2024 Hernando County, west Florida Cucumber U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Cucumber U-Pick Orchards in Hernando County, west Florida 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.

Hernando County

• D&S Blueberries Upicktopia - No pesticides are used, tangerines, beans, beets, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, herbs or spices, onions, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, pumpkins, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, we also have pie pumpkins, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available
  19125 Phillips Rd, Masaryktown, FL 34604. Phone: 352-308-0110. Email: danebbecke@bellsouth.net. Open: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9 am to 5; check their Facebook page for what is currently available to pick. Directions: one mile down Phillips road off Ayers rd. Go east 1.7 miles on Ayers Road to Phillips Road. One mile down Phillips on left at the end of the chain link fence. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
  D&S Blueberries Upicktopia Facebook page. . We are a blueberry and u pick farm with over 56 acres of land to grow delicious fruits and vegetables. We started in 1996 as a commercial blueberry farm but we are now morphing into a u pick operation that will have as many different types of fruits and vegetable imaginable. We are building a boutique winery on the farm where our fresh fruit is transformed into wonderful tasting wines. We do not spray pesticides without reason and use the softest thing possible to avoid damage to our bee hives and the environment. We use Integrated Pest Management. We do not use neonics or GMO's on our farm.
• Ergle Farm - blackberries, blueberries, cucumbers, eggplant, onions, peas, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, picnic area, farm animals, school tours
  3325 Treiman Boulevard, Dade City, FL 33523. Phone: (352) 583-3647. Email: ergletrees@gmail.com. Open: every day from 9 am to 4 pm. Directions: Ergle\'s is located 8 miles north of Dade City, Florida directly on U.S. highway 301. From I-75, take exit number 301 at Highway 50. Drive East on Highway 50 for 5 miles and turn South on Highway 301 and drive two miles. The farm is located on directly on Highway 301 on the West side of 301 \(farm is 2 miles south of the Highway 301 and Highway 50 intersection on Highway 301\). . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. . Fax: (352) 583-0591. . info@ergletrees.com. Ergle's is located 8 miles north of Dade City, Florida directly on U.S. highway 301. From I-75, take exit number 301 at Highway 50. Drive East on Highway 50 for 5 miles and turn South on Highway 301 and drive two miles. The farm is located on directly on Highway 301 on the West side of 301 (farm is 2 miles south of the Highway 301 and Highway 50 intersection on Highway 301). PYO is available only when in season; Blueberries in May, Strawberries grown in hydroponic stackers are avabile in November, Thornless Blackberries in June, Pumpkins in October, Christmas trees are sold from the Saturday before Thanksgiving through December 23rd; See our website for additional information. We also have fruit trees for sale. All varieties are self pollinating, require low chill hours, and are freeze resistant. Beverly Hills Apple Dorsett Golden Apple Gala Apple Gordon Apple 3 n 1 Fruit Salad Spice Zee Nectaplum Eva's Pride Peach Flordaking Peach Flordaprince Peach May Pride Peach Bella Gold Peacturn Weeping Santa Rosa Plum Shinseiki Asian Pear Giant Fuyu Persimmon. We provide what is needed to pick the berries, but please bring your own bags to take these delicious berries home in. There is never an entry fee at Ergle Tree Farm and parking is plentiful. Always call our Berry hotline to check the status of the fields at or (352) 346-2745.
• JG Ranch - broccoli, blackberries, cucumbers, strawberries, tomatoes, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, restrooms, picnic area you may bring your own food, farm animals, school tours
  17200 Wiscon Rd, Brooksville, FL 34601. Phone: 352-799-0556. Email: JCasey898@wildBlue.com. Open: Thursday - Sunday 9 am to 4. Directions: The Farm is located approximately 2 mile east of the Sun Coast Parkway and 2 Miles west of US 41 on Wiscon Road. Please follow the signs to the back of the property. The country road wind through the pasture land, but you will not have to . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, cash, checks, Visa, Discover, American Express, and Master Card.
  JG Ranch Facebook page. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. open any gates. Please call if you need more help. Picnic tables on site. The fields are in the back so drive along our country road and enjoy the trees and farm animals. There are no gates to open. Please wear old shoes as the fields may be muddy. (AKA J and G Ranch, JG, J&G, J and G)
  Comments from a visitor on March 19, 2011: "Went today for you-pick strawberries; they had tons of delicious berries. $1 a pound, we got 14 pounds. Kids had a blast. Owner said blueberries will be ready in three weeks. They also had a few peach trees, they thought they'd be ready in a month or so."
  Comments from a visitor on May 30, 2010: "I was just at the J&G Ranch today 5/30/2010 and the blueberries were still very plentiful. (and tasty!) They also have wonderful bi color corn picked fresh daily. "
• Sweetfields Farm - Uses natural growing practices, beans, corn (sweet), cucumbers, pumpkins, summer squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, already-picked produce, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, birthday parties, school tours
  17250 Benes Roush, Masaryktown, FL 34604. Phone: 352-279-0977. Email: updates@sweetfieldsfarm.com. Open: please call or check website for hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . spring Sunflower Maze weekends in May 2009, Corn Maze and pumpkin patch in Fall. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Spring - During Our Sunflower Season. Sunflowers, Spring Veggies And Spring Activities On The Farm Usually Start By The 1st Weekend In May.

 

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