2024 Northeast New Jersey Onion U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Onion U-Pick Orchards in Northeast New Jersey in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for onions that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have onions farms 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.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather.  See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Morris County

• Alstede Farms - apples, apricots, beans, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, currants (red and black), eggplant, flowers, gooseberries, herbs or spices, melons, nectarines, onions, other berries, peas, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (Spring, yellow), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables,
  1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930. Phone: 908-879-7189. Email: info@alstedefarms.com. Open: PYO Hours: Spring & Summer: 9 am to 6 pm, Fall: 9 am to 5 pm check website to see when hours change Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, WIC Vouchers, SFMNP Vouchers.
  Alstede Farms Facebook page. PYO Hours: Spring & Summer: 9 am to 6 pm, Fall: 9 am to 5 pm (check website to see when hours change) Picking updates: Click here for picking updates We are also a CSA, which stands for Community Supported Agriculture. The basic idea of CSA farming is a cooperative relationship between the farmer and his customers. Based on an annual commitment to one another, community members provide a pre-season payment to purchase a share of the harvest . The member then receives a weekly box of a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruit through the growing season, harvested at the peak of ripeness and flavor. We strongly recommend purchasing tickets for all Pick Your Own (PYO) activities in advance, online, utilizing our website. We can not guarantee PYO entry for walk in guests. Any (PYO) entry ticket that is purchased at the PYO sheds will incur a $5.00 per ticket convenience fee.Click here to view our updated Pick Your Own policies.Click here to purchase advance tickets.(UPDATED: September 7, 2021, JBS) (UPDATED: April 23, 2018)
  Comments from a visitor on July 19, 2019: "Blueberries and raspberries are $6.99/lb, which is high, but Peaches are $2.79/lb is is a good price."
  Comments from a visitor on August 12, 2012: "No longer is the price $3.00 (and optional $2.00 hayride). It is $5.00 each to enter farm with $3.00 credit per person. I said I did not need hayride to bring me to the apples and peaches that i could walk myself, but price is still $5.00. Taking hayride to fruits/ veggies OR NOT it is still $5.00 (with the $3.00 credit). Pretty expensive though, spent close to $100.00 on apples and peaches.."
  Comments from a visitor on September 22, 2010: "In reply to the post from Sept 11th 2010. I agree that at first it was a little unsettling to have to pay up front for the privilege of picking my own stuff. They charge $3.00 per person for admission to the fields and an additional $2.00 per person if you want to take the hayride. The hayride is completely optional, as the orchards/berry fields are easily within walking distance of the main areas and they actually give you back the $3.00 per person as credit towards paying for whatever you picked, you just need to hand over your ticket stubs to the cashier. My $30.00 worth of apples (My 3 yr old son had to pick an apple from every tree, lol) was reduced to only $12.00 after the credit. All in all, my family and I have a great time here and we come back every year for apples and pumpkins. We highly recommend it!"
  Comments from a visitor on September 11, 2010: "We visited today to pick our own fruit, something I've done multiple times per year with my daughters since we moved here 9 years ago. Sadly we were greeted with the new policy of paying $5 per person just to go out to the fields to pick..then you pay for the lbs of fruit on top of that. Can you imagine paying $20 for some raspberries?? That's what it would have cost us if just me and my 8 year old went out to the field and filled a basket! OUCH We didn't pick fruit and we didn't stay. What you used to be a fun simple low cost place to take your children has become a money hungry pit and almost commercial like. I can understand when they want to charge for the kids to play on the blow up rentals they have or ride the ponies but WHY would you charge a customer $5 to go out to the field and pick the berries FOR YOU and then pay for them? I know there are plenty other farms that don't do that and that's a shame. Shame Shame Shame"
  Comments from a visitor on June 27, 2009: "We love this farm!"
  Comments from a visitor, May 30, 2008: "They are open all year and have a fabulous store (if you don't want to get out in the brambles and pick your own) They are kid friendly with hayrides, horse rides, festivals, corn maze. They take credit cards and have restrooms. They make their own homemade ice cream (oh boy is it good!). They have farm markets in local communities throughout central NJ. You can even cut your very own wildflowers to take home in a bouquet! :D They are a great farm in a great little town (which also has a Sally Lunn's Tea Room and many wonderful little antique stores and old fashioned privately owned boutique stores."
• Wightman's Farms - peaches, kale, raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes, pumpkins; apples, spring onions
  1111 Mount Kemble Avenue, Morristown, NJ . Phone: (973) 425-9819. Email: wightmansfarms@yahoo.com. Open: picking on Saturdays and Sundays 9 am to 5 pm; Call 973 425-9819 to confirm picking availability; the Market: Daily, year-round except Christmas, 8 am to 6 pm. Directions: I-287 to Exit 30B, right at light, 13 miles on left; S on Route 202 from Morristown; N on Route 202 from Bernardsville. We also have a roadside market farm stand with Apples: all varieties; fruits; vegetables. Our apple varieties are Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Jonathan, Macoun, McIntosh, Red Delicious, StaymanWinesap. We also have Jersey Fresh Cooks cookbook; apples - weekends only after Labor Day thru Oct.; hay rides & pumpkins - weekends only S - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions. . Alternate phone: (973) 425-0840 Hotline. picking on Saturdays and Sundays 9 am to 5 pm; Call to confirm picking availability; the Market: Daily, year-round except Christmas, 8 am to 6 pm. No PYO During the WeekI-287 to Exit 30B, right at light, 1/3 miles on left; S on Route 202 from Morristown; N on Route 202 from Bernardsville. We also have a roadside market / farm stand with Apples: all varieties; fruits; vegetables. Our apple varieties are Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Jonathan, Macoun, McIntosh, Red Delicious, Stayman/Winesap. We also have Jersey Fresh Cooks cookbook; apples - weekends only after Labor Day thru Oct.; hay rides & pumpkins - weekends only September 14 thru Oct.; group tours on weekdays by appt.; corn maze; picnic area; gourds; Indian corn; corn stalks; bedding plants; hanging baskets; Christmas trees; wreaths; roping; decorations; hardy mums; perennials; Easter flowers; dried flowers, fresh bouquets; apple cider; gourmet foods; honey; maple syrup; birdhouses & feeders; bird seed; hickory-smoked meats; cheeses; deli meats; home-made salads; bakery (pies, donuts, muffins, cookies, brownies) . Every person over the age of 3 years old should have a membership card to enter the fields and orchard. Then you pay for what you pick and enjoy your local harvest! 2018 ​Strawberries are $3.99 a pound. Pick Your Own only on Saturdays & Sundays beginning the first weekend in Mid June through October. A current years Pick Your Own Club Membership is required for entry into the orchard and you must have your membership card with you for access to the orchard in future trips. Wrightman Farms Facebook page. (UPDATED: August 8, 2022, JBS)2022 Price update: there is a One-time "membership" Entry fee * of $10.00/Person Ages 3 & Up. this is good for the entire season (Pay once & pick often)! the entry fee grants you access to the picking areas based on seasonality. sign up early!the one-time "membership fee" offer ends on august 31st. after august 31st it's $10.00 per visit (If you bought the membership then you do not have to pay again). the membership is good for entry for the entire season.
  Comments from a visitor on August 28, 2010: "We went to this farm to pick apples with our children. I looked at the website before visiting to get an idea but there was no information on pricing. Before you go you should know the first thing they ask you to do is join as a member $11 for a family of 5. You can't pick fruit unless you are a member. At first this was very disturbing but my husband convinced me to just join because we were already here with the kids. What I realized was that the $11 was to enter the fields to pick apples and peaches and also where they have several areas set up for children to play, ie mazes, slides, corn pit, tunnels and picnic area. The apples and peaches are still priced by the pound but you don't have to wait on long lines and purchase tickets for the kids, everything is included. I ended up spending $35 total and got 18 pounds of fruit and a nice day out with the family. And the membership is a card that allows you to return to pick your own fruit any weekend, so my family will probably go back. One problem that I see for families with little kids in strollers it to get to the peach trees you have to hike up 1/2 a mile up a steep gravel washed out road. I was glad to have my hiking boots on and ended up carrying my 2 year old up and down the steep hill. I saw a lady wearing high heels pushing a stroller trying (but could not) get up the hill and that looked painful. Do not wear flip-flops either.. you need boots or sneakers."

 

Onion

Onion Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Here's what you need to know about onions, how to choose them, how to harvest them and how to use them!

Know when to harvest onions:

• Bulb Size and Shape: Onions are typically ready for harvest when the bulbs have reached a decent size and have a firm, solid feel. They should be well-rounded and have a healthy appearance.
• Tops and Foliage: The foliage or green tops of the onion plant will start to yellow and wilt as the bulbs mature. Once about half of the tops have fallen over or turned brown, it's a good indication that the onions are ready for harvest.
• Skin and Neck: The outer skin of the onion should be dry and papery. Gently press the neck area between your fingers to check if it feels soft or if it's firm and well-dried. A dry neck indicates that the onion is mature and suitable for harvesting.
  

How to harvest onions

• When to harvest: Onions are typically ready for harvest in late spring in the deep South; or in the North in summer or early fall, depending on the growing season and the onion variety you have planted. Refer to the recommended maturity time for the specific onion variety you are growing.
• Loosening the Soil: Before harvesting, gently loosen the soil around the onions using a garden fork (tine) or trowel. Be careful not to damage the bulbs during this process.
• Lifting the Onions: Grab the onion bulbs by their foliage or tops, near the base, and gently lift them from the soil. If the bulbs are difficult to lift, use a garden fork to carefully loosen the soil further.
•  Curing: After harvesting, allow the onions to dry or cure for a few days in a well-ventilated area. This process helps the outer layers of the onion to dry and form a protective layer. Spread the onions out in a single layer or hang them in bunches to cure.

Storing onions

• Preparing for Storage: Once the onions have cured, remove any excess dirt or loose outer layers of skin. Cut off the foliage, leaving about an inch of the neck attached to the bulb.
•  Storage Conditions: Onions should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. A dark pantry, basement, or a mesh bag in the refrigerator are suitable storage options. Avoid storing onions near potatoes, as they can release gases that promote spoilage.
• Proper Containers: For long-term storage, consider using mesh bags, breathable containers, or wooden crates to allow air circulation. Avoid storing onions in plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and lead to spoilage.
• Check Regularly: Periodically check stored onions for any signs of spoilage or sprouting. Remove any onions that show signs of rot or decay to prevent it from affecting other onions in storage.

Onion recipes

There are few home canning recipes exclusive to onions, since they store well in a cool garage or basement, and being a low / non acidic food, they must be acidified (pickled).

• Pickled pearl onions - W
• Pickled onions (red or white) - W
• Onion marmalade

 

Varieties and Types of Onion

The most common types of onions and their uses are:

 

1.  Yellow Onions: Yellow onions are the most widely available and commonly used variety. They have a strong, pungent flavor and a slightly sweet undertone. These onions have a papery golden-brown skin and white flesh. Yellow onions are versatile and work well in various cooked dishes, such as soups, stews, caramelized onions, and sautés. They can also be used raw in salads and salsas if you prefer a bolder flavor. 
    
2.  Red Onions: Red onions are known for their vibrant purplish-red skin and mild to moderate pungency. They have a slightly milder and sweeter flavor compared to yellow onions. Red onions are commonly used raw in salads, sandwiches, and wraps as they add a pop of color and a crisp texture. They can also be pickled, grilled, or roasted to bring out their sweetness.
    
3. White Onions: White onions have a pale white skin and a sharp, tangy flavor. They are milder than yellow onions and have a slightly sweeter taste. White onions are commonly used in Mexican and Latin American cuisines. They work well in raw preparations like salsas, guacamole, and salads. They can also be used in cooked dishes, especially in sauces, soups, and stir-fries that require a milder onion flavor.
    
4. Sweet Onions: Sweet onions, such as Vidalia, Walla Walla, and Maui onions, have a high sugar content, resulting in a mild and sweet flavor. They have a light yellow or pale golden skin. Sweet onions are delicious when used raw in salads, sandwiches, and relishes, where their sweetness can shine. They can also be grilled, caramelized, or used in cooked dishes that require a mellow onion flavor.
   Vidalia Onions are a type of yellow onion, unusually sweet, grown in Vidalia County, Georgia
   Peru Sweet Onions  - somewhat similar to Vidalia's but grown in Peru.
   Walla Wall Onions  - somewhat similar to Vidalia's but grown in Washington State.
    
5. Shallots: Shallots are small, elongated onions with a reddish-brown or grayish-brown skin. They have a mild, delicate flavor with a hint of garlic-like sharpness. Shallots are versatile and can be used in various culinary applications. They are often used in dressings, vinaigrettes, and sauces. Shallots can also be sautéed, roasted, or incorporated into stir-fries and risottos.
    
6. Spring Onions (Scallions): Spring onions, also known as scallions or green onions, have long green stalks and small white bulbs. They have a mild, onion-like flavor and are often used for their fresh and crisp texture. Spring onions are commonly used as a garnish in salads, soups, and Asian dishes. They can be thinly sliced and sprinkled on top of various dishes or used as a flavoring agent in stir-fries and noodle dishes.
   
   
   

 

 

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