2024 San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties in California Cucumber U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Cucumber U-Pick Orchards in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties in California in 2024, by county

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

San Luis Obispo County

• BeeWench Farm - Registered naturally grown, apples, asparagus, beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, flowers, horseradish, herbs or spices, lavender, melons, onions, peas, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Other fruit or veg, Turkeys, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, picnic area you may bring your own food, farm animals, school tours, group reservations
  198 San Juan Rd, Shandon, CA 93461. Phone: 805-423-7187. Email: info@beewenchfarm.com. Open: Thursday and Friday 9am to 1pm By appointment. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  BeeWench Farm Facebook page. . . We are registered naturally grown for all crops. is located on 10 beautiful acres in Shandon where we raise pastured chicken, pastured pork, dairy goats and hens for eggs. We sell meat and eggs at local farmers markets, on the farm and via the Community Supported Agriculture model. Our pastured chicken is also featured on the menu at local restaurants specializing in fresh, organically grown food. (UPDATED: May 02, 2018, JBS) ((ADDED: February 18, 2015)
• Brookshire Farms - Uses natural growing practices, cucumbers, pumpkins, other vegetables, Fresh eggs, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, inflatables or bounce houses, jumping pillow, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
  4747 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405. Phone: (805)-549-8733. Email: farmadventure@brookshirefarms.com. Open: Farm Adventure hours: Monday to Thursday from noon to 8 pm; Friday to Sunday 9 am to 8 pm; Pumpkin Picking Hours Monday to Thursday 10 am to 8 pm; Saturday to Sunday 9 am to 8 pm; See website for days we are open; Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Apple, and Google pay.
  Brookshire Farms Facebook page. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. (UPDATED: May 02, 2018, JBS)
• Jack Creek Farms - Uses natural growing practices, beans, cucumbers, flowers, herbs or spices, lavender, olallieberries, onions, peas, pumpkins, summer squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
  5000 Highway 46 West, Templeton, CA 93465. Phone: 805-239-1915. Email: info@JackCreekFarms.com. Open: Late May through September Thursday, Friday Saturday and Monday 10 am to 6 pm Sunday 11 am to 6 pm Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday; October Thursday, Friday Saturday, Monday and Tuesday 10 am to 6 pm Sunday 11 am to 6 pm Closed on Wednesday November Thursday, Friday Saturday and Monday 10 am to 5 pm Sunday 11 am to 5 pm Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday; December Please check website - dates and hours are dependent upon weather. Directions: Our farm is midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles in San Luis Obispo County, about a half hour drive from Hearst Castle. We are located west of Templeton and Paso Robles; and east of Cambria, Harmony and Cayucos, on Highway 46 West. If you are coming from the north or south on Highway 101, we are located about 7 miles west of Highway 101 on Highway 46 West. If you are traveling from Highway 1, we are exactly 16 miles east of Highway 1 on Highway 46 West. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  Jack Creek Farms Facebook page. . Our farm offers a number of special events each year including an annual Kid's Day on the Farm (August), Old-fashioned Threshing Bee (September - Labor Day Weekend), Heirloom Tomato Tasting (September), Scarecrow Contest (September through October), Pumpkin Painting Workshop (October) and more; Please check our website for exact dates and times; For updates on our current harvest, please check the bottom left-hand side of every page on our website. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. We offer u-pick with almost every crop grown on our farm. You can pick your own sweet onions and garlic in early June, and blackberries from our olallieberry patch in late June and early July. Middle July means u-pick lavender season, for buds or bundles. July and August means u-pick peach and plum season. In August we have available for u-pick all of our heirloom tomatoes (over 50 different varieties), and September through November means u-pick apple season.(UPDATED: October 02, 2021, JBS)
• SLO Creek Farms - Certified Organic, apples, beans, beets, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, flowers, herbs or spices, lavender, melons, onions, peas, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, Honey from hives on the farm, porta-potties are available, picnic area, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  6455 Monte Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. Phone: (702)245-3135. Email: slocreekfarms@live.com. Open: everyday, from 11 am to 5 pm, Mid August through Mid December. Directions: On the East side of highway 101 and San Luis Bay Drive. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  SLO Creek Farms Facebook page. . Fax: (702)261-0060. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. We do not use pesticides on the crops. U-Pick Organic Apples. Start a family tradition by visiting SLO Creek Farms in beautiful San Luis Obispo, CA. We invite you and your family to come wander our orchard as you search for the best apples. Grab one of our apple baskets to fill with the apples you choose straight from the tree. Make sure you taste the apples and eat as many as you can along the way. It's free to pick, just purchase the apples you take home with you. With 40 acres of organic apple trees, there are plenty to go around. Go ahead and bring your friends and family and make picking apples a fun family event. We have the following apples: Jonalicious, Empire, Early Fuji, Gala, September Wonders, Sundancers, Granny Smith, and Braeburn. More details about each variety are listed on the apple schedule page. All Ages Welcome! (UPDATED: May 02, 2018, JBS)
  Comments from a visitor on September 22, 2011: "This is a beautiful place to bring your friends and family.They also have pick your own crab apples (aka, crabapples)"

 

How to pick cucumbers

When it comes to selecting cucumbers at a farm, there are a few key tips to keep in mind to ensure you choose the best ones. Here are two to three paragraphs of guidance to help you make the right selection:

1. Look for firmness and texture: The first thing you should check is the firmness and texture of the cucumber. Gently squeeze the cucumber to determine its firmness. A good cucumber should feel firm but not rock-hard. Avoid cucumbers that are overly soft or mushy, as these are signs of deterioration. Additionally, examine the skin texture. It should be smooth and shiny, without any wrinkles or blemishes. A uniformly colored skin is also an indicator of a fresh cucumber .The top cucumber in the photo is an overripe pickling cucumber.  The bottom cucumber is perfect!

2. Smaller size is better: Cucumbers come in various sizes and shapes, so it ultimately depends on your personal preference. However, there are a few general guidelines to follow.
Choose slicing cucumbers that are about 6 to 8 inches long, as they tend to have a better flavor and texture.
Burpless cucumbers may be much longer . Pickling cucumbers should be smaller, like 4 to 5 inches.
Avoid extremely large cucumbers, as they can be tough and have large seeds. In terms of shape, look for cucumbers that are straight and cylindrical. Avoid ones that are excessively curved or have bulges, as they may have developed irregularities during growth.

3. Look for dark color and freshness: The color of the cucumber can provide valuable information about its freshness. Ideally, cucumbers should have a vibrant green color, indicating that they are ripe and freshly harvested. Avoid cucumbers that have a dull or yellowish color, (like the top cucumber in the photo) as this could be a sign of overripeness or age. Additionally, check the stem end of the cucumber. It should be fresh-looking and not shriveled or dried out. A fresh cucumber will have a crisp snap when broken, while a stale one may feel limp or bend without resistance.

Cucumber Varieties

There are many types of cucumbers so it is important to select the  right type for your purpose.

1. Pickling Cucumbers: Pickling cucumbers are specifically cultivated for making pickles. They are smaller in size, have a firm texture, and a slightly bumpy or knobby skin. Pickling cucumbers often have a more concentrated flavor, making them ideal for preserving in brine or vinegar. Gherkins are simply very small (1.5 to 2.5 inch long immature pickling cucumbers.

2. Slicing Cucumbers: Slicing cucumbers are the most common type of cucumber found in grocery stores. They are typically larger than pickling cucumbers and have a smooth, dark green skin. Slicing cucumbers are great for fresh eating and are often used in salads, sandwiches, or as a refreshing snack.

3.Burpless, English or European Cucumbers: English cucumbers are longer and thinner than slicing cucumbers. They have a mild, crisp taste and a thin, tender skin that does not require peeling. These cucumbers are often referred to as "burpless" due to their reputation for being less likely to cause indigestion or gas.

4. Persian Cucumbers: Persian cucumbers are similar to English cucumbers but slightly shorter and thicker. They have a sweet and crunchy flesh, and their skin is thin and edible. Persian cucumbers are popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine and are great for salads or as a healthy snack.

5. Lemon Cucumbers: Lemon cucumbers are small, round cucumbers that resemble lemons in shape and color. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a thin, tender skin. Lemon cucumbers are often eaten fresh, added to salads, or pickled.

6. Armenian Cucumbers: Armenian cucumbers, also known as snake cucumbers or yard-long cucumbers, are long and slender with a twisted or curved shape. They have a thin, pale green skin and a crisp texture. Armenian cucumbers are often used in salads, sandwiches, or pickled.

7. Kirby Cucumbers: Kirby cucumbers are small, bumpy cucumbers that are popular for pickling due to their firmness and crunchy texture. They have a slightly bitter taste and are known for their ability to retain their shape and crunchiness during the pickling process.

These are just a few examples of cucumber types and varieties. Each has its own unique characteristics, so you can choose the one that best suits your culinary needs and preferences.

Pickling Cucumbers  (in water bath canners )

Cucumbers are not acidic so they ONLY way you may safely can them is as pickles:

• Bread and butter cucumber pickles - W, P
• Cucumber pickles (kosher dill, bread & butter,  or processed etc.) using mixes  - W, P
• Dill pickles, from scratch - W, P
• Old-fashioned fermented general store barrel dill pickles - W, P - (more photos coming)
• Cucumber pickle relish!  - W, P - This is the classic hamburger relish!
• No-canning-needed refrigerator cucumber pickles (kosher dill) - W, P
• Low salt / reduced salt low calorie dill pickles.
• Low-salt bread and butter pickles
• Sweet Pickled Gherkins - W, P
• Sweet Pickles (quick recipe) - W, P
• Zucchini pickles (bread-and-bu

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