2024 Triangle area of North Carolina Summer Squash U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Summer Squash U-Pick Orchards in Triangle area of North Carolina 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.

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Durham County

• Sweet Haven Farm - No pesticides are used, apples, aronia berries, apricots, blackberries, blueberries, sweet cherries, elderberries, figs, Muscadines, grapes, melons, pawpaws, strawberries, asparagus, beans, beets, collard greens, pickling cucumbers, slicing cucumbers, eggplants, lettuce or salad greens, okra, onions, summer squash, winter squash, Heirloom tomatoes, watermelons, Honey from hives on the farm
  4045 Summer Lane, Hillsborough, NC 27278. Phone: (919) 245-0101. Email: tonifesel@gmail.com. Open: By appointment, call or email for an appointment. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Venmo. . Alternate Phone: 919-698-7419 We do not use pesticides on the cropsWe have a variety of fruits and vegetables that vary depending on the season. We also have muscadine wine, jams, and jellies for sale. Call, text or email Toni to find out what's fruiting, blooming, or trending! We'd love to share our produce with you. (ADDED: August 05, 2023)

Franklin County

• DeMilia Research Farm - Uses integrated pest management practices, asparagus, beans, beets, broad beans, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cotton, cucumbers, eggplants, herbs or spices, melons, onions, peas, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables,
  295 Pine Ridge Rd, Zebulon, NC 27597. Phone: (919) 522-1567. Email: info@demiliaresearchfarm.com. Open: hours, days and dates. Directions: Located just south of Bunn, NC on Rte 39 at the intersection of Johnson Town Road and Pine Ridge Road Follow the \runway lights down the long rock driveway. 295 Pine Ridge Rd. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  DeMilia Research Farm Facebook page. US

Johnston County

• Flintstone Farm - beans, broad beans, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplants, flowers, grapes, herbs or spices, melons, onions, peas, peppers, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
  460-C Watston Road, Selma, NC 27576. Phone: 919-284-1100. Email: flintstone_farm@yahoo.com. Open: every day; Just call. Directions: We are located Behind North Johnston High School in Micro, NC Just a mile or two from Hiway 301 Between Micro and Kenly . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Crops are usually available in March through November We strive to be available every Friday.
• Middle Creek Farms - broad beans, corn (sweet), peas, summer squash, strawberries,
  1091 Berea Church Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524. Phone: 919-669-5377. Email: groberts06@embarqmail.com. Open: Monday to Saturday 9 am to 6:30 pm April 1 pm to July 31 these dates depend on the actual harvest of the fruit and vegetables. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Alternate Phone: 919-934-6707. Monday to Saturday 9 am to 6:30 pm April 1 pm to July 31 (these dates depend on the actual harvest of the fruit and vegetables)

Wake County

• Neighbor Boy Farm and Country Store - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), beans, you-dig carrots, cucumbers, lettuce or salad greens, onions, hot peppers, sweet peppers, summer squash, Heirloom tomatoes, paste or Roma tomatoes, tomatoes, other vegetables, Other vegetables, sunflowers, flowers, Basil, Mint, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area you may bring your own food
  1008 Davis Drive, Apex, NC 27523. Phone: (919) 637-9894. Email: val@neighborboyinc.com. Open: Check Facebook and our website for our hours, which vary seasonally. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Neighbor Boy Farm and Country Store Facebook page. Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesOur pick-your-own season starts mid-June;. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification Additional pick your own: large variety of seasonal flowers and wildflowers, spinach. Pumpkins and Christmas Trees available during the season. (UPDATED: April 30, 2022) (ADDED: July 12, 2021)
• Riversedge Ranch - corn (sweet), cucumbers, Muscadines, grapes, melons, peas, peppers, summer squash, tomatoes, U-pick and already picked
  3816 Doyle Road, Zebulon, NC 27597. Phone: 919-269-6312. Email: howardgdoyle@bellsoutrh.net. Open: By telephone appointment customers can be serviced during daylight hours Monday through through Saturday; Without appointments, 3 pm to 6 pm Thursday through Saturday;Season terminates around October first; depending on the weather and produce availability. Directions: From Zebulon take 96 North \(about 4 miles\) to Fowler Road. Turn left onto Fowler Road and go about 12 mile to Doyle Road. Turn right onto Doyle Road and farm is at the second house on the right \(3816 Doyle Road\). . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Fax: 919 269 6711howardgdoyle@bellsouth.net From Zebulon take 96 North (about 4 miles) to Fowler Road. Turn left onto Fowler Road and go about 1/2 mile to Doyle Road. Turn right onto Doyle Road and farm is at the second house on the right (3816 Doyle Road)
• The Collard Patch - beans, broad beans, broccoli, corn (sweet), onions, summer squash, strawberries, other vegetables, and prepicked produce
  7012 Pulley Town Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. Phone: 919-556-5135. Email: thecollardpatch@nc.rr.com. Open: Monday to Saturday 7am to 6pm for vegetables; Sunday Strawberries only 8am to 5pm. Directions: From Raleigh go 401 North to Rolesville. Continue 1 mile through Rolesville turn right on Pulley Town Road. Go 34 of a mile to Second brick home on left. See sign on the left The Collard Patch. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
  The Collard Patch Facebook page. . From Raleigh go 401 North to Rolesville. Continue 1 mile through Rolesville turn right on Pulley Town Road. Go 3/4 of a mile to Second brick home on left. See sign on the left Fall Cabbage, Collards and Sweet Potatoes will be ready in late OctoberFacebook pageis a pick-your-own roadside farm market. It is designed to help you obtain the freshest locally grown vegetables in this area. A lot of pride has gone in to growing the finest, tastiest garden vegetables, maintaining all the nutritional benefits.

 

Summer Squash

Summer Squash Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Summer 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)

• 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