2024 Northeast New Jersey Summer Squash U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org
Find a pick-your-own farm near you! Then learn to can and freeze! Since 2002! We update continuously; Beware the copycat websites!
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Summer Squash U-Pick Orchards in Northeast New Jersey 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! 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.
New! We just went live with our latest website,
FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings,
Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas
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Bergen County
Ward's Pumpkin Patch - corn (sweet), melons, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, Other fruit or veg, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, petting zoo 552 Rte 17 North, Ridgewood, NJ 07450. Phone: 201-523-0918. Email: wardspumkinpatch@gmail.com. Open: all week 10am Till Dark; September 25th through Halloween Only. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit or Credit. Since 1940We have exotic Gator, Apple, Goose Neck, Warted and Winged Gourds. Lumina, Casper, Cotton Candy and Giant Full Moon all White Pumpkins. Fat Jacks Aladdins, Howdins, Big Macs. Jaharradale, Warted Red & Grey Hubbard, Pokemon, Baby Boos, Warted Bears, One Too Many, Cinderella, Fairytale, New Kinds of Hybrid Pumpkin Gourds, Snake Gourds, Cheese, Long Island Squash, Peanut Pumpkin, Green Warted Apple Gourds, Turks Turban etc, too Many to list. Birthday parties only during the week days after school hours. We offer mums, cornstalks, haystacks and Indian corn as well as a rotating selection of fall decorations. One of our most popular items is our painted pumpkins featuring cartoons, sports, and Halloween themes. On weekends leading up to Halloween we offer goat feedings, face painting, and other events. So bring your entire family for a fall outing at!
Morris County
Alstede Farms - apples, apricots, beans, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, currants (red and black), eggplant, flowers, gooseberries, herbs or spices, melons, nectarines, onions, other berries, peas, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (Spring, yellow), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930. Phone: 908-879-7189. Email: info@alstedefarms.com. Open: PYO Hours: Spring & Summer: 9 am to 6 pm, Fall: 9 am to 5 pm check website to see when hours change Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, WIC Vouchers, SFMNP Vouchers. Alstede Farms Facebook page. PYO Hours: Spring & Summer: 9 am to 6 pm, Fall: 9 am to 5 pm (check website to see when hours change) Picking updates: Click here for picking updates We are also a CSA, which stands for Community Supported Agriculture. The basic idea of CSA farming is a cooperative relationship between the farmer and his customers. Based on an annual commitment to one another, community members provide a pre-season payment to purchase a share of the harvest . The member then receives a weekly box of a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruit through the growing season, harvested at the peak of ripeness and flavor. We strongly recommend purchasing tickets for all Pick Your Own (PYO) activities in advance, online, utilizing our website. We can not guarantee PYO entry for walk in guests. Any (PYO) entry ticket that is purchased at the PYO sheds will incur a $5.00 per ticket convenience fee.Click here to view our updated Pick Your Own policies.Click here to purchase advance tickets.(UPDATED: September 7, 2021, JBS) (UPDATED: April 23, 2018) Comments from a visitor on July 19, 2019: "Blueberries and raspberries are $6.99/lb, which is high, but Peaches are $2.79/lb is is a good price." Comments from a visitor on August 12, 2012: "No longer is the price $3.00 (and optional $2.00 hayride). It is $5.00 each to enter farm with $3.00 credit per person. I said I did not need hayride to bring me to the apples and peaches that i could walk myself, but price is still $5.00. Taking hayride to fruits/ veggies OR NOT it is still $5.00 (with the $3.00 credit). Pretty expensive though, spent close to $100.00 on apples and peaches.." Comments from a visitor on September 22, 2010: "In reply to the post from Sept 11th 2010. I agree that at first it was a little unsettling to have to pay up front for the privilege of picking my own stuff. They charge $3.00 per person for admission to the fields and an additional $2.00 per person if you want to take the hayride. The hayride is completely optional, as the orchards/berry fields are easily within walking distance of the main areas and they actually give you back the $3.00 per person as credit towards paying for whatever you picked, you just need to hand over your ticket stubs to the cashier. My $30.00 worth of apples (My 3 yr old son had to pick an apple from every tree, lol) was reduced to only $12.00 after the credit. All in all, my family and I have a great time here and we come back every year for apples and pumpkins. We highly recommend it!" Comments from a visitor on September 11, 2010: "We visited today to pick our own fruit, something I've done multiple times per year with my daughters since we moved here 9 years ago. Sadly we were greeted with the new policy of paying $5 per person just to go out to the fields to pick..then you pay for the lbs of fruit on top of that. Can you imagine paying $20 for some raspberries?? That's what it would have cost us if just me and my 8 year old went out to the field and filled a basket! OUCH We didn't pick fruit and we didn't stay. What you used to be a fun simple low cost place to take your children has become a money hungry pit and almost commercial like. I can understand when they want to charge for the kids to play on the blow up rentals they have or ride the ponies but WHY would you charge a customer $5 to go out to the field and pick the berries FOR YOU and then pay for them? I know there are plenty other farms that don't do that and that's a shame. Shame Shame Shame" Comments from a visitor on June 27, 2009: "We love this farm!" Comments from a visitor, May 30, 2008: "They are open all year and have a fabulous store (if you don't want to get out in the brambles and pick your own) They are kid friendly with hayrides, horse rides, festivals, corn maze. They take credit cards and have restrooms. They make their own homemade ice cream (oh boy is it good!). They have farm markets in local communities throughout central NJ. You can even cut your very own wildflowers to take home in a bouquet! :D They are a great farm in a great little town (which also has a Sally Lunn's Tea Room and many wonderful little antique stores and old fashioned privately owned boutique stores."
Somerset County
Hillsboro Farm - pumpkins, summer squash, and prepicked produce 219 Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844. Phone: 908-500-0803. Email: devann51@yahoo.com. Open: July, August, September, October. Directions: From Route 206 in Belle Meade, turn onto Hillsborough Road, 1 mile to farm stand, on left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. July through September, open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. October, weekends only from 10 am to 6 pmSummer Specials: Roadside Market featuring fresh picked seasonal vegetables. Multiple varieties of sweet corn, tomatoes, squash, hot and sweet peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, melons and peaches. Autumn Specials: Broom Corn, Indian Corn, Gourds, exotic varieties of squash, hay, straw, cornstalks, and chrysanthemums. Apples and cider from local orchard available for purchase.
Pariso Farm - beans, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, pumpkins, summer squash, tomatoes, farm animals 404 Skillman Road, Skillman, NJ 08558. Phone: 609-466-0947. Email: parisofarm@gmail.com. Open: PYO will be availble during all open hours of The Farm, see their Facebook page for hours. Directions: From North: Route 206 south, turn right at light onto Route 601 south. Continue for a few miles and turn right into Skillman Road \(US Post Office on corner\). From the South: Route 206 north. Turn left at light onto Route 518. Continue for a few miles and turn right at light onto Route 601 north. Turn left onto Skillman Road. \(US Post Office on corner\). From the West: Route 518 east. Turn left at light onto Hollow Road. Go over road level track crossing, and carry on for a mile. Turn left - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. From North: Route 206 south, turn right at light onto Route 601 south. Continue for a few miles and turn right into Skillman Road (US Post Office on corner). From the South: Route 206 north. Turn left at light onto Route 518. Continue for a few miles and turn right at light onto Route 601 north. Turn left onto Skillman Road. (US Post Office on corner). From the West: Route 518 east. Turn left at light onto Hollow Road. Go over road level track crossing, and carry on for a mile. Turn left onto Camp Meeting Avenue. We are the third drive on the left after passing Fairview Road. From the East: Route 518 west. Turn right at light onto Route 601 north. Turn left onto Skillman Road. (US Post Office on corner). Go over the railroad bridge (single lane) and we are the second drive on the rightWe anticipate opening mid-June. However, please check the website or phone for an exact date. In 2019, they have Shelling peas, sugar snaps, green beans, blueberries and squash (green and golden zucchini, tomatoes, , plus some pickle cucumbers, bibb lettuce and radishes as well. (ADDED: March 21, 2015)
Snyder's Farm - blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, cucumbers, eggplant, melons, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, sunflower maze, other vegetables, Fresh eggs, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area, face painting, inflatables or bounce houses, trike track, pony rides, petting zoo, birthday parties, group reservations 586 South Middlebush Road, Somerset, NJ 08873. Phone: 732-496-0441. Email: info@snyders-farm.com. Open: Please see our website for current hours; When in season, U-Pick is open weekends only Saturday & Sunday depending on crop availability 9am to 4pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Snyder's Farm Facebook page. Fax: 732-297-1835. Please see our website for current hours; When in season, U-Pick is open weekends only (Saturday & Sunday depending on crop availability) 9am to 4pm Our blueberries and strawberries are pesticide free Check out our website for updates on our annual fall festival During our fall festival we offer a ATM machine for your convenienceStrawberry season starts in late May and is usually over by mid-June. Blueberry season usually starts in late June is over in late July. Both depend on crop availability. Always call before you visit to check on crop availability, as we update our message daily to keep our customers informed. We do not have an entry or picking fee, you just pay for what you pick. We have everything you need to pick, so there is no need to bring your own baskets, but you are welcome to do so. (UPDATED: October 1, 2021, JBS) (ADDED: February 18, 2015)
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.