Seasonal Guide to Pick-Your-Own Farms in New Jersey: Seasonal Fruit Picking

Experience the Freshness of New Jersey's Seasonal Produce

New Jersey, famously known as the Garden State, boasts numerous pick-your-own farms offering a variety of fresh, seasonal fruits. From sweet strawberries in the spring to crisp apples in the fall, there's always a delicious adventure awaiting. This comprehensive guide provides a seasonal breakdown and the best farms to visit for fruit-picking enthusiasts.

Spring Fruit Picking in New Jersey (May - June)

Strawberries

Season: Late May to mid-June

Strawberries are the first fruits of the season, offering sweet and juicy berries perfect for jams, desserts, or fresh eating.

Farms:

Johnson's Corner Farm in Medford: johnsonsfarm.com

Alstede Farms in Chester: alstedefarms.com

Cherries

Season: June

Cherries, both sweet and tart, make for a delightful early summer treat.

Farms:

Terhune Orchards in Princeton: terhuneorchards.com

Demarest Farms in Hillsdale: demarestfarms.com

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Summer Fruit Picking in New Jersey (June - August)

Blueberries

Season: Late June to early August

Description: Known for their health benefits, blueberries are perfect for snacking, baking, and freezing.

Farms:

DiMeo Farms in Hammonton: dimeofarms.com

Mood's Farm Market in Mullica Hill: moodsfarmmarket.com

Raspberries

Season: Mid-June to August

Description: Raspberries come in several varieties, providing a mix of sweet and tart flavors.

Farms:

Bonacorsi Family Farm in Frenchtown: bonacorsifamilyfarm.com

Stony Hill Farms in Chester: stonyhillfarms.com

Blackberries

Season: Mid-July to mid-August

Description: Blackberries are larger and juicier, making them ideal for pies and preserves.

Farms:

Valley Crest Farm & Preserve in Lebanon: valleycrestfarmnj.org

Wemrock Orchards in Freehold: wemrockorchard.com

Peaches

Season: Mid-July to September

Description: New Jersey peaches are famous for their sweetness and juiciness.

Farms:

Battleview Orchards in Freehold: battlevieworchards.com

Hill Creek Farms in Mullica Hill: hillcreekfarms.com

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Fall Fruit Picking in New Jersey (August - October)

Apples

Season: Late August to October

Description: Apples are the quintessential fall fruit, perfect for pies, cider, and snacking.

Farms:

Sun High Orchards in Randolph: sunhigh.com

Eastmont Orchards in Colts Neck: eastmontorchards.com

Pears

Season: September to October

Description: Pears offer a delicate sweetness and can be enjoyed fresh, poached, or baked.

Farms:

Melick's Town Farm in Oldwick: melickstownfarm.com

Prospect Hill Orchards in Milton: prospecthillorchards.com

Pumpkins

Season: October

Description: Pumpkin picking is a favorite fall activity, perfect for Halloween decorations and pies.

Farms:

Happy Day Farm in Manalapan: happydayfarmnj.com

Ort Farms in Long Valley: ortfarms.com

Cranberries

Season: October

Description: Cranberries are often harvested in a unique wet method, but some farms offer dry picking.

Farms:

Whitesbog Village in Browns Mills: whitesbog.org

Tips for Planning Your Fruit Picking Visit

• Always check farm websites or call ahead for the latest picking times and fruit availability.

• Many farms offer extra family-friendly activities like hayrides, petting zoos, and farm markets.

Enjoy the bounty of New Jersey's farms and the fresh, delicious fruits of each season!