Find a local pick your own farm here!

Pepper U-Pick Orchards in Triangle area of North Carolina in 2024, by county

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

Not all areas of a state have peppers 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

Franklin County

  • DeMilia Research Farm - Uses integrated pest management practices, asparagus, beans, beets, broad beans, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cotton, cucumbers, eggplants, herbs or spices, melons, onions, peas, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables,
    295 Pine Ridge Rd, Zebulon, NC 27597. Phone: (919) 522-1567. Email: info@demiliaresearchfarm.com. Open: hours, days and dates. Directions: Located just south of Bunn, NC on Rte 39 at the intersection of Johnson Town Road and Pine Ridge Road Follow the \runway lights down the long rock driveway. 295 Pine Ridge Rd. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
    DeMilia Research Farm Facebook page. US

Granville County

  • 'Tween Towns Farm - Apples, Blackberry, Blueberry, eggplants, Figs, Pears, Hot Peppers
    546 Walnut Grove Road, Oxford, NC 27565. Phone: 919-693-8591. Open: UPDATE for 2019, 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 Pick-your-own Blueberries and other available produce from July 1 thru August 13. Click here for a map and directions. Open Tuesday through Friday 8am-noon and Saturday 8am to 5pm; July 1 thru August 13Take Hwy 96 North 6.6 miles to Satterwhite Road turn left, go 5 miles to stop sign, make short right then turn left continue on Walnut Grove Road (SR 1317), go about 2.8 miles, farm is on left.

Johnston County

  • Flintstone Farm - beans, broad beans, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplants, flowers, grapes, herbs or spices, melons, onions, peas, peppers, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
    460-C Watston Road, Selma, NC 27576. Phone: 919-284-1100. Email: flintstone_farm@yahoo.com. Open: every day; Just call. Directions: We are located Behind North Johnston High School in Micro, NC Just a mile or two from Hiway 301 Between Micro and Kenly . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Crops are usually available in March through November We strive to be available every Friday.

Person County

  • Carver Farm Nursery - strawberries, beans, beets, blackberries, corn (sweet), cucumbers, flowers, melons, onions, peas, peppers, pumpkins, tomatoes,
    105 Carver Farm Rd, Roxboro, NC 27573. Phone: 336 599 4901. Email: carverfarmnursery@charter.net. Open: Monday to Friday from 7 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 7 am to 12 pm; closed on Sunday. Directions: Highway 501 North outside of Roxboro, NC towards South Boston, VA. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. Carver Farm Nursery
  • Flat River Nursery - Cabbage, Cucumber, eggplants, Flowers, Greenhouse Tomatoes, Greenhouse Vegetables, Peppers, Squash, Strawberries, Tomatoes
    1548 Holeman-Ashley Road, Timberlake, NC 27583. Phone: (336) 364-2460. Open: Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm, Sunday strawberries only-call for hours; April-October. Directions: Take US 501 North from Durham to Timberlake. Turn left onto Holeman Ashley Road, go approximately 2 miles to 3rd road on right \(Holeman Ashley Road\). Turn right and go 1.5 miles, farm on right. Greenhouse visible from road. . Click here for a map and directions.
    Flat River Nursery Facebook page. Take US 501 North from Durham to Timberlake. Turn left onto Holeman Ashley Road, go approximately 2 miles to 3rd road on right (Holeman Ashley Road). Turn right and go 1.5 miles, farm on right. Greenhouse visible from road Crop availability: Strawberries, Cabbage & Squash - April-June Tomatoes, Peppers & Eggplant - June-frost Greenhouse Tomatoes & Cucumbers - mid March-October Bedding Plants, Hanging Baskets & Ferns - April-June Large Mums & Pansies - September 1-October 31. Ferns, bedding plants, hanging baskets, mums & Pansies September to October

Wake County

  • Neighbor Boy Farm and Country Store - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), beans, you-dig carrots, cucumbers, lettuce or salad greens, onions, hot peppers, sweet peppers, summer squash, Heirloom tomatoes, paste or Roma tomatoes, tomatoes, other vegetables, Other vegetables, sunflowers, flowers, Basil, Mint, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area you may bring your own food
    1008 Davis Drive, Apex, NC 27523. Phone: (919) 637-9894. Email: val@neighborboyinc.com. Open: Check Facebook and our website for our hours, which vary seasonally. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
    Neighbor Boy Farm and Country Store Facebook page. Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesOur pick-your-own season starts mid-June;. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification Additional pick your own: large variety of seasonal flowers and wildflowers, spinach. Pumpkins and Christmas Trees available during the season. (UPDATED: April 30, 2022) (ADDED: July 12, 2021)
  • Porter Farms & Nursery - Willow Springs - Willow Springs - PYO strawberries, Cantaloupe, Corn, Flowers, Pumpkin, Tomatoes, Vegetables, Watermelon, Beans, Cabbage, eggplants, Gourds, Peppers, Potatoes, Squash, Zucchini, Cut Flowers, Mums
    3504 NC Highway 42, Willow Springs, NC 27592. Phone: 919-567-0504. Email: getfresh@porterfarmsandnursery.com. Open: Saturday 8:30am to 6 pm, Sunday 12 pm to 6 pm, Monday to Friday 9 am to 7 pm. Directions: Located on Highway 42, south of Raleigh. From Raleigh take I-40 east, Take Exit 312 and take a right toward Fuquay-Varina. We are 6 miles down Hwy 42 on Left. . Click here for a map and directions. Map to Porter farms. In addition to pick your own strawberries, also have all manner of vegetables available in season which they have grown themselves, as well as homemade ice cream. The farm is family owned and operated, very friendly folks, nice clean vegetable stand.
  • Riversedge Ranch - corn (sweet), cucumbers, Muscadines, grapes, melons, peas, peppers, summer squash, tomatoes, U-pick and already picked
    3816 Doyle Road, Zebulon, NC 27597. Phone: 919-269-6312. Email: howardgdoyle@bellsoutrh.net. Open: By telephone appointment customers can be serviced during daylight hours Monday through through Saturday; Without appointments, 3 pm to 6 pm Thursday through Saturday;Season terminates around October first; depending on the weather and produce availability. Directions: From Zebulon take 96 North \(about 4 miles\) to Fowler Road. Turn left onto Fowler Road and go about 12 mile to Doyle Road. Turn right onto Doyle Road and farm is at the second house on the right \(3816 Doyle Road\). . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Fax: 919 269 6711howardgdoyle@bellsouth.net From Zebulon take 96 North (about 4 miles) to Fowler Road. Turn left onto Fowler Road and go about 1/2 mile to Doyle Road. Turn right onto Doyle Road and farm is at the second house on the right (3816 Doyle Road)

 

Pepper

Pepper Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

a variety of peppersThere are various types of peppers based on their characteristics. It's important to note that pepper heat levels can vary, and individual tolerance to spiciness may differ. When using hot peppers, exercise caution and consider using gloves or washing hands thoroughly to avoid skin or eye irritation.

  • Sweet Peppers - like Bell Peppers and Banana Pepper , used in salads and sandwiches
  • Mild to Medium Heat Peppers - spicy, good for salsa.
  • Hot Peppers - Often used in Mexican and Thais foods
  • Very Hot Peppers - For crazy people...

See the table at the bottom of his page for detailed information and a master list of varieties.

When are peppers available?

Peppers are a hot weather crop, and cannot tolerate frost and cold soil. In the U.S. Peppers typically peak hot summer months into the Autumn.

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 (bags), 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 while the weather is still cool, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.

General Picking Tips

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

Pickled Peppers

Look for Peppers that are :

  1. firm
  2. Bright and shiny
  3. smooth, shiny pods, not wrinkly on the surface - that's an old or dried out
  4. Avoid placing the picked Peppers 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. Peppers may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for a week or 2.

When you get home

  1. Put them in the vegetable crisper in the fridge, in a loose plastic bag.
  2. Now, get ready to can or freeze the extra Peppers - It is VERY easy! Click on the links for easy instructions.

 


Name Heat Photo Description Best uses
Bell Pepper Sweet red sweet peppers Large, blocky peppers with a mild, sweet flavor. They come in different colors such as green, red, yellow, and orange.  Salads and sandwichs They also add sweetness and color to cooked dishes, stir-fries, and stuffed pepper recipes.
Banana Pepper Sweet Banana peppers Long and tapered, they have a mild to moderate heat level and a tangy-sweet flavor.  Salads, subs and sandwiches  Frequently used in pickled form, they add tang and crunch to sandwiches, salads, and antipasto platters. They can also be stuffed or sliced for various culinary applications.
Cubanelle Pepper Sweet   Light green and elongated, they have a mild heat and a slightly sweet taste.  
Pimento Pepper Sweet   Large and heart-shaped, they have a sweet and fruity flavor, often used for stuffing. Cooking
Poblano Pepper Medium Poblano Pepper Dark green, heart-shaped peppers with a mild to medium heat level and a slightly smoky flavor. Frequently used in Mexican dishes like chiles rellenos, mole sauce, and salsas. They can be roasted, stuffed, or sliced and added to various recipes.
Shishito Pepper     Small and thin-walled pepper with a mild and slightly sweet taste. Popular in Japanese cuisine, often enjoyed blistered or charred as an appetizer or side dish. They can also be used in stir-fries, tempura, or stuffed with cheese or other fillings.
Anaheim Pepper Medium   Mild to medium heat, with a long and narrow shape. They are often used in Southwestern cuisine. Commonly used in Southwestern and Mexican dishes. They are great for roasting, stuffing, or adding to salsas, chilis, and stews.
Hungarian Wax Pepper Medium   Medium heat peppers that come in various colors. They have a waxy texture and a tangy flavor.  
Chili peppers Medium     Used in making... wait for it... Chili
Cherry Pepper . Medium   Small and round, they have a mild to medium heat level and are often used pickled or stuffed Thai and other Asian cooking
Jalapeño Pepper Hot Peppers Jalopeno Medium heat level with a distinctive bright green color and a slightly smoky flavor. They are commonly used in Mexican cuisine. They add a spicy kick to salsas, guacamole, nachos, and are often used for stuffing or pickling.
Arbol peppers Hot Peppers Arbol peppers    
Serrano Pepper Hot Peppers   Hotter than jalapeños, they have a bright green color and a spicy taste. Commonly used in salsas and sauces. Adds a spicy heat to salsas, pico de gallo, hot sauces, and other Mexican dishes. They can also be pickled or used to infuse flavor into oils and vinegars.
Cayenne Pepper Hot Peppers   Thin and elongated, they are known for their fiery heat. Often used in powdered form as a spice. Often used in powdered form as a spice for adding heat to various dishes. It can be sprinkled over pizzas, used in sauces, or added to spice rubs for grilling or roasting meats.
Thai Bird's Eye Pepper Hot Peppers   Small and slender, they pack a powerful heat punch. Commonly used in Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine. Commonly used in Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine. They are perfect for adding heat and flavor to stir-fries, curries, soups, and dipping sauces.
Habanero Pepper Very hot   One of the hottest peppers, with a fruity flavor and intense heat. Use with caution. Adds intense spiciness to salsas, hot sauces, marinades, and jerk recipes. Use with caution and in small amounts due to its high heat level.
Scotch Bonnet Pepper Very hot   Similar to habaneros, they have a tropical fruity flavor and fiery heat. Commonly used in Caribbean cuisine.
Carolina Reaper Very hot   One of the hottest peppers in the world, known for its extreme heat. Handle with extreme caution.  
         
         


 

 

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)