This month's notes: May 2012: Strawberries are here in much of the US.  They will be finished in the South in a couple of weeks, so don't miss them! Blueberries will only be a few weeks after them! See this page for hundreds of easy canning and freezing instructions/recipes, canning equipment guide! Also make your own ice cream - see How to make ice cream and ice cream making equipment and manuals. Then see each state's crop availability calendar for more specific dates of upcoming crops. Organic farms are identified in green!  See our guide to local fruit and vegetable festivals!. Please tell the farms you found them here - and ask them to update their information!!

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Where in Southwest Colorado to find pick your own farms and orchards for fruit, vegetables, pumpkins and canning & freezing instructions!

This page provides a detailed list of Southwest Colorado's pick- your- own (PYO, U-pick, pick-it-yourself) farms for everything from apples, berries, fruit, pumpkins, vegetables to cut-you-own Christmas trees!  I'm always looking for suggestions of more farms and events to add and feedback about any you have visited, so if you encounter any, just click on the preceding link, as appropriate!  And if you have a farm and want to add it or correct the information, please click on the link to "add my farm".

Remember to ALWAYS either email, call or click the link to the farm's own website (if they have one) on the morning before you go, to confirm hours, conditions and availability of the specific crops you want! 

We also have our own free and simple, step-by-step, illustrated instructions on canning, freezing and drying  many fruits and vegetables, such as  how to make jam, apple butter, applesauce, spaghetti sauce, salsa, pickles, ketchup or freezing corn .   If you are looking for Canners, mixes, jars, pectin and other canning supplies at the best prices anywhere!

U-Pick Farms and Orchards, sorted by county

Remember: ALWAYS call (or follow the link to the farm's own website, if the name is a blue link) to confirm the information before you go! They may close, run out or change events, times, etc. without notifying me!

Alamosa County

Archuleta County

Chaffee County

  • Blue Rose Gardens - Note: they had limited production in 2006, I haven't heard back from or about them since - ORGANIC, beans, flowers, peas, raspberries, other vegetables
    8545 County Road 120, Salida, CO 81201. Phone: 719-539-1219. Email us at: bluerosegardens@bresnan.net. Directions: South West of Denver Take County Road 125 North from Hwy 50, at the top of the hill turn west on County Road 120, driveway on right. And for a map to our farm, click here. Crops are usually available in July, August. Open: July through August Sunday Mornings 9 am to 12PM Call for more information on crop availability Salad Greens: July 1 to August 20 Flowers: July 10 to August 20 Veggies vary: July 15-August 20 We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Payment: Cash, Check. "Monarch Watch" Program for kids: collect caterpillars, feed and raise to butterflies and release. August. Call or email for more information.

Conejos County

Custer County

Delores County

Delta County

  • Burritt's Produce - apricots, cherries,
    12335 Burritt Rd, Hotchkiss, CO 81419. Phone: 720-301-3401. Email: pllocke@qwestoffice.net. Open: No specific hours, please call ahead. Directions: Please call for directions. Sweet cherries - July; Apricots - August. Payment: Cash, Check. On-farm sales or direct to buyer.  (UPDATED: November 03, 2010)
  • Delicious Orchards - U-pick organic fruit: cherries, apples, peaches, apricots, pears, nectarines.
    39126 Hwy. 133, Hotchkiss, CO 81419. Phone: (970) 527-1110. Email: jeff@freshapplecider.com.. Open: Daily, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Also Wine tasting, local
    produce, cheese, gifts, deli, campground, picnics.
  • First Fruits Organic Farms, Inc. - ORGANIC, fruit
    P.O. Box 864, Paonia, CO, 81428. Phone: 970-527-6122 or 527-3157. On-farm sales, direct sales to buyer groups and u-pick. Many varieties of fruit, fresh and dried. Apple butter, apple sauce & a variety of jams.
    Certified Organic.
  • Uncle Johnny's U-Pick Farm - Uses natural growing practices, apples, apricots, beans, beets, blackberries, cherries, cucumbers, currants (red and black), grapes, peaches, peppers, plums, pumpkins, raspberries (Autumn, red), summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), U-pick and already picked, picnic area, farm animals, weddings and wedding parties
    18561 Surface Creek Road, Cedaredge, CO 81413. Phone: 970-250-5829. Alternate Phone: 970-856-4263. Email: UNCLEJOHNNYSUPICKFARM@GMAIL.COM. Open: 7 days a week 8 amto8 pm (by appointment) during harvest season. Directions: from the stoplight in Cedaredge @main street and highway 65 turn east,travel 1 mile on east main to the rodeo grounds,turn north on surface creek road,go about 1-3/4 miles to 18561 surface creek road on the left hand side. Click here for a map and directions. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Payment: Cash, Check. Free range pork is grown on a pre-paid reserved basis by 1/4-1/2 or whole pig. Custom Processing, using your cutting and packaging instructions is extra and will be scheduled when pigs are at their prime. (ADDED: January 21, 2012)
  • McClure Orchards - ORGANIC, U-Pick peaches and cherries.4179 O Road, Paonia, CO 81428. Phone: 970-527-6241. Eggs, goats, goat milk, lamb and alfalfa hay. Certified Organic
  • Orchard Valley Farms and Black Ridge Winery - ORGANIC, fruit
    15836 Black Bridge Road, Paonia, CO, 81428. Phone: 970-527-6838. We are open 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, seven days a week, from Memorial Day to Halloween. Directions: Map. We offer the finest organically grown apples, pears, peaches, cherries, blackberries, raspberries, grapes, and vegetables in season. Pick your own produce, wander the gardens and orchard, visit our market and wine tasting room. Then picnic along the beautiful Gunnison River. We also have a tempting variety of gourmet products and gifts – vinegars, oils, salsas, jams and jellies, syrups, butters, mustards, chutneys, and honey.
  • Zephyros Farm and Garden -
    11466 3725 Road, Paonia, CO. Phone: (970) 527-3636 (call first). Open: By appointment only; see web site for directions.
    CSA farm, greenhouse, on-farm sales, u-pick: asparagus, beets, bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chile peppers, chiles -roasted, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, grapes, green beans, herbs, honeydew, leeks, lettuce, nectarines, okra, onions, peaches, pears, pickles, potatoes, radishes, raspberries, spinach, squash, sweet corn, tomatoes, turnips, watermelon, zucchini, lamb, eggs. Farm and ranch vacations.
  • Zoe - ORGANIC, Apples, peaches
    14485 G Road, Delta, CO 81416. Phone: 970-874-1030. Email us at: info@zoejuice.com. Crops are usually available in July, August, September, October. Open: 24 hours a day 7 days a week on our website! We produce an apple juice, peach nectar drink with honey and whey protein out of Organic Colorado fruit year round. We are certified organic for some crops. Payment: Cash, Visa/MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.

Fremont County

  • Apple Valley Orchard - apples, plums, pumpkins, U-pick and already picked, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, school tours
    448 K St, Penrose, CO 81240. Phone: 719-372-6337. Email: applevalleyorchard@yahoo.com. Open: See our website for current hours. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Opening date: August 29, 2009. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard, Discover. (ADDED: August 13, 2009) (UPDATED: August 17, 2009)
  • Colon Orchards - apples, Fresh eggs, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), restrooms, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
    3175 Grandview Avenue, Canon City, CO 81212. Phone: 719-275-6359. Alternate Phone: 719-240-6359. Fax: 719-275-6612. Email: brittalex@hotmail.com. Open: Everday 9 am to 6 pm, September 15th to Hard Freeze. Directions: From Denver or Pueblo take Highway 50 South to Canon City. Take a left at first light which is Mackenzie Avenue. At first crossroad take a right on Grandview Avenue. We are about two county blocks down on right hand side. You cant miss us!. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard, Discover. (ADDED: November 06, 2011)
  • Ferrara's Happy Apple Farm - Gooseberries, Blackberries, Raspberries, Pears, Apples and Pumpkins
    1190 1st St. Penrose, CO.  Phone: 719-372-6300. Southern Colorado's largest PYO! A family owned and run pick-your-own fruit farm located in Southern Colorado in the small town of Penrose.   Please check our "Find Us" page for a map.
    A visitor writes on July 11, 2010:     "Just visited to pick gooseberries today! Tony and Hope, the owners, are wonderful, kind people. Call ahead at least a week to give them time to get back to you. Gooseberry season is over early- to mid-July so pick early! We came from Denver and it's about 1 hour 45 minutes to their farm."
  • Third Street Apples - apples, pumpkins, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, farm market, restrooms, picnic area
    935 3rd Street, Penrose, CO 81240. Phone: 719-372-6283. Email: applelance@bresnan.net. Open: 9:30 to 5:00 Thursday - Monday Closed Tuesday and Wednesday Late August through Halloween. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. 28 miles south of Colorado Springs on Hwy. 115 to 3rd Street (watch for "Brush Hollow" sign), east on 3rd just past "I" Street. 25 miles west of Pueblo on Hwy 50 to "K" Street, north to 3rd, west 1 and 1/2 blocks on 3rd. Payment: Cash, Check. Early apple varieties (McIntosh and Gala) starting Labor Day weekend, peak season for apples September 10 though mid October. Payment: Cash, Check. (UPDATED: August 29, 2009)

Gunnison County

Montezuma County

  • Jones Farm - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, corn (sweet), cucumbers, flowers, herbs/spices, lavender, peppers, pumpkins, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, U-pick and already picked, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties
    25450 Road M, Cortez, CO 81321. Phone: 970-799-2785. Alternate Phone: 970-564-4451. Email: bjones472@q.com. Open: Daily August 15 to November 15 from 1 pm to 7 pm. Directions: Located on Road M between Lebanon Road and Mildred Road, approximately one mile north of the Cortez City Limits. Click here for a map and directions. PumpkinFest is the third week-end in October and the corn maze is open from October 1st through October 31st. Payment: Cash, Check. PumpkinFest is entertaining for the whole family. Enjoy a harvest meal that includes pumpkin cupcakes, hot dogs, and apple cider while the kids swing, play games, visit the petting zoo, or explore the corn maze. (UPDATED: August 23, 2011) (ADDED: August 13, 2010)

Montrose County

  • Dayspring Farm - u-pick lavender
    5184 6000 Road, Olathe, CO. Phone: (970) 323-0204 (call first). Email: roxi@dayspringfarm.net. Open: Year-round; on Thursday to Saturday, by appointment; Tours by appointment and during Festival. Directions: Take Hwy. 50 to the Olathe stop light (light is on Hwy. 50). Turn east on David Rd. Travel approximately 1 mile and turn left (north) on 6000 Rd. Travel north  approximately 1/2 mile, turn right into our drive at 5184 6000 Rd.
    On-farm sales, lavender essential oil, lavender products, bundles, pine and juniper hydrosols, handcrafted gifts. Beef, lamb, pork, poultry, sausage (frozen, whole, half, quarter, jerky, retail packages). USDA-inspected. Antibiotic and hormone free, free-range, 100% grassfed, cultivated without chemicals. Horse Motel, Lavender Festival in July. Order online or by telephone. Shipping available.
  • Devries' Buffalo Ranch / Proprietor Elizabeth Devries - pumpkins, tomatoes, prepicked produce, farm animals
    Between Montrose & Olathe On Highway 50, Olathe, CO 81425. Phone: (970) 323-6559. Fax: (970) 323-6053. Directions: Between Montrose and Olathe on Highway 50. Between Mile Markers 85 and 86. And for a map to our farm, click here. Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October. Open: Every Day 9am to 7pm; Open year around. Corn Maze open Labor Day Weekend through Halloween; Pumpkin Patch Open Mid September through October; U-Pick Tomatoes available mid August through October; Haunted Corn Maze open two weeks before Halloween. Payment: Cash, Check. Available until Frost: Homegrown Tomatoes, Olathe Sweet Sweet Corn, Palisade Peaches, Green River melons, Apples, Pears, Plums, Grapes, Nectarines, Green Beans, Cucumbers, Pickles, Bell Peppers, Colored Peppers, Chili Peppers (several varieties), Squash, Cabbage, Beets, Onions, Potatoes, Pinto Beans, Gourds, Pumpkins, Squash, Honey, Garlic, and Buffalo Meat (U.S.D.A. Inspected). (ADDED: September 15, 2008)

Ourey County

Park County

Rio Grande County

Saguache County

San Juan County

San Miguel County

Farmer's Markets, Farm Stands and Roadside Stands, Etc.
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

Archuleta County

  • Chimney Rock Farm- Wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, restrooms, snacks and refreshment stand, picnic area, picnic area, picnic area, school tours
    500 County Road 175, Chimney Rock, CO 81127. Open: 9am to 6pm, 7 days a week during summer/fall.. Directions: See their website for directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa/MasterCard . Chimney Rock Farm has a CSA program and a baked goods share program. (Suggested by a visitor, ADDED: July 20, 2010)

Fremont County

  • Colon Orchards - Farm stand / farm market on a farm, Wide variety of seasonal, locally grown fruits and vegetables, some produce is certified organically grown, some produce is sustainably grown, some produce is grown using IPM (integrated pest management), Indoor market, Covered outdoor market, Fresh local eggs, Baked goods, Fresh eggs, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), restrooms, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
    3175 Grandview Avenue, Canon City, CO 81212. Phone: 719-275-6359. Alternate Phone: 719-240-6359. Fax: 719-275-6612. Email: brittalex@hotmail.com. Open: Everday 9 am to 6 pm, July 15th to THanksgiving. Directions: From Denver or Pueblo take Highway 50 South to Canon City. Take a left at first light which is Mackenzie Avenue. At first crossroad take a right on Grandview Avenue. We are about two county blocks down on right hand side. You cant miss us!. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard, Discover. Colon Orchards is a hometown Orchard and Farm that offers a wide variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables. We also have local honey, salsas, goat milk and cheeses, pasta, popcorn, dry beans. We roast chili everday August through October and feature "Pick your Own" apples. Our bakery bakes up hot apple, peach and cherry pies, as well as breads and other goodies on the weekends. (ADDED: November 06, 2011)

La Plata County

Montrose County

  • Black Canyon Hydroponics - Farm stand / farm market on a farm, Wide variety of seasonal, locally grown fruits and vegetables, all produce is sustainably grown, Indoor market, Preserves, jams, jellies, beans, cucumbers, flowers, herbs/spices, peas, peppers, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, concessions / refreshment stand, restrooms, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
    1850 Launa Drive, Suite 100, Montrose, CO 81401. Phone: 702-275-3300. Fax: 970-240-6601. Email: scott@blackcanyonhydroponics.com. Open: Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. All produce is grown in doors, hydroponically, acclimatized and pest free. We are in process of expansion to meet the local market demands. Please email for more information. scott@blackcanyonhydroponics.com Thank you, Scott. (ADDED: January 17, 2011)

Local Honey Sources:

Montezuma County

  • Jones Farm - Uses natural growing practices, Honey (retail), Raw honeys, Whipped honey, Honey from hives on the farm, picnic area, petting zoo, farm animals, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
    25450 Road M, Cortez, CO 81321. Phone: 9707992785. Alternate Phone: 9705644451. Email: bobbe@velocitynetdsl.com. Open: Every day September 1 to November 30 from 8 am to 5 pm. Directions: One mile North of Cortez City Limits on Road M, between Lebonan Road and Mildred Road on the South side of the road. Click here for a map and directions. Honey and cucumbers: Begins on September 1 Pumpkins, Gourds: September 30 to November 30 Herbs(Lavender, Lemon Balm, Dill): September 1 to October 30. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Payment: Cash, Check. Fall Festival Weekend Event is scheduled on October 16 and October 17 from 8 am to 5 pm This event offers photo opportunities, the petting zoo, children's play area, and food. (ADDED: August 13, 2010)

Meats, Milk and Eggs:

Delta County

  • Uncle Johnny's U-Pick Farm - Uses natural growing practices, Pork, USDA Natural, 100% grass and/or grain fed, children welcome, Pets welcome, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), U-pick and already picked, picnic area, farm animals, weddings and wedding parties
    18561 Surface Creek Road, Cedaredge, CO 81413. Phone: 970-250-5829. Alternate Phone: 970-856-4263. Email: UNCLEJOHNNYSUPICKFARM@GMAIL.COM. Open: 7 days a week 8 amto8 pm (by appointment) during harvest season. Directions: from the stoplight in Cedaredge @main street and highway 65 turn east,travel 1 mile on east main to the rodeo grounds,turn north on surface creek road,go about 1-3/4 miles to 18561 surface creek road on the left hand side. Click here for a map and directions. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Payment: Cash, Check. Free range pork is grown on a pre-paid reserved basis by 1/4-1/2 or whole pig. Custom Processing, using your cutting and packaging instructions is extra and will be scheduled when pigs are at their prime. (ADDED: January 21, 2012)

Wholesale Foods

Fremont County

  • Colon Orchards - Local sales at our farm, Local delivery, Regional delivery (see below for details), some produce is certified organically grown, some produce is sustainably grown, some produce is grown using IPM (integrated pest management), Baked goods, Preserves, jams, jellies, Wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, Fresh eggs, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), restrooms, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
    3175 Grandview Avenue, Canon City, CO 81212. Phone: 719-275-6359. Alternate Phone: 719-240-6359. Fax: 719-275-6612. Email: brittalex@hotmail.com. Open: Everyday 9 am to 6 pm, July 15th to Thanksgiving. Directions: From Denver or Pueblo take Highway 50 South to Canon City. Take a left at first light which is Mackenzie Avenue. At first crossroad take a right on Grandview Avenue. We are about two county blocks down on right hand side. You cant miss us!. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard, Discover. We offer a very wide variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables, either by the pound, by the box, or by the bin. (ADDED: November 06, 2011)

La Plata County

  • Farm-i - Local sales at our farm, Local delivery, Regional delivery (see below for details), all produce is certified organically grown, Preserves, jams, jellies, Wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, flowers, herbs/spices, melons, onions, peas, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash,
    2997 County Road 215, Durango, CO 81303. Phone: 970-703-3276. Alternate Phone: 970-703-FARM. Email: Ian@farm-i.net. Open: Call or Email for Information. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Click here for our Facebook page. Thanks for supporting local agriculture!. (ADDED: September 11, 2011)

 

Picking Tips

[General picking tips and a guide to each fruit and vegetable] [How much do I need to pick? (Yields - how much raw makes how much cooked or frozen)] [Selecting the right varieties to pick] [All about apple varieties - which to pick and why!]  [Picking tips for Vegetables] [ Strawberry picking tips] [ Blueberries picking tips]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Illustrated Canning, Freezing, Jam Instructions and Recipes

[ All About Home Canning, Freezing and Making Jams, Pickles, Sauces, etc. ] [FAQs - Answers to common questions and problems] [Recommended books about home canning, jam making, drying and preserving!] [Free canning publications to download and print]