Where in Toronto areas of Ontario, Canada to find pick your own farms and orchards for fruit, vegetables, pumpkins and canning & freezing instructions!

This month's notes: April 2016: Strawberries have a very brief season; and the start in early April in the South, don't miss them: See your state's crop availability calendar for more specific dates of upcoming crops. And see our guide to local fruit and vegetable festivals, such as strawberry festivals and blueberry festivals. Organic farms are identified in green!  Also make your own ice cream; see How to make ice cream and ice cream making equipment and manuals.)  Have fun, eat healthier and better tasting, and save money by picking your own locally grown fruit and vegetables, and then using our easy canning and freezing directions!

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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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".

Toronto areas of Ontario, Canada 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!

Be sure to also check the Ontario page, in case I miscategorized the location of a farm!

 

Pick-your-own farms in the Toronto Area, Canada 

This page provides a detailed list of Toronto, Ontario, Canada's pick- your- own (PYO, U-pick, upickem, pick-it-yourself) farms.  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 let me know!

And if you want simple illustrated, instructions on making and canning many common items, like how to make jam, applesauce, apple butter, spaghetti sauce, salsa, fruit pies, freezing vegetables, putting up peaches, green beans, etc., just click here.

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

Meats, Milk and Eggs:

Durham (Clarington, Oshawa, Scugog, Whitby)

  • "R" Farm - Chicken (free range), No hormones used, No antibiotics used, Eggs (free range), Farm market with fruits and vegetables, Restrooms, Within an easy drive to an Interstate road, School tours, children welcome, No pets please, gift shop, porta-potties, face painting, inflatables or bounce houses, birthday parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
    3388 Concession 3, Newcastle, ON L1B 1L9. Phone: 905 987 5090. Email: gbgibson3388@gmail.com. Open: June 15 until October 31,everyday of the week, 9 am to 5 pm Other times by appointment. Directions: 45 minutes east of Toronto by the 401 to the 115/35 junction. North 2 miles to the Third concession. West on third concession 1 mile and watch for sign for 3388. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Click here for our Facebook page. (ADDED: August 08, 2013)
  • Willowtree Farm - natural beed, pork, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, petting zoo, school tours
    975 Regional Road 21, Port Perry, ON L9L 1B5. Phone: 905-985-4973. Fax: 905-985-1955. Email: willowtreefarm@sympatico.ca. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. call for specific harvest dates. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. (ADDED: December 16, 2009)

Halton (Burlington, Darbyville, Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville)

  • Carter Farm Market - Uses natural growing practices, Milk, Eggs (free range), Eggs, Farm market with fruits and vegetables, Fresh farm breakfasts, Lunches offered, snacks, refreshments and/or concessions, Restaurant, Ice cream shop, Snack bar, Hiking trails, Fishing onsite, Within an easy drive to an Interstate road, Farm/ranch tours for visitors, School tours, children welcome, No pets please, handicap accessible, meeting room available, Honey from hives on the farm, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, Fresh eggs, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, picnic area, face painting, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
    9880 Winston Churchill Blvd., Norval, ON L0P 1K0. Phone: 905-454-8767. Email: mcarter@carterfarmmarket.com. Open: Monday - Thursday 9 am to 5pm Friday - Saturday 9 am to 6pm Sunday 9 am to 5pm. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Updates: Click here for updates. Directions: 7 km North of the 401 on Winston Churchill Blvd. Click here for a map and directions. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Payment: Cash, Cheque, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. Click here for our Facebook page. (ADDED: July 29, 2013)

York (Aurora, Georgina, King, Maple Hill, Markham, Newmarket, Vaughan, Whitchurch-Stouffville)

  • Round The Bend Farm - Chicken (free range), Turkey, snacks, refreshments and/or concessions, Brown eggs, sausage, Smoked meats, Farm market with fruits and vegetables, School tours, children welcome, handicap accessible, Turkeys (organic, not-hormone-fed), Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, porta-potties, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
    16225 Jane Street, Kettleby, ON L0G 1J0. Phone: 905-727-0023. Fax: 905-727-0023. Email: roundthebendfarm@routcom.com. Open: Monday to Friday nine to six; Saturday nine to five; Closed Sunday. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. Click here for our Facebook page. (ADDED: July 06, 2011)
  • Ole John Farm - Fresh eggs, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, Bouncy castle or moon bounce, petting zoo, farm animals, school tours
    14107 highway 48, Stouffville, ON L4A 7X3. Phone: 416-527-1334. Email: petra@pwrhse.com. Directions: HWY 48 (Markham Road) north of Bloomington (HWY 47) easily accessible from HWY404 - exit at Bloomington and continue East to highway 48 (intersection has an ESSO station on the south west corner) - turn north - 4th driveway on the left/east south of Hutchinson's John Deere. Follow the signs. From 401 - you are best to take the 404 north to Bloomington and go East to highway 48. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.  (ADDED: February 20, 2010)

Local Honey Sources:

Durham (Clarington, Oshawa, Scugog, Whitby)

Halton (Burlington, Darbyville, Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville)

  • Carter Farm Market - Uses natural growing practices, Honey (retail), Wildflower honey, Comb honey, Raw honeys, Beeswax candles, Pollen, Other honey products, Tours, Honey from hives on the farm, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, Fresh eggs, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, picnic area, face painting, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
    9880 Winston Churchill Blvd., Norval, ON L0P 1K0. Phone: 905-454-8767. Email: mcarter@carterfarmmarket.com. Open: Monday - Thursday 9 am to 5pm Friday - Saturday 9 am to 6pm Sunday 9 am to 5pm. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Honey updates: Click here for updates. Directions: 7 km North of the 401 on Winston Churchill Blvd. Click here for a map and directions. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Payment: Cash, Cheque, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. Click here for our Facebook page. (ADDED: July 29, 2013)

Peel (Brampton Caledon, Mississauga)

  • Dixie Orchards - Honey (retail), Tours, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
    14309 Dixie Road (1 kilometer north of King Street), Caledon, ON L7C 2M8. Phone: 905-838-5888. Email: paul@dixieorchards.com. Open: 10 am to 6 pm when produce is in season. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Honey updates: Click here for updates. Directions: 410 north to Mayfield Road, turn right and immediately left onto Dixie Road. Take Dixie Road north for 5 minutes. We are 1 kilometer north of King Street in Southern Caledon. Click here for a map and directions. Raspberries mid July (check website for exact harvest times) Apples September 1st - October 31st. Payment: Cash, Debit cards. Free wagon rides Free corn maze Free straw jump.
  • Love Area - Honey (wholesale), Comb honey, Pollen, Tours, Honey from hives on the farm, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, farm market, gift shop, face painting, inflatables or bounce houses, pony rides, petting zoo, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
    8674 Heritage Road Brampton, Brampton, ON L6Y 0E1Email: shatha.alatresh@gmail.com. Open: July 17 2013 pm to September 3. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Cheque, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. (ADDED: July 05, 2013)

York (Aurora, Georgina, King, Maple Hill, Markham, Newmarket, Vaughan, Whitchurch-Stouffville)

Farm Venues for Weddings, Events, Activities, Parties and Meetings:

Durham (Clarington, Oshawa, Scugog, Whitby)

  • "R" Farm - Birthday parties, Corporate events, PR or Marketing events, Filming or photo shoots, Classes, lectures or Speakers, School and educational groups, Other Private Parties, You may bring your own food, Vegetables, or bush fruit, chickens, Beautiful rural setting, Hiking trails, Fishing nearby, Free Onsite Lot parking lot, Within an easy drive to an Interstate road, Smoking allowed in designated areas, gift shop, porta-potties, face painting, inflatables or bounce houses, birthday parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
    3388 Concession 3, Newcastle, ON L1B 1L9. Phone: 905 987 5090. Email: gbgibson3388@gmail.com. Open: June 15 until October 31,everyday of the week, 9 am to 5 pm Other times by appointment. Directions: 45 minutes east of Toronto by the 401 to the 115/35 junction. North 2 miles to the Third concession. West on third concession 1 mile and watch for sign for 3388. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Click here for our Facebook page. "R" Farm stands for whatever R you need, relax, rejoice, refresh... We want people to share the farm and become members, even have their own garden plots. Make "R" Farm your farm. (ADDED: August 08, 2013)

Halton (Burlington, Darbyville, Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville)

  • Andrew's Scenic Acres - No pesticides are used, Birthday parties, Business meetings, Business outings, Filming or photo shoots, School and educational groups, Daycare and preschool groups, Other Private Parties, You may bring your own food, Some Tables and chairs are provided, Bring your own linens and table silverware, Wine & Champagne Only, Vegetables, or bush fruit, goats, chickens, Beautiful rural setting, Mountain views, horse riding, golf nearby, Internet (Wireless), Free Onsite Lot parking lot, Within an easy drive to an Interstate road, children welcome, No pets please, Smoking allowed in designated areas, handicap accessible, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, restrooms, picnic area, pony rides, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
    9365 10th Sideroad, Milton, ON L9T 2X9. Phone: 905-878-5807. Fax: 905-878-4997. Email: Farm@AndrewsScenicAcres.com. Open: Tours are available starting in Spring and continue into October. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Venue updates: Click here for updates. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. We do not use pesticides on the crops. Payment: Cash, Cheque, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. Click here for our Facebook page. We also have Elderberries and wide range of flowers available for pick your own. Non-profit Educational Tours available to schools, day care, nurseries, and Montessori schools in the area Custom tours available to corporate and family groups Scotch Block winery on site, sampling available, large selection of award wining fruit wines not found in the LCBO (provincial liquor vendor). (ADDED: June 13, 2011)
  • Carter Farm Market - Uses natural growing practices, Lighting, Cooking Facilities, Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Reception, Wedding Rehearsal Dinner, Banquets / Dinners, Birthday parties, Business meetings, Business outings, Corporate events, PR or Marketing events, Conferences, Filming or photo shoots, Classes, lectures or Speakers, School and educational groups, Daycare and preschool groups, Other Private Parties, Kitchen facilities available, Catering available, Restaurant onsite, You may bring your own food, Some Tables and chairs are provided, Some Linens and table silverware are provided, BYO alcohol, B&B nearby, Hotel nearby, Cattle ranch, Vegetables, or bush fruit, Corn maze, Pumpkin patch, steers/cattle, sheep, goats, horses, chickens, llamas/alpacas, Beautiful rural setting, Fishing onsite, Fishing nearby, CD Player, Computer, Computer Projector, Internet (Wireless), Phone available, Podium, Sound System, TV available, DVD Player, Projection Screen provided, Free Onsite Lot parking lot, Within an easy drive to an Interstate road, Bride and groom dressing areas available, children welcome, No pets please, No smoking allowed, Smoking allowed in designated areas, Vegetarian meals available, handicap accessible, meeting room available, Honey from hives on the farm, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, Fresh eggs, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, picnic area, face painting, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
    9880 Winston Churchill Blvd., Norval, ON L0P 1K0. Phone: 905-454-8767. Email: mcarter@carterfarmmarket.com. Open: Monday - Thursday 9 am to 5pm Friday - Saturday 9 am to 6pm Sunday 9 am to 5pm. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Venue updates: Click here for updates. Directions: 7 km North of the 401 on Winston Churchill Blvd. Click here for a map and directions. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Payment: Cash, Cheque, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. Click here for our Facebook page. (ADDED: July 29, 2013)

York (Aurora, Georgina, King, Maple Hill, Markham, Newmarket, Vaughan, Whitchurch-Stouffville)

  • Brooks Farms - Birthday parties, Business meetings, Business outings, Corporate events, Filming or photo shoots, School and educational groups, Daycare and preschool groups, Other Private Parties, Restaurant onsite, You may bring your own food, Apple Orchard, Vegetables, or bush fruit, Corn maze, Pumpkin patch, sheep, goats, chickens, pigs, other animals, Beautiful rural setting, Free Onsite Lot parking lot, Honey from hives on the farm, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, Fresh eggs, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
    122 Ashworth Road, Mount Albert, ON L0G 1M0. Phone: 905-473-3246. Email: info@brooksfarms.com. Open: Mid February til end of October Hours Change Seasonally, Please visit our website for up to date hours and additional information. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. Click here for our Facebook page. (UPDATED: June 26, 2013)

Horse Rides and More:

 

Maple Syrup Farms and Sugarworks:

Peel (Brampton, Caledon, Mississauga) 

  • Love Area - Fancy maple syrup, Organic maple syrup, maple candies, maple honey, tours, Pancake breakfast day, Honey from hives on the farm, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, farm market, gift shop, face painting, inflatables or bounce houses, pony rides, petting zoo, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
    8674 Heritage Road Brampton, Brampton, ON L6Y 0E1Email: shatha.alatresh@gmail.com. Open: July 17 2013 pm to September 3. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Cheque, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. (ADDED: July 05, 2013)

York (Aurora, Georgina, King, Maple Hill, Markham, Newmarket, Vaughan, Whitchurch-Stouffville)

  • Brooks Farms - Fancy maple syrup, Medium maple syrup, Dark amber maple syrup, Premium maple syrup, maple candies, maple sugar, maple butter, Pancake breakfast day, Other fruit or veg, Honey from hives on the farm, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, Fresh eggs, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
    122 Ashworth Road, Mount Albert, ON L0G 1M0. Phone: 905-473-3246. Email: info@brooksfarms.com. Open: Weekends beginning the end of February til the beginning of April Open During March Break. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. . Farm Market, Bakery, Camp Fire, School Educational Tours, Wagon Rides. (UPDATED: June 26, 2013)
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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]

Home Canning Kits

Features:

Ball Enamel Waterbath Canner, Including Chrome-Plated Rack and 4-Piece Utensil Set

* All the tools you need for hot waterbath canning - in one comprehensive set!
* Complete with 21 1/2 qt. enameled waterbath canner
* Also includes canning rack, funnel, jar lifter, jar wrencher, bubble freer, tongs and lid lifter.
* A Kitchen Krafts exclusive collection.

This is the same type of standard canner that my grandmother used to make everything from applesauce to jams and jellies to tomato and spaghetti sauce. This complete kit includes everything you need and lasts for years: the canner, jar rack, Jar grabber tongs, lid lifting wand, a plastic funnel, labels, bubble freer. It's much cheaper than buying the items separately. You will never need anything else except jars & lids (and the jars are reusable)! There is also a simple kit with just the canner and rack, and a Pressure Canner, if you want to do vegetables (other than tomatoes). To see more canners, of different styles, makes and prices, click here!
McSunley 21.5 quart Water Bath Canner, Stainless Steel See here for related tools, equipment, supplies on Amazon Pressure Canners for all stovetops The Ball Blue Book of Home Canning Don't forget the Ball Blue Book!

Lids, Rings, Jars, mixes, pectin, etc.

Need lids, rings and replacement jars?  Or pectin to make jam, spaghetti sauce or salsa mix or pickle mixes?  Get them all here, and usually at lower prices than your local store!

Get them all here at the best prices on the internet!