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Bean U-Pick Orchards in Madison area of Wisconsin in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for beans that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have beans orchards 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.

Dane County

  • The Tree Farm - asparagus, beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, Christmas trees, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant (aubergine), flowers, peas, peppers, pumpkins, rhubarb, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables.
    8454 St Rd 19, Cross Plains, WI 53528. Phone: 608-798-2286. Email: treefarm@midplains.net. Open: May and June we sell asparagus and rhubarb by appointment; July and August we are open Wednesday, Thursdayand Friday, 9-noon and 4-8; Saturday and Sunday 9-5. Directions: The Tree Farm is located in Northwestern Dane County, WI, on Highway 19, four miles west of Highway 12. From Middleton take hwy 12 North and turn west \(that\'s left\) on hwy 19. From Sauk City take hwy 12 SE, turn south \(right\) on hwy KP and then east \(left\) on hwy 19. From Black Earth take hwy F north and turn east \(right\) on 19. See our website for a map and complete directions. . Click here for a map and directions. . September and October we are open Wednesday, Thurs, and Friday 9-noon and 4-dusk; Saturday and Sunday 9-5 Thanksgiving we are open Friday 1:30 to 4:30; Saturday and Sunday 9-4:30. is located in Northwestern Dane County, WI, on Highway 19, four miles west of Highway 12. From Middleton take hwy 12 North and turn west (that's left) on hwy 19. From Sauk City take hwy 12 SE, turn south (right) on hwy KP and then east (left) on hwy 19. From Black Earth take hwy F north and turn east (right) on 19. See our website for a map and complete directions. Click here for a map to our farm. We raise approximately 40 different kinds of vegetables and herbs for you to pick as well as flowers to cut. A complete list of what we raise and when we expect it to be ready is available on our web site. We raise most vegetables that will grown in our climate. A complete list is available on our web site. (Updated December 22, 2010X)
  • U Pick Strawberry Farm - beans, cucumbers, peas, peppers, summer squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, U-pick and already picked, petting zoo
    5396 Hahn Road, Deforest, WI 53532. Phone: 608-417-9485. Email: info@upickstrawberryfarm.com. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
    U Pick Strawberry Farm Facebook page. . UPDATE for 2020: They are closed until the 2021 season; "It is with great disappointment we have decided on the following. The weather pattern of the 2020 strawberry season has not been ideal for our patch. Our berries have set small and medium sized. As a result of possibly disappointing our valued customers, we will not be selling our berries to the public for fresh eating." 8am to 7pm, 7 days a week; It is recommended to call/ text the berry line prior to coming out due to weather and be informed on current picking status. You pick or we pick. We offer wholesale and retail pricing. We encourage fundraising efforts. Also, the educational aspect is very important to us. If you would like to tour our Berry Patch, please feel free to email or call us. At the Berry Patch you will also be able to visit some of our animals.

Sauk County

  • Eagleglen Farm - beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), eggplant, herbs or spices, peas, pumpkins, tomatoes, other vegetables, porta-potties are available
    4898 County Road GG, Loganville, WI 53943. Phone: 608-415-8516. Email: eagleglenfarm@gmail.com. Open: Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 5:30 pm and Sunday Noon - 5 pm. Directions: Corner of highway 23 and County Road GG, between Loganville and Plain, WI. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
    Eagleglen Farm Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 608-727-2281. . Bring your binoculars to see the eagles and their eaglets. Strawberries will be coming next year!.
    Comments from a visitor on August 25, 2011: "This is one of my favorites. It's on the small side, but has great blueberries and raspberries."

 

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Green Bean, Lima Bean, Shelled Beans Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

When are fresh beans available?

Beans are a warm weather crop, and won't grow much in cold soil. It takes them about 60 to 70 days from seed to harvest.

 In the U.S. beans typically peak in harvesting from June through October in the South, and in July to September in the North. But they can be ready as early as early June in many places, if the weather is good.

  

Before you leave to go to the farm:

  1. Always call before you go to the farm - it's hard to pick in a muddy field!
  2. Most growers furnish picking containers designed for beans, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
  3. Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.

  

Tips on How to Pick Beans

Whether you pick beans from your garden or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Tips on How to Pick Green Beans

  1. Most beans these days are "stringless". That refers to a string, tough filament of the bean that runs along the outside from one end to the other.  Some beans have two, one on each side; and some have one.
  2. I prefer to snap the bean off the plant just below where the stem attaches to the bean. If you do this, it will save time when you get home, because one end of the bean has already been trimmed.  But this only makes sense if you will be using, cooking, canning or freezing the beans that day. 
  3. If you won't be using the beans the same day, then break  off the bean from the plant along the thin stem that connects the bean to the plant.
  4. The beans snap off pretty easily. hence the name "snap beans".
  5. Pole beans are the easiest to pick, because, since they grow up poles or twine, you don't have to squat down or bend over!
  6. Beans are ready for harvest when the pods are plump and firm, but not yet bulging. .
  7. In your own garden, pick your beans regularly to encourage more growth and prevent the pods from becoming tough and stringy.
  8. To harvest, hold the stem of the plant with one hand and gently snap the pod with the other..

Look for string, snap or green beans that are :

  1. firm
  2. green (not yellowish - unless you're picking yellow beans!)
  3. smooth, not wrinkly on the surface - that's an old or dried out bean. Snap beans are best when the pods are firm and snap readily, but before the seeds within the pod develop. The tips should be pliable
  4. not lumpy - those lumps are the beans that are developed - that's an overripe green bean!  Of course, if you want mature beans (not including the pod) then that's a different story, but we're talking about green beans here).
  5. The beans in the photo at right are, from left:
    - old and yellowing,
    - overripe and lumpy; and
    - dried out and damaged.
  6. Avoid placing the picked beans in the sunlight any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the car trunk or on the car seat. Cool them as soon as possible after picking. I prefer to bring a cooler with ice in it. Green Beans may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for 3 or 4 days

 

When you get home

  1. After harvesting, store your beans in the refrigerator or blanch and freeze them for longer storage.
  2. Put them in the vegetable crisper in the fridge, in a loose plastic bag.
  3. They will be good for about a week like that.

  

Bean recipes and home canning

Now, get ready to can or freeze the extra beans - It is VERY easy! Click on the links for easy instructions.

  1. How to can green beans, yellow beans, snap beans, broad beans, etc.
  2. How to make pickled beans
  3. How to freeze green beans (and other beans)
  4. How to Freeze Lima Beans, Broad beans, Butter Beans and/or Pinto Beans
  5. Canning fresh shelled beans
  6. Canned dried beans and peas (from kidney beans, peas, lima beans, broadbeans, chickpeas, pole beans, etc.)
  7. Canned Baked  Beans With Tomato or Molasses Sauce
  8. Canned Baked  Beans With Back, Pork or Ham and Tomato or Molasses Sauce -
  9. Pickled green beans
  10. Pickled Dill beans
  11. Mustard beans (pickled mustard beans)
  12. Pickled Three-Bean Salad

Varieties

There are many different types of beans, each with their own unique flavor, texture, and growing requirements. Some of the most popular varieties include:

  • Green Beans: Also known as snap beans or string beans, green beans are a classic garden staple. They can be eaten fresh or cooked and come in bush and pole varieties.
  • Lima Beans: Lima beans (called Broad Beans or Butter Beans in the UK) are a nutritious and protein-rich vegetable that can be eaten fresh or dried. They require a long growing season and prefer warm temperatures.
  • Pole Beans: Pole beans are a climbing variety of bean that require support to grow. They can reach up to 10 feet tall and have a longer growing season than bush beans.
  • Dried Beans: Dried beans are a versatile pantry staple that can be used in soups, stews, and other dishes. Popular varieties include black beans, navy beans, kidney beans, black beans, garbanzo (aka, chick peas) and pinto beans
  • s, navy beans, kidney beans, black beans, garbanzo (aka, chick peas) and pinto beans

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