapes, herbs or spices, melons, nectarines, pears, peas, peaches, peppers, plums, pomegranates, raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), rhubarb, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Fresh eggs, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, porta-potties are available, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, farm animals, birthday parties
    475 Sierra Grande, Bishop, CA 93514. Phone: (760) 937_0413. Email: rdevore@schat.com. Open: Monday thru Friday 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, Sunday 10 am to 4:30 pm, cherry season 8 am to 5 pm. Directions: When traveling from Bishop Go past the Bishop Country Club on highway 395 south And about 3 miles turn right on Gerkin Road When you reach Wilkerson Turn on Sierra Grande Go to the top of the road Turn left at the Iron Gate Come on up to the house. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Apple Hill Ranch cherry season starts Memorial DayPeaches June 30; Apples July 30; All veggies July 15/ raspberries June 30. We Are USDA Certified Organic for all crops! USDA-NOP national Organic Standards California Registration # 99-0008

 

Summer Squash

Summer Squash Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

summer squashSummer squash comes in many varieties and sizes. Choosing a summer squash that meets your needs and the taste you will like can be tough without a guide!  This page provides you that information, plus nutritional analysis and links to our freezing and canning pages!

Summer squash is best when harvested very young and used right away,

The yellow and orange flesh of the summer squash is nutritious and rich in vitamins,

Size:

Younger small summer squash are almost always better, with firmer flesh and smaller seeds

Appearance:

For a quality squash, choose one that has a smooth, shiny skin and is free of cracks, wrinkles or soft spots. .

Picking the squash

It's best to use a knife and cut through the stem that attaches the squash to the rest of the plant. Some squashes can be snapped off without a knife but you may damage the plant, so a knife is best. 

Storing Summer Squash

Summer squash do not have a long shelf life and require refrigeration except for a few hours. Even in a fridge, they should be used within a few days as they will begin to become soft and dry out after a few days. Cut pieces of squash should be tightly wrapped and refrigerated. Luckily, cut squash can be frozen for use later. .

Varieties of Summer Squash

Below are the most popular summer squash varieties. Each variety has its own unique flavor and texture, making them versatile ingredients in a variety of dishes

Name Photo Description Best uses
 Zucchini   Versatile and can be used in various dishes such as saute's, stir-fries, grilled, roasted, or baked into bread or muffins.
Straight, cylindrical green squash with a smooth skin.
Yellow Crookneck   Distinctive curved neck with yellow skin and a bulbous base.
Ideal for grilling, saute'ing, or as a colorful addition to salads and soups.
Costata Romanesco   Ribbed Italian zucchini with dark green stripes. Perfect for slicing and grilling, or used in pasta dishes and frittatas.
Cousa   Middle Eastern variety with light green or pale yellow skin. Often stuffed and baked, used in stews, or sliced and added to soups.
Eight Ball   Small, round zucchini with dark green skin. Perfect for stuffing, grilling, or slicing into rounds for saute's and stir-fries.
Greyzini   Unique hybrid between zucchini and pattypan squash. Can be used interchangeably with zucchini and pattypan in various recipes.
Pattypan   Small, round or scallop-shaped squash with pale green or yellow skin. Great for stuffing, roasting, steaming, or slicing and using in stir-fries or salads.
Sunburst   Small, scallop-shaped squash with yellow skin and scalloped edges. Great for grilling, saute'ing, or using as an attractive garnish for dishes.
Ronde de Nice   Small, round zucchini with pale green skin. Ideal for stuffing, roasting, or slicing and adding to soups and stews.
Yellow Crookneck   Distinctive curved neck with yellow skin and a bulbous base.
Ideal for grilling, saute'ing, or as a colorful addition to salads and soups.
Yellow Straightneck   Similar to yellow crookneck, but with a straight neck and yellow skin. Excellent for grilling, saute'ing, or slicing into salads and stir-fries.

 

 

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)