This month's notes: February 2012: Winter is upon us, but don't despair! Strawberry and citrus picking actually begins in Florida, southern Texas and southern Californiaa in December. And for the rest of us; there are many delicious jams, jellies, and marmalades that you can make for yourself or as gifts, from frozen or fresh fruit.  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 northeastern Iowa, Dubuque, etc. to find pick your own farms and orchards for fruit, vegetables, pumpkins and canning & freezing instructions!

Click on the map for the area you are interested in!

Iowa County Map

Current weather - click for forecast, or enter a zip code for a different location:

 

 

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

Lee County

  • Appleberry Orchard - apples, blackberries, blueberries, pears, peaches, plums, raspberries (red), strawberries, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, petting zoo, school tours
    2469 Highway 2, Donnellson, IA 52625. Phone: 319-372-1307. Open: June through December; Seasonal hours, please call for current times. Directions: From East: 2 1/2 miles from Highway 2 & 61 Junction. From West: 6 miles West of Donnellson. Strawberries: June; Blackberries: July; Blueberries: July; Raspberries: July; Apples: July - October. Payment: Cash, Check. Apple berry Orchard, formerly Faeth Orchard, is a 10 acre apple orchard with 56 different varieties of apples. Our store includes a bakery with scrumptious pies, breads, cookies, bars, homemade apple butter, applesauce & caramel dip. Other items in our store include dip mixes, honey, sorghum, salsas, popcorn, syrups & preserves. (UPDATED: October 05, 2009)

Horse Rides and More:

Wayne County

  • 3B Carriages.LLC - horse-drawn hayrides, Organic farming,
    1796 Terrace Rd, Corydon, IA 50060. Phone: 641-897-3323. Email: 3b-carriages@live.com. Open: Call to set up a ride time. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Horse drawn carriage rides for weddings and any special occasions. Carriage will hold 4 adult comfortable, but could hold 6 people. Rides are giving at Honey Creek Resort. Will travel up to 75 miles for the farm. Do carriage rides(in future hayrack rides)in Cambria, IA. They have nice fire pit to warm up by after the ride. (ADDED: November 11, 2009)

 

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]