2024 Southwest Georgia Peach U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Peach U-Pick Orchards in Southwest Georgia 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.

Berrien County

• Southern Grace Farms - blackberries, blueberries, nectarines, peaches, plums, strawberries, Citrus, Muscadines, Sunflowers
  11946 Nashville Enigma Rd, Enigma, GA 31749. Phone: (229)533-8585. Email: sgracefarms@hotmail.com. Open: Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 6, March 20 to July 10. Directions: From I-75 Tifton: Take Exit 62 and head East on highway 82 for about 15 miles. This brings you into Enigma. In Enigma, you will turn right on Main Street \(this is also the Enigma-Nashville Hwy\). On the Enigma-Nashville Hwy, you will go South about 4 12 miles until you come to Berrien Peanut Company on your left. Our U-pick strawberries and store are located across the road from Berrien Peanut. Go to the store for directions to other fruits. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx.
  Southern Grace Farms Facebook page. . . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. From I-75 Tifton: Take Exit 62 and head East on highway 82 for about 15 miles. This brings you into Enigma. In Enigma, you will turn right on Main Street (this is also the Enigma-Nashville Hwy). On the Enigma-Nashville Hwy, you will go South about 4 1/2 miles until you come to Berrien Peanut Company on your left. Our U-pick strawberries and store are located across the road from Berrien Peanut. Go to the store for directions to other fruits. Strawberries - March 20 to May 31; Blackberries - May 20 to July 10; Blueberries - May to June, Peaches - May to June; Nectarines - May; Plums - June. Visit our new Country Market filled with Georgia Grown specialty products and Southern themed gift baskets! The store is open during harvest season and November and December.
  Comments from a visitor on April 20, 2010: "This is a family owned & operated farm and everyone is just great to deal with!"

Brooks County

• Burton Brooks Orchard Corporation - peaches, and nectarines, no apples
  16180 Highway 76, Barney, GA 31625. Phone: (229) 775-2710. Open: PYO in season late April through July, pre-picked peaches after that until October May, June, & July everyday from 8 am to 8 pm. Click here for a map and directions. . PYO in season (late April through July, pre-picked peaches after that until October) May, June, & July everyday from 8 am to 8 pm. August, September, October & November closed Monday through Thursday and open 1pm to 6pm only on Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. Locally grown peaches, pecans, seasonal vegetables/fruits, Homemade Churn Style Ice Cream (Peach,Blueberry, Strawberry,Butter Pecan) Jams/Jellies/Dressings. Months of May, June and July Burton Brooks has LOCALLY grown peaches. Also available Georgia watermelons, cantaloupes, blueberries, blackberries, tomatoes, Vidalia onions, squash, eggplant, & peppers!! August, September, October, & November: Local Pecans (starting end of October) sweet potatoes, tomatoes, apples, peppers, eggplant. We also have homemade jellies, jams, & dressings (available anytime).

Tift County

• Berry Good Farms LLC - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, grapes, muscadine grapes, peaches, persimmons, other vegetables, porta-potties are available, petting zoo, farm animals
  930 William Gibbs Rd, Tifton, GA 31793. Phone: 229-821-0746. Email: bob@yourberrygoodfarms.com. Open: March 1, then through August, from 8am to 6pm on Monday thru Friday and 8am to 8pm on Saturdays closed on Sunday. Directions: I75 exit #62 \(Highway 82 West\) in Tifton. 9 miles. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Berry Good Farms LLC Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 229-821-0542. Fax: 229-387-0606. . March 1, then through August, from 8am to 6pm on Monday thru Friday and 8am to 8pm on Saturdays (closed on Sunday). I75 exit #62 (Highway 82 West) in Tifton. 9 miles. Typical dates (check our website for changes): Strawberries start in early March, Blueberries: May 1 through July 15; Blackberries: May 15 through August 1. Payment: Cash, only. This year we have tons of fresh Blueberries on the bush ready to pick. Thornless Blackberries are not far behind. Come out and enjoy picking berries or call to place your order and pick them up. Visit our website for weekly updates to the "picture page" and to see what's happened and what is planned on the farm.(UPDATED: February 28, 2014, from their email) (UPDATED: April 25, 2013, from their email) A visitor writes on June 13, 2013: "The gentleman who answers the phone says a 'chemical problem' has caused them to close the 2013 peach picking. They will not have peaches this year. "
  Comments from a visitor on June 02, 2012: "I just wanted to give positive feedback for Berry Good Farms in Tifton, GA. We took our kids out to pick blackberries and ended up with an absolutely great afternoon and experience. The owner was so helpful and friendly, and she even took our kids around to see the animals on the farm and talk to them about the goats and chickens. It was a wonderful and memorable experience for my entire family. I strongly recommend this farm anytime you want a warm, friendly atmosphere and a great day. We will be back as fast as we can eat all of our berries! "
  Comments from a visitor on May 24, 2012: "Stopped by Berry Good Farms on May 23, 2012. This is a beautiful place. It was worth the ride to be able to sit back and enjoy their farm. Their blackberry vines are loaded with berries. They were not ready to be picked when we were there. The blueberries had been picked the day before so we were able to purchase already picked berries. The blueberries were large (dime size) and very sweet. I would suggest giving them a call to find out what berries are ready. My only regret is that they are 5 hours away from where I live. Enjoy!"
• The Market at Rutland Farms - blackberries, blueberries, cotton, peaches, strawberries, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, school tours
  5641 Union Rd, Tifton, GA 31794. Phone: 229-386-5111. Email: paige@rutlandfarms.com. Open: Monday through Saturday 9 am to 6 pm; Closed Sundays. Directions: Exit 55, I-75. Follow signs. 1.5 miles from interstate. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  The Market at Rutland Farms Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 229-392-5302. . Blueberries: Available April through June*, Peaches: Available May through June*, Tomatoes: Available June through July*, *Dates of availability are approximate and weather dependent. Please call(229) 386-5111 for the most updated information on what's available throughout the year. In addition to regular PYO, they also have festival days, such as Strawberry Jubilee on Saturdays in April. Our Strawberry Jubilee kicks off at 10 am. and runs until 6 pm (last ticket sold at 5:30 PM). We will have a Bounce House, Petting Zoo, Hay Rides, Strawberry Picking, Barrel Train, Local Live Music, and More! 2021 Admission Fee: $8 per person(Children Under 2 are Free with a Paid Adult) Pumpkin patch: October 1st through November 6th.there is no admission fee to visit the pumpkin patch. Guests are only charged the cost of their selected pumpkins. Price is dependent upon size and type of pumpkin selected and therefore, varies. The average price range is from $3.00 to $8.00 per pumpkin. Corn maze: your autumn adventure begins at Rutland Farms! Come get lost in our giant, 15 acre corn maze, light up the night with our flashlight nights inside the maze or, for tiny explorers, check out our mini maze designed with toddlers in mind. The giant corn maze features a new design each year.

 

Pick Your Own Farms!

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