2024 Baltimore area of Maryland Peach U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Peach U-Pick Orchards in Baltimore area of Maryland in 2024, by county

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

Baltimore County

• Weber's Cider Mill Farm - strawberries, blueberries, apples, blackberries, peaches
  2526 Proctor Lane, Parkville, MD . Phone: 410-668-4488. Email: admin@weberscidermillfarm.com. Open: See their website for crop availability and hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. . Apple picking on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm, until the supply runs out (usually at the end of September). Also has "make your own scarecrow".The annual Weber Cider Mill Farm Johnny Appleseed Festival is on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm, with crafts, pit beef, children's games and live bluegrass. Kids' Weekend September 25 and 26 from noon to 4 features hayrides ($1), a large hay maze ($2) and free performances by the Singing Scarecrow from 1 to 2:30 each day. More Fall activities on weekends during October. Typical harvest dates:Strawberries Mid-May thru Mid-JuneBlueberries Late June thru Mid-JulyBlackberries Mid-July thru Mid-AugustPeaches Mid-July thru Late AugustApples September thru Early November

Carroll County

• Baugher's Orchard - strawberries, peaches, sweet and sour cherries, apples, nectarines, plums, peas, pumpkins
  1015 Baugher Road, Westminster, MD 21158. Phone: 410-857-0111. Email: info@baughers.com. Open: seasonal PYO, Early Summer picking hours are: 8 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week , June to December at orchard market. Directions: about three miles west of Westminster, Maryland on Route 140. . Click here for a map and directions. . Alternate Phone: 410-848-5541. . Directions and map page. We also have a complete selection of picked fruits and veggies, our own baked goods and hand dipped ice cream. We press our own cider. Apple butter, fruit baskets, jelly & apple gift baskets (seasonal). Click here for our Facebook page
  Comments from a visitor on June 17, 2010: "Ts is the best place ever! My family and I have always gone there to pick pumpkins, however in the last year we have started taking advantage of all the other produce they have to offer. I had 4 boys with me (ages 6-8) and we spent nearly 4 hours picking 12 lbs of cherries (ladders were provided and moved for us) 5 lbs of strawberries and 56 pea pods (cause the boys just wanted to try fresh peas). There are tractor rides out to all the picking areas and boxes to use. We have also picked apples and peaches there as well. Bring a hat, and though they provide water out in the fields bring you own water bottle. If you ask for directions-not to far from the farm is the family restaraunt that has wonderful local fare but save room for the pie! "
  Comments from a visitor on September 19, 2009: "Picked apples today at Baughers Orchard and had a blast! Though there were a lot of people there, we had no trouble finding parking and then took a tractor ride to the orchard. There are at least three different play sets for young kids (elementary and younger) on the grounds, a petting zoo with a sink and soap for washing up after visiting the animals, and a country store with baked goods and ice cream. And the pick-your-own apples are very reasonably priced. A great place to take the whole family! "

Harford County

• Lohr's Orchard - strawberries, apples, sour cherries, peaches, pumpkins, pumpkin patch, hay rides, cider
  3212 Snake Lane, Churchville, MD 21028. Phone: 410-836-2783. Email: lohrsweborders@gmail.com. Open: see their website. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. . Updates: click here for picking updates. pick your own and farm stand. ​STRAWBERRIES Mid May pick your own and pre picked. TART CHERRIES June 10th to the 15th pick your own and pre picked. PEACHES July 1st for sale at the retail stand. Pick your own, weather permitting, two weekends beginning of freestone season. APPLES Mid July through close of season. APPLE CIDER Starts approximately Sept 15-17th through end of season. PUMPKINS Start the last weekend of Sept and run through October as well as weekend hayrides to the patch and apple Orchard. ANd already-picked TOMATOES. SWEET CORN. ASSORTED VEGGIES, Starting with strawberry season and running through close of store. For our U-Pick (pick-your-own) customers, we will have a special wagon providing a scenic 5-minute ride into our beautiful orchard to the patches ($5/person prepaid minimum purchase). Harvest will be plentiful, so come back several times with your friends and neighbors. (UPDATED: June 15, 2020 JBS)
  Comments from a visitor on September 12, 2008: "I love the farm! Great for the family."

Howard County

• Larriland Farm - apples, strawberries, blackberries, black and red raspberries, peaches, sour cherries, blueberries, vegetables.
  2415 Woodbine Road (Route 94), Lisbon, MD 21797. Phone: 301-854-6110. Email: contactus@pickyourown.com. Open: see their website. Directions: three miles south of I-70 Exit 73, near Lisbon, Maryland. Apples, blueberries, black raspberries, blackberries \(thornless\), nectarines, peaches, plums, red raspberries \(fall\), strawberries, red raspberries \(spring\), sour cherries. Vegetables: Beans \(snap\), beets, spinach \(spring\), spinach \(fall\), tomatoes, flowers, honey-local, jams-jellies. Tours and evening hayrides by appointment. October activities: straw maze, hot dogs & hamburgers & hayrides. Here\'s when the . Click here for a map and directions. or Phone: 410-442-2605. . three miles south of I-70 Exit 73, near Lisbon, Maryland. Apples, blueberries, black raspberries, blackberries (thornless), nectarines, peaches, plums, red raspberries (fall), strawberries, red raspberries (spring), sour cherries. Vegetables: Beans (snap), beets, spinach (spring), spinach (fall), tomatoes, flowers, honey-local, jams-jellies. Tours and evening hayrides by appointment. October activities: straw maze, hot dogs & hamburgers & hayrides. Here's when the crops are usually available to pick:Strawberries - early June to mid JuneTart Cherries late June - mid JulyRed Raspberries late June - late SeptemberBlack Raspberries late June - early JulyPurple Raspberries Royalty - mid JulyBlueberries late June - late August Thornless Blackberries - AugustPeaches - mid July to early September, Apples - mid August to early November.
  Comments from a visitor on June 30, 2011: "Just went there the first time last weekend --- LOTS of blueberries! GREAT!"

Montgomery County

• Aix La Chapelle Farm - apples, peaches, Fresh eggs, porta-potties, weddings and wedding parties
  19120 Jerusalem Road, Poolesville, MD 20837. Phone: (301) 343-1000. Email: events@aixlachapellefarm.com. Open: Seasonally from early July into October from 9 am to 3 pm, Saturday and Sunday only; please check our website or Facebook to confirm we are open that weekend. Directions: West on Darnestown Road, turn left on Jerusalem road, first left into farm entrance at 19120 Jerusalem Road, Poolesville, Maryland. July through October. We use integrated pest management practices \(IPM\). Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard. We will also accept Venmo. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard. . . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. West on Darnestown Road, turn left on Jerusalem road, first left into farm entrance at 19120 Jerusalem Road, Poolesville, Maryland. July through October. We use integrated pest management practices (IPM). We will also accept Venmo. (ADDED: June 24, 2019)
• Homestead Farm - apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, flowers, peaches, pumpkins, Honey from hives on the farm, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, school tours
  15604 Sugarland Road, Poolesville, MD 20837. Phone: 301-977-3761. Email: HomesteadFarmEmail@gmail.com. Open: Check our website for hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . Check our website for approximate harvest dates and other information. Tart Cherries: Our tart cherry season usually starts in early June and lasts about three weeks.Blueberries: Our blueberry season usually starts in mid/late June and lasts about three weeks.Blackberries (Thornless): Our blackberry season usually starts in mid July and goes into mid August.Peaches (Yellow and White): Our peach season usually starts in early/mid July and goes into late August (usually). We grow both yellow and white peaches.Apples: Our apple season usually starts in late August and goes into late October (usually). Sometimes individual varieties get picked out quickly.Pumpkins: Late September through Halloween.(UPDATED: November 23, 2018, JBS)
• Rock Hill Orchard - apples, beans, blackberries, carrots, cherries, cucumbers, eggplant, flowers, herbs or spices, onions, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, raspberries (red), summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, Honey from hives on the farm, porta-potties are available, picnic area, farm animals
  28600 Ridge Road, Mount Airy, MD 21771. Phone: 301-831-7427. Email: rockhillorchard@gmail.com. Open: Check website, normally open when market open, closes one hour early. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, WIC Vouchers.
  Rock Hill Orchard Facebook page. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Peaches July - August Blackberries July Apples September - November. They also have Prigel ice cream, as well as fresh bread and jams. Apple varieties: Empire, Jonathan, Jona Gold, Red Delicious, Yellow Delicious, Rome, Fugi, Gala, Granny Smith, Stayman. In the Market there are lots of fresh picked fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, okra, eggplant, green beans, lettuce, radishes, beets, and squash. They also have Prigel ice cream, as well as fresh bread and jams.
  Comments from a visitor on September 27, 2012: "Staff was very friendly and the apples were plentiful!"

 

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Peach Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

In the U.S., Peaches typically peak during late June through July in the South, and July and August in the North. In order to produce good local peaches, producers depend on ideal spring and early summer weather conditions, and no late frosts. If you want to know which are the best varieties of peaches for home canning, see this page!

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - Peaches are affected by weather (both rain and cooler temperature) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
2. Leave early.  On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
3. Most growers furnish picking containers designed for peaches, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
   If you use your own containers, remember that heaping Peaches more than 14 inches deep will bruise the fruit on the bottom. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers.
4. 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.
5. You might want to ask whether the peaches are! There are two major types of peaches: "Freestone" and. "Clingstone". Freestone peaches and nectarines have flesh that slips easily away from the pit. Clingstones are a REAL pain, because the fruit tenaciously clings to the stone or pit! Most peach varieties grown today are freestone and are usually available (depending upon your location) from June through September. Some nectarines are freestone and some are clingstone. Freestone nectarines are available in June and July. Most plum varieties are clingstone. 

When you get home

1. Spread the fruit out on towels or newspapers and separate any mushy or damaged fruit to use immediately.
2. Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash and cut the others and freeze them up!
3. Even under ideal conditions peaches will only keep for a week in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible after purchase
4. Now, get ready to make Peach jam or canned peaches - It is VERY easy - especially with our free
    - peach jam instructions - they're illustrated and easy and our page on
    - how to make home canned peaches from fresh!
   - Or see here to freeze peaches instead!
   - make your own home canned peach pie filling to use in the winter
5. Here's a great and easy peach pie recipe
   or peach-blueberry pie  or how about
   - peach salsa?
   - Peach chutney
   - Spiced peaches
   - peach butter
   - Peach honey
   - pickled peaches
   - peach syrup
   - peach juice
6. Here are some great and easy peach desert recipes, like easy peach cobbler.
7. If you want more information about the Giant Peach water tower in Gaffney, SC, click here.

Temporary Storage Tips

• Ripe peaches have a creamy or golden undertone and "peachy-sweet" fragrance.
• Peaches should be refrigerated and used within a few days.
• Putting peaches and nectarines in a loosely closed paper bag at room temperature for a day or two can help soften firm fruit - but they won't become sweeter or ripen further - that stopped when they were removed from th etree.
• For best flavor, allow the fruit to ripen fully on the tree.
• Store at 33�F to 40�F  and high humidity (a vegetable drawer in the fridge).

How to tell if the peaches are ripe!

• Attached to the tree: Peaches are best picked when the fruit separates easily from the twigs. If it is hard to pull off the tree, it isn't ripe! Peaches will not ripen further once removed from the tree (they only "soften")
• Color: Green is definitely unripe, but you can't use red color as an indicator of how ripe a peach is. Different peach varieties have differing amounts of red blush in their natural coloring. Pick them when the ground color changes from green to yellow, orange, red (or a combination). The skin of yellow-fleshed varieties ripens to an orange tint, while the skin of white-fleshed varieties changes from greenish- to yellow-white.
• Softness: unless you like your peaches very firm, pick your peaches with just a little "give" when gently pressed. Peaches at this stage are great for eating, freezing, and baking. Peaches won't ripen very much after picking!
• Odor: It should smell sweet and ripe!

Tips on How to Pick Peaches

A peach is softer than most fruit, so it is important to pick a peach gently, with little pressure. Using the sides of your fingers rather your fingertips helps to avoid bruising.  Grab the peach firmly and pull it straight off the branch. DON'T drop the peach into the basket, but set it in gently!

Marks on the Peachs: Bugs (particularly squash bugs and stink bugs) bite fruit during development and this results in some imperfections in the peach. This is especially the case with organically raised fruit.  These look like dents in the peaches if the peaches were bitten by a bug when they were young. This causes a spot that does not grow properly and makes a wrinkle in the peach. There's nothing wrong with these peaches. They may look funny, but they will taste just as good as blemish-free peaches, and it's better not to have the pesticides!

How much do you need?

Raw measures:

• About 2 medium peaches = 1 cup sliced peaches.
• About 4 medium peaches = 1 cup pureed peach.
• About 3 medium peaches = 1 pound of peaches

Process yields (Raw amounts to processed amounts)

• 2 to 21/2 pounds of fresh peaches yields 1 quart canned
• 1 lb of fresh peaches typically yields 3 cups of peeled, sliced peaches or 2 cups or puree.
• It takes about 5 good sizes peaches or nectarines (or about 10 plums) to fill one quart jar of canned peaches.
• An average of 171/2 pounds of fresh peaches are needed per canner load of 7 quarts;
• An average of 11 pounds is needed per canner load of 9 pints.
• 1 bushel = 48 to 50 pounds, yields approximately 18 to 25 quart jars.

And a visitor contributes this: 6-7 peaches makes about 4 cups puree, so 2-3 peaches make about 2 cups puree. 1 peach equals about 1 cup puree.

Peaches-Average retail price per pound and per cup equivalent

 

Peach pit tips

It's best to remove peach pits before you cook the peaches. Cherry, peach, and apricot pits also contain amygdalin; the latter two, in potentially harmful amounts. Fortunately, peach and apricot pits are sufficiently large and hard that few people intentionally swallow or chew them. (The unapproved anti-cancer drug See this page for more information&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/cam/laetrile">Laetrile is a semisynthetic derivative of amygdalin; a cheaper version of laetrile produced in Mexico came from crushed apricot pits.) See this page for more information.

 

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