2024 Northern Virginia Summer Squash U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Summer Squash U-Pick Orchards in Northern Virginia 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.

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

Clarke County

• Mackintosh Fruit Farm - apples, asparagus, apricots, beans, beets, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, cherries, cucumbers, eggplants, flowers, grapes, herbs or spices, nectarines, onions, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), rhubarb, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), U-pick and already picked, farm market, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations
  1608 Russell Rd, Berryville, VA 22611. Phone: 540-955-6225. Email: lori@mackintoshfruitfarm.com. Open: Wednesday to Sunday, from 8 am to 6 pm, May to October 31 and on Memorial Day, July 4 Thursday, Labor Day, Columbus Day, and Halloween . Directions: Route 7 West Take right onto Russell Road 1.5 miles on the right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Mackintosh Fruit Farm Facebook page. Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesEvents: Peach Festival, Honey Bee Day, Honey Crisp Day, Apple Butter Day, monthly farm dinners, and cider pressing; Calendar-May-strawberries, asparagus, rhubarb, and greens; June - strawberries, sweet cherries, raspberries, blueberries, broccoli, onions, and flowers; July-blackberries, black raspberries, blueberries, donut peaches, peaches, corn, eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes; August-apples, Asian pears, yellow and white peaches, plums, grapes, and honey; September-apples, pawpaws, honey crisp apples, Asian pears, and potatoes; October -apples, pumpkins, fall squash, sweet potatoes, and ciderAll pick your own fruit and vegetables are also available as pre-picked in the market for purchase. Events: We can also host your events including: group meetings, school tours, weddings, and rehearsals. Call for more details. (UPDATED: January 19, 2020 JBS) (UPDATED: June 22, 2016)

Fauquier County

• Green Truck Farm - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, blackberries, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (black), summer squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available, picnic area, farm animals
  3015 Hartland Lane, Markham, VA 22643. Phone: 540-316-7715. Email: BrianGreen@Green-Truck-Farm.com. Open: See our website for current hours; Green Truck Farm has no strawberries in 2023 but they will have blueberries, blackberries, red and black raspberries and blackberries. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  Green Truck Farm Facebook page. The number for checking on their products is. Always call before coming out for fruit and berriesWe minimize use of pesticides and other chemicalsTypical harvest dates (call before you come!): Strawberries: May/June, Blueberries: June/July, Black Raspberries: June/July, Blackberries: June/July, Tomatoes: July - September, Red Raspberries: July - October, Pumpkins/Winter Squash: Sept/Oct.
• Hartland Farm - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, pumpkins, summer squash, tomatoes, Honey from hives on the farm, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, jumping pillow, petting zoo, school tours
  3205 Hartland Lane, Markham, VA 22643. Phone: 540-532-0436. Email: hartlandfarm@gmail.com. Open: weekends August through September from 10 am to 6 pm. Directions: From DC take 66 to exit 18 at Markham. Turn right at the end of the ramp and take an immediate left on Belle Meade Road Hartland Farm with pick your own vegetables, market, corn maze, pumpkin patch and fun field is just inside Hartland Orchard entrance at 3205 Hartland Lane, Markham, VA 22643. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Hartland Farm Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 540-533-6901 Christmas trees are located at 12234 Belle Meade Rd, Markham, VA 22643We anticipate sweet corn in August; Tomatoes are available in August and SeptemberWe will have special event weekends that will appear on our website and Facebook. Typical harvest dates are Cherries Late June; Blueberries July; Peaches August and Apples in August, September, October. It is always a good idea to call before you visit us for daily changes in crop availability. Hartland is a real working farm operated by three generations of the Green family. It is nestled in a valley all its own, and is a beautiful setting for families to enjoy each other, have fun and learn something about how food grows. Teachers are finding that we are a great destination for their classrooms and are coming back year after year. (Note that the orchard and the farm are operated by different family members and the orchard does not take credit cards.). (UPDATED: January 07, 2022)
  Comments from a visitor on June 06, 2009: "We just returned from strawberry picking, June 2009. Nice farm, friendly staff and plenty of delicious berries. We called prior to driving out and a real person answered the phone and provided us with the information we needed. We look forward to returning throughout the season for other produce. Highly recommended!" Hollin Farms - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, beans, blackberries, blueberries, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplants, flowers, pears, peaches, peppers, plums, pumpkins, raspberries (red), summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, porta-potties are available1524 Snowden Road, Delaplane, VA 20144. Phone: 540-592-3574hollinfarms@gmail.comWednesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 4 pm, Mid May through October; Always check our website for current availability and weather related changes for strawberries and Spring vegetables mid May through mid June; Open for Peaches, plums, berries and summer vegetables from early July until late August; Apples, Pumpkins, and fall vegetables in September and OctoberFrom Washington, take I-66 west to Exit 23 (Route 17 north). Continue on Route 17 for about 7 miles. Turn left on Route 688 (Leeds Manor Road). Go exactly 1 mile to the Hollin Farms entrance. Hollin Farms is the second orchard on Leeds Manor Road. Follow signsWe use integrated pest management practices. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. Hollin Farms is as much an educational experience as it is a treat for the senses. Young and old alike will delight in the pleasurable work of picking fruits and vegetables from right where they are grown, high on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge mountains, on a real working farm. Our sunny slopes and majestic panoramic views are legendary and will keep you coming back to greet each season. Abundant selection of fruits and vegetables, with over 15 acres of vegetables and 30 acres of fruit trees! 45 minutes west of beltway. Dogs welcome on a leash but not in the strawberry patch or the vegetable gardens. No Admission Fee. We take credit cards.Typical harvest dates are: May, June: strawberries and spring vegetablesLate June, early July: raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, sour cherries, spring and summer vegetablesJuly, August: berries, peaches (Click here for the ripening order for peaches), Japanese plums, Asian pears, cucumbers, tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers, beans, okra, eggplants, squash, dig-your-own potatoes, cut flowers, and other summer vegetablesSeptember, October the pumpkin patch, apples (Click here for the ripening order for apples) fall greens,dig-your-own peanuts and potatoes
• Messick's Farm Market - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, asparagus, beans, blackberries, corn (sweet), herbs or spices, peas, peppers, raspberries (red), summer squash, strawberries, tomatoes, Turkeys (organic, not-hormone-fed), Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, farm market, school tours
  6025 Catlett Road, Bealeton, VA 22712. Phone: (540)-439-8900. Email: manager@messicksfarmmarket.com. Open: Monday to Saturday, from 8 am to 6 pm, Sunday 10 am to 6 pm; May 1 through October 31. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, WIC Vouchers. Click here for our Facebook page. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, WIC Vouchers.
  Messick's Farm Market Facebook page. Fax: (540)-439-4245 year round, we invite families into our fields to enjoy the pick your own experience.

Loudoun County

• Great Country Farms - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, cherries, grapes, other berries, peaches, plums, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (black), summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, restrooms, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, jumping pillow, pedal kart track, mining for gems, mini-golf, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations
  18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont, VA 20135. Phone: 540 554 2073. Email: social@greatcountryfarms.com. Open: Monday - Sunday, 10am to 5pm, March 19th - May 20th; Monday - Sunday, 9am to 6pm, May 21st - October 30th. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  Great Country Farms Facebook page. We use integrated pest management practicesStrawberries: May Blackberries: July Peaches: August Apples: September Pumpkins: Pumpkins Please visit our web page for other U-Pick items and confirmed dates. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. From strawberries and asparagus in the spring to corn and tomatoes all summer then pumpkins and gourds in the fall, offers a farm experience your whole family will enjoy. Help your children understand how food is grown and how fresh and full of flavor it can be. It is amazing how children will eat produce if they have picked it themselves! Pick your own fruit and veggie farm featuring Non-GMO produce grown using regenerative farming practices, an award-winning CSA program, and seasonal festivals! is a 400 acre working farm with pick your own produce, a Farm Market, CSA, and so much more! UPDATE for 2022: Potatoes ~ AugustDon't miss The Big Dig Potato Harvest. This is the once a year chance to dig potatoes and taste the smoothness and rich flavor of a fresh potato compared to typical store bought options that have been in storage for months. We grow Kenebec White, Pontiac Reds, Yukon Golds and a few Fingerlings.
  Comments from a visitor on November 03, 2010: "We've been CSA members at this farm for 3 years. We are moving and are very sad we won't be able to visit and get our produce from here in the future. We've driven one hour each way once a week because we love it so much. There is so much to do that you can make each visit a day trip and most of the time the u-pick options are great. Like any farm, there are times when weather conditions affect the crops negatively and b/c of that you don't always get as much produce as you may have expected, but for the most part we've always been happy with the CSA and u-pick. My boys (now 7 and 4.5) and I have learned a lot through the farmers and picking our own veggies and fruit. The "playarea" has several slides, rope swings, HUGE "bouncy", corn bin, roller racers, mini gulf course, and more. They seem to add more each year. One negative, since it's gotten so popular the "special" weekends are normally really packed. We enjoyed the Easter Egg hunt there in 2009, but this last year 2010 it was publisized and was way to busy to be enjoyable. "
  Comments from a visitor on May 17, 2009: "We LOVED it! My mother-in-law did as well:)"UPDATE October 2, 2007: a visitor reports they had to replant their apple orchards in 2006 and will not have apples available for a few years (2009?).
• Sprouting Roots Farm - Uses natural growing practices, beets, cucumbers, eggplants, flowers, herbs or spices, kale, melons, onions, peppers, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, watermelons, Other fruit or veg, restrooms
  15669 Limestone School Road, Leesburg, VA 20176. Phone: (571) 226-0824. Email: info@sproutingrootsfarms.com. Open: Hours and availability of crops to pick varies considerably; please text, call or email for current availability and hours; Typical season is from mid June through October ; in season, Saturday and Sunday, from 9 am to 12 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Venmo, PayPal, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Sprouting Roots Farm Facebook page. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification(ADDED: September 23, 2021)

 

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