2024 Greensboro Triad Area of North Carolina Bean U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Bean U-Pick Orchards in Greensboro Triad Area of North Carolina in 2024, by county

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

Alamance County

• Iseley Farms - ORGANIC, Strawberries, Flowers, Pumpkin, Vegetables, Beans, Broccoli, Cabbage, Corn, Cucumber, Herb, Honey, Onions, Peppers, Potatoes, Squash, Tomatoes, Mums, Hay Rides
  2980 Burch Bridge Road, Burlington, NC 27217. Phone: (336) 584-3323. Email: iseleyfarms@bellsouth.net. Open: UPDATE for 2021, 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 Strawberry Hours Mid-April through Mid-June are Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm, closed on Sunday, Hours will depend on berry availability this season; Call ahead to find out. Directions: From downtown Burlington take NC 87 North to Elmira St. turn right across railroad track, Elmira Street becomes Burch Bridge Road. At city limits, farm is 3.3 miles from RR crossing on left. . Click here for a map and directions. . Phone: (336) 584-6473. . welcomes, school groups, church groups, home-schooled groups, playschool and preschool groups to enjoy strawberry picking in the spring and the pumpkin patch & hayrides in the month of October. Monday to Friday 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday 9 am to 4 pm; May 1 thru October 31. Crop availability: Okra - July-late October Beets - July-September Organic lettuce - Spring & Fall Broccoli. Third week in October: daycare, hayrides.
  Comments from a visitor on July 02, 2009: "The strawberries are not organic. I visited in late May and spoke with the farmer, Jane Iseley. She gave me some detail about how she limits her use of pesticides to the stage before fruit emerges. Her other crops are organically grown I believe."

Davie County

• Galliher Farm - Certified Organic, beans, broad beans, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, onions, peas, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Other fruit or veg,
  183 Garwood Rd, Mocksville, NC 27028. Phone: 336-940-6784. Email: galliherfarm@gmail.com. Open: UPDATE for 2020, Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me . Directions: US Highway 64 east of Mocksville go 3.5 miles Garwood road turns left follow Garwood road 14 mile farm on left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. 02">Galliher Farm . US Highway 64 east of Mocksville go 3.5 miles Garwood road turns left follow Garwood road 1/4 mile farm on left. produce will be available starting in late April going thru November. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. organic certification will be completed in April or may by ICS certifiers in ND.we are the largest organic fruit and vegetable producers in Davie county, we also raise beef cows and hogs on pasture and sell meat from those.we sell our veg.and fruit thru a CSA and at farmington farmers market or you can pick up at farm.

Harnett County

• Farmer's Strawberries & Produce - Beans, Cabbage, Squash, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Onions, Potatoes
  209 Holder Road, Lillington, NC 27546. Phone: (910) 893-6076. Open: Sunday-Saturday Call for hours & availability. Directions: Located 4 miles west of Lillington on Hwy 27. . Click here for a map and directions. . Phone: (910) 893-3623Sunday-Saturday (Call for hours & availability.). Crop availability: Strawberries - April-May Squash - April Onions, Snaps, Tomatoes, Potatoes & Cabbage - April-June.

Lee County

• Gary Thomas Farms - Asparagus, Beans, Blackberry, Corn, Cucumber, Greenhouse Tomatoes, Greenhouse Vegetables, Jellies, Jams, Onions, Strawberries
  443 Thomas Road, Sanford, NC 27330. Phone: (919) 258-3035. Open: Sunday 1 pm to 6 pm, Monday to Saturday 7 am to 7 pm. Directions: Located off Hwy 42 East towards Broadway, go one mile turn left on Rice Toad at East Lee Middle School, one half mile on right is Thomas Road, one half mile on left is Gary Thomas Strawberries. . Click here for a map and directions. . Phone: (919) 258-3262 Crop availability: Strawberries, Sweet Onions, Greenhouse Tomatoes & Cucumbers - mid April-June Asparagus - late April-mid May Green Beans & Sweet Corn - June-early July Blackberries - June-July. Homemade jam & jelly. website.
• Gross Farms, LLC - asparagus, beans, corn (sweet), cucumbers, melons, onions, peas, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, strawberries, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, school tours
  1606 Pickett Road, Sanford, NC 27332. Phone: 919-498-6727. Email: info@grossfarms.com. Open: Mid - Late April - End of July on Monday - Saturday from 7:30am to 6:00pm and Sunday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Directions: Gross Farms is conveniently located 4 miles south of Sanford, NC on NC 87. From Raleigh: Take US 1 south to Sanford. Take NC 87 South for approximately 8 miles. Turn left onto Pickett Road. The farm is located 12 mile on the left. From Sanford: Take NC 87 South for approximately 4 miles. Turn left onto Pickett Road. The farm is located 12 mile on the left. From Fayetteville: Take NC 87 North for approximately 25 miles. Turn right onto Pickett Road. The farm is located 12 mile on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard.
  Gross Farms, LLC Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 919-499-4522. Fax: 919-498-6731. . Gross Farms is conveniently located 4 miles south of Sanford, NC on NC 87. From Raleigh: Take US 1 south to Sanford. Take NC 87 South for approximately 8 miles. Turn left onto Pickett Road. The farm is located 1/2 mile on the left. From Sanford: Take NC 87 South for approximately 4 miles. Turn left onto Pickett Road. The farm is located 1/2 mile on the left. From Fayetteville: Take NC 87 North for approximately 25 miles. Turn right onto Pickett Road. The farm is located 1/2 mile on the left. Strawberries: Mid-late April to end of May Asparagus: late April and May Sweet Corn: late June and July Pumpkins: late September and October.
  Comments from a visitor on September 21, 2012: "Loved it. Great for military families (they offer discount!) and the little ones really enjoyed picking their own pumpkin and the playground!"

Randolph County

• Cedar View Farm - apples, beans, blackberries, broad beans, corn (sweet), cucumbers, melons, peas, peaches, peppers, summer squash, tomatoes,
  7466 Richland Church Road, Liberty, NC 27298. Phone: 336-202-7771. Email: poehouses@aol.com. Open: 7 days a week 8am to 6 pm. Directions: Call for directions and availably. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Alternate Phone: 336-622-3296. . June Thursday November.

Rockingham County

• Southern Produce - beans, beets, corn (sweet), cucumbers, melons, onions, peas, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, prepicked produce, farm animals
  4942 Ellisboro Road, Stokesdale, NC 27357. Phone: 336-427-2571. Email: dlsouth190@embarqmail.com. Open: UPDATE for 2020, Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me, last reported hours were Daylight hours during growing season. Directions: Just 2 miles from highway 68 & 158. From Greensboro take highway 68N to 158W. At stop light take a right on highway 65 \(Bi-Rite Grocery Store\), take next left on Ellisboro Road at stop light. Farm is 1 mile on the left. Nice drive from the city. Enjoy all the farms and Cattle nearby. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Just 2 miles from highway 68 & 158. From Greensboro take highway 68N to 158W. At stop light take a right on highway 65 (Bi-Rite Grocery Store), take next left on Ellisboro Road at stop light. Farm is 1 mile on the left. Nice drive from the city. Enjoy all the farms and Cattle nearby. Crops are usually available in May, June, July, August, September, October.

 

Pick Your Own Farms!

Green Bean, Lima Bean, Shelled Beans Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

When are fresh beans available?

Beans are a warm weather crop, and won't grow much in cold soil. It takes them about 60 to 70 days from seed to harvest.

 In the U.S. beans typically peak in harvesting from June through October in the South, and in July to September in the North. But they can be ready as early as early June in many places, if the weather is good.

  

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - it's hard to pick in a muddy field!
2. Most growers furnish picking containers designed for beans, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
3. 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.

  

Tips on How to Pick Beans

Whether you pick beans from your garden or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Tips on How to Pick Green Beans

1. Most beans these days are "stringless". That refers to a string, tough filament of the bean that runs along the outside from one end to the other.  Some beans have two, one on each side; and some have one.
2. I prefer to snap the bean off the plant just below where the stem attaches to the bean. If you do this, it will save time when you get home, because one end of the bean has already been trimmed.  But this only makes sense if you will be using, cooking, canning or freezing the beans that day. 
3. If you won't be using the beans the same day, then break  off the bean from the plant along the thin stem that connects the bean to the plant.
4. The beans snap off pretty easily. hence the name "snap beans".
5. Pole beans are the easiest to pick, because, since they grow up poles or twine, you don't have to squat down or bend over!
6. Beans are ready for harvest when the pods are plump and firm, but not yet bulging. .
7. In your own garden, pick your beans regularly to encourage more growth and prevent the pods from becoming tough and stringy.
8. To harvest, hold the stem of the plant with one hand and gently snap the pod with the other..

Look for string, snap or green beans that are :

1. firm
2. green (not yellowish - unless you're picking yellow beans!)
3. smooth, not wrinkly on the surface - that's an old or dried out bean. Snap beans are best when the pods are firm and snap readily, but before the seeds within the pod develop. The tips should be pliable
4. not lumpy - those lumps are the beans that are developed - that's an overripe green bean!  Of course, if you want mature beans (not including the pod) then that's a different story, but we're talking about green beans here).
5. The beans in the photo at right are, from left:
   - old and yellowing,
   - overripe and lumpy; and
   - dried out and damaged.
6. Avoid placing the picked beans in the sunlight any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the car trunk or on the car seat. Cool them as soon as possible after picking. I prefer to bring a cooler with ice in it. Green Beans may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for 3 or 4 days

 

When you get home

1. After harvesting, store your beans in the refrigerator or blanch and freeze them for longer storage.
2. Put them in the vegetable crisper in the fridge, in a loose plastic bag.
3. They will be good for about a week like that.

  

Bean recipes and home canning

Now, get ready to can or freeze the extra beans - It is VERY easy! Click on the links for easy instructions.

1. How to can green beans, yellow beans, snap beans, broad beans, etc.
2. How to make pickled beans
3. How to freeze green beans (and other beans)
4. How to Freeze Lima Beans, Broad beans, Butter Beans and/or Pinto Beans
5. Canning fresh shelled beans
6. Canned dried beans and peas (from kidney beans, peas, lima beans, broadbeans, chickpeas, pole beans, etc.)
7. Canned Baked  Beans With Tomato or Molasses Sauce
8. Canned Baked  Beans With Back, Pork or Ham and Tomato or Molasses Sauce -
9. Pickled green beans
10. Pickled Dill beans
11. Mustard beans (pickled mustard beans)
12. Pickled Three-Bean Salad

Varieties

There are many different types of beans, each with their own unique flavor, texture, and growing requirements. Some of the most popular varieties include:

• Green Beans: Also known as snap beans or string beans, green beans are a classic garden staple. They can be eaten fresh or cooked and come in bush and pole varieties.
• Lima Beans: Lima beans (called Broad Beans or Butter Beans in the UK) are a nutritious and protein-rich vegetable that can be eaten fresh or dried. They require a long growing season and prefer warm temperatures.
• Pole Beans: Pole beans are a climbing variety of bean that require support to grow. They can reach up to 10 feet tall and have a longer growing season than bush beans.
• Dried Beans: Dried beans are a versatile pantry staple that can be used in soups, stews, and other dishes. Popular varieties include black beans, navy beans, kidney beans, black beans, garbanzo (aka, chick peas) and pinto beans

• s, navy beans, kidney beans, black beans, garbanzo (aka, chick peas) and pinto beans

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