2024 Omaha and Eastern Nebraska Cucumber U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Cucumber U-Pick Orchards in Omaha and Eastern Nebraska 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.

Butler County

• Blue Valley Fruits and Vegetables - asparagus, beans, beets, berries, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, cherries, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, gourds, grapes, herbs, horseradish, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, melons, mustard, okra, onions, organic apples, ornamental corn, parsnips, peas
  1041 S 3rd, Ulysses, NE 68669. Phone: (402) 549-2172. Directions: Located 14 mile south of Ulysses, on 3rd Street, call for hours. Click here for a map and directions. . Also has a farmers' market. Farm located 1/4 mile south of Ulysses, on 3rd Street, call for hours.

Cass County

• Chisholm Family Farm - Uses natural growing practices, beans, beets, cucumbers, herbs or spices, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Turkeys (organic, not-hormone-fed), Fresh eggs, picnic area, farm animals
  27107 Fletcher Ave, Elmwood, NE 68349. Phone: 402-440-9409. Email: laura@chisholmfamilyfarm.com. Directions: From Lincoln head Take US-34 to highway 79 and head north. Go about six miles and you will see the flashing red light at Raymond Road. Go two more miles and turn left onto Davey Road. We are second house. see sign that says Fresh Eggs. From Lincoln - Head north on 14th Street at Superior. Turn left at flashing red light \(Raymond Road\) Turn right on highwhillcrestay 79 \(flashing red light\) go 2 miles and turn left onto Davey Road. We are second house on left see sign that says Fresh Eggs. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . . UPDATE for 2019, Their website is gone; Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me, their last reported hours were We have moved; We do not currently have any produce available to pick with the move but still have our farm stand/store with meats, eggs, and dairy available most days; Sunday we are home in the afternoon after church; Again, call or email for availability and so I can be sure to be home; We are a small 20 acre farm not a large facility;; I am happy to do small homeschool tours to show the difference between grass - fed farming and dairy. From Lincoln head Take US-34 to highway 79 and head north. Go about six miles and you will see the flashing red light at Raymond Road. Go two more miles and turn left onto Davey Road. We are second house. see sign that says Fresh Eggs. From Lincoln - Head north on 14th Street at Superior. Turn left at flashing red light (Raymond Road) Turn right on highwhillcrestay 79 (flashing red light) go 2 miles and turn left onto Davey Road. We are second house on left see sign that says Fresh Eggs. Squashes available from July - September depending on the year; Our garden is only about a half an acre so call or email for availability; I am happy to pick for you or you can pick for yourself; We have pie pumpkins available from September - November; Again, just check on availability. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. We are a pasture based farm located just north of Lincoln, NE. We follow all organic/holistic farming methods and are a soy-free farm.

Douglas County

• Nelson Produce Farm - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, beans, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, flowers, melons, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, watermelons, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, picnic area you may bring your own food, train rides (train on a track), pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations
  10505 N. 234th St, Valley, NE 68064. Phone: (402) 830-0567. Email: nelsonproduce@gmail.com. Open: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday open June 4 through October 30; Hours of operations 9 am;to 5 pm. Directions: We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, SFMNP Vouchers. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, SFMNP Vouchers.
  Nelson Produce Farm Facebook page. . . Home of Nebraska's only Sunflower Festival over Labor Day Weekend. Check website for exact dates of this festival. (ADDED: February 10, 2020)

Lancaster County

• Princeton Produce - beets, carrots, cherries, corn (sweet), cucumbers, herbs or spices, onions, peas, peppers, pumpkins, strawberries, tomatoes,
  1600 Pella Road, Princeton, NE 68404. Phone: 402-798-7723. Email: rlb5x1@netzero.com. Open: Monday through Saturday as produce is available Pumpkin Patch: September 15 to October 31 Payment: Cash, only. Directions: From Princeton, Nebraska \(approx. 18 miles south of Lincoln, Ne., on Hwy 77\) 1.5 miles south and 12 mile east on Pella Road. Look for signs. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . . From Princeton, Nebraska (approx. 18 miles south of Lincoln, Ne., on Hwy 77) 1.5 miles south and 1/2 mile east on Pella Road. Look for signs. Crops are usually available in May, June, July, September, October.

Richardson County

• Hill Top Gardens - cucumbers, eggplant, melons, onions, peas, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, U-pick and already picked, events at your location (call for info)
  65040 707 Trail, Falls City, NE 68355. Phone: 402-245-4330. Email: dwfmvf@hotmail.com. Open: July 4 Friday Saturday and Sundays 10 am till 7 pm or as soon as vegetables are ready oriental vegetables call for specific items. Directions: From State Highway 73 turn West at Home Lumber or Merz Farm Equipment on 707 Trail go one Mile on Gravel road we are on the right just passed the railroad tracks. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. l, Falls City, NE 68355. Alternate Phone: 402-801-0949. . Watermelon and other melon picking begins in the middle of August or as soon as melons are ready call for availability; Pumpkin picking opens in last week of September. Many Oriental vegetables such as Kang Kong, Eggplant, long beans, Bittermelon, Opo, Gabi, Oriental sweet potatoes, Sihkim, and many more call for specific vegetables.

Saline County

• Zurcher Farms - No pesticides are used, cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Fresh eggs, gift shop, porta-potties, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, face painting, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations
  1257 County Road J, Dorchester, NE 68343. Phone: (402) 641-4203. Email: zurcherfarms@gmail.com. Open: Call for current hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, SFMNP Vouchers. . . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. We do not use pesticides on the crops. (UPDATED: July 8, 2021 JBS) (UPDATED: February 02, 2018)

Saunders County

• Country Road Bees - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, asparagus, cucumbers, onions, hot peppers, sweet peppers, Heirloom tomatoes, paste or Roma tomatoes, tomatoes, sunflowers, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, farm market
  2580 County Road Y, Morse Bluff, NE 68648. Phone: (401) 416-0408. Email: balanplantz@gmail.com. Directions: Three miles South of Morse Bluff Nebraska. 34 mile West of highway 79 on County Road Y. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Venmo. . PYO is available Sunday's during respective crop seasons; The patches are small so please contact us via email to confirm availability. Three miles South of Morse Bluff Nebraska. 3/4 mile West of highway 79 on County Road Y. Asparagus Late April - Mid June blackberries Late July - Mid September;. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Our focus is to preserve nature's diversity and protect all she has given us. (ADDED: April 01, 2022)

 

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