Pick Your Apples in Ontario: Taste Freshness, Support Local, and Go Green

Pick Your Apples in Ontario: Taste Freshness, Support Local, and Go Green

Apple season in Ontario is a time-honored tradition—cooler air, the crunch of fallen leaves, and the joy of harvesting fruit straight from the tree. Visiting a U-pick apple orchard is not only a fun fall activity, but also a way to enjoy fresher, healthier fruit, support local farmers, and reduce your environmental footprint.

Why Apples Are Worth the Trip

Ontario apples are packed with flavor, nutrients, and versatility. Whether you’re baking, juicing, preserving, or simply snacking, there’s a variety for every purpose:

  • McIntosh: Sweet-tart and juicy—perfect for applesauce.
  • Honeycrisp: Exceptionally crisp and sweet—a top pick for fresh eating.
  • Cortland: Slow to brown, making it great for salads and lunchboxes.
  • Empire: A balanced all-rounder—great for snacking and baking.
  • Northern Spy: A baker’s dream with dense texture and rich flavor.

Apples are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Eating apples regularly has been linked to better heart health, digestion, and even brain function.

The Environmental Benefits of U-Pick Apples

Picking your apples is about more than just the fruit—it’s about making eco-conscious choices and supporting Ontario’s agricultural heritage:

Reduced Food Miles

Most grocery store apples travel hundreds—or even thousands—of kilometers. U-pick apples go from tree to your basket with zero transportation emissions.

Minimal Packaging

Skip the plastic wrap and Styrofoam trays. U-pick farms often encourage reusable bags or cardboard baskets, helping reduce waste.

Lower Food Waste

You choose exactly what you want—no overripe or bruised apples sent to landfill. Many farms also donate or compost surplus fruit.

Support for Sustainable Farming

Many Ontario orchards use integrated pest management (IPM) and organic practices to grow apples with fewer chemicals and more biodiversity. Your visit directly supports these eco-conscious methods.

Why Picking Your Own Apples Matters

  1. Connect with nature – U-pick brings you out of the grocery store and into the orchard, fostering a deeper appreciation for food and farming.
  2. Support local farms – Every apple you pick helps keep family-run orchards thriving and local food systems strong.
  3. Teach kids where food comes from – It’s a hands-on learning experience for children about fruit, seasons, and sustainability.
  4. Freshness you can taste – Apples start to lose flavor and nutrients as soon as they’re picked. U-pick means you get the freshest, most flavorful fruit possible.

Where to Pick Your Apples in Ontario – Here’s a list of top U-pick apple farms across the province:

Brant County

Brantwood Farms – Brant

Orchard Home Farm – Brant

Bruce County

Smiths’ Apples and Farm Market – Bruce

Durham County

Algoma Orchards – Durham

Brown Farms – Durham

Maple Grove Orchards – Durham

Pingle’s Farm Market – Durham

Watson Farm Market and Upick – Durham

Elgin County

Great Lakes Farms – Elgin

Essex County

Melegs Orchard – Essex

Thiessen Apple Orchards – Essex

Wagner Orchards & Estate Winery – Essex

Grey County

T&K Farri Orchards – Grey

Haldimand County

Richardson’s Farm and Market – Haldimand

Hamilton County

Bridgmans’ Farm – Hamilton

Puddicome Farms, Winery & Cider – Hamilton

Hastings County

Grills Orchards – Hastings

Leeds & Greenville

Tincap Berry Farm Inc. – Leeds Greenville

Middlesex County

Apple Land Station – Middlesex

Niagara County

Pie in the Sky Farm & Bakery – Niagara

Norfolk County

Austins – Norfolk

Dancing Pig Farms – Norfolk

Northumberland County

Cricklewood Farm – Northumberland

Ottawa County

Pinewood Orchard – Ottawa

Oxford County

Thames River Melons – Oxford

Peel County

Albion Orchards – Peel

Carl Laidlaw Orchards – Peel

Dixie Orchards – Peel

Prince Edward County

Campbell’s Orchards – Prince Edward

Prescott & Russell County

Ferme Dagenais et Le Tournesol – Prescott Russell

Simcoe County

Barrie Hill Farms – Simcoe

Kennedy Orchards – Simcoe

Maxwell Apple Orchards – Simcoe

Toronto County

Andrews Farm Market & Winery – Toronto

Downey’s Strawberry & Apple Farm – Toronto

Stormont, Dundas, & Glengarry

Cannamore Orchard – Stormont, Dundas, & Glengarry

Marlin Orchards & Garden Centre – Stormont, Dundas, & Glengarry

Wellington County

Rothwell Family Farm & Apple Orchard – Wellington

York County

Applewood Farm – York

Brooks Farms – York

Organics Farm – York

After the Orchard: What to Do With Your Apples

  • Bake a pie or crisp
  • Make apple butter or chutney
  • Press your own apple cider
  • Dehydrate slices for snacks
  • Add to salads, oatmeal, or sandwiches

Final Thoughts

Apple picking in Ontario offers more than seasonal fun—it’s an act of sustainability, community, and connection. By visiting a local U-pick orchard, you’re choosing fresher food, fewer emissions, and a stronger local economy. This fall, grab your basket and head into the orchard. The apples (and the planet) will thank you.

Ready to plan your apple adventure? Visit PickYourOwnOntario.ca to find a U-pick apple orchard near you!

Find a Local PYO Farm!

Why Picking Your Own Beans in Ontario Is a Summer Must!

Why Picking Your Own Beans in Ontario Is a Summer Must!

Ontario offers some of the best bean picking experiences in Canada. From green beans, yellow wax beans, to even Romano beans, u‑pick farms across the province let you hand-select the freshest pods right off the vine. This hands-on experience connects you to the land, supports local agriculture, and rewards you with crisp, flavorful produce. It’s great fun for families too—kids love walking rows, spotting pods, and filling baskets under the summer sun.

Beans are packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them both healthy and versatile. Whether you’re blanching and freezing, canning, or cooking fresh‑picked beans that evening—Ontario’s local bean varieties deliver unmatched flavor and crunch.

Tips for a Great Bean-Picking Outing

  • Call ahead to confirm bean availability and current picking conditions – weather and crop timing vary.
  • Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes; fields may be uneven or damp. Sunscreen and water are highly recommended. 
  • When picking, snap beans gently at the stem or just below to minimize damage. Avoid over-ripe pods—they can be lumpy or yellowish. 
  • Keep your harvest cool and shaded, and store beans in the fridge in a loose bag for up to 3–4 days.

Featured Ontario U‑Pick Farms with Beans

Here are farms listed on PickYourOwnOntario.ca that offer pick‑your‑own green and yellow beans, and in some cases Romano or snap varieties:

Wrapping It Up

Bean picking in Ontario is a wonderful way to embrace the season—fresh air, family bonding, and the satisfaction of gathering your own food. These u‑pick farms across counties are ideal spots to enjoy the crispness of green beans or the sweetness of wax beans.

Before you head out, check seasonal updates on each farm’s website or social channels. Call ahead to avoid disappointment, especially if recent weather has impacted crop timing.

Would you like help finding a farm near your town or suggestions for bean recipes using your harvest? Visit www.pickyourownontario.ca !

Find a Local PYO Farm!

Pick-Your-Own Peaches in Ontario: A Sweet Summer Adventure

Pick-Your-Own Peaches in Ontario: A Sweet Summer Adventure

There’s something uniquely satisfying about plucking a warm, sun-ripened peach straight from the tree. The fuzzy skin, the sweet aroma, and the burst of juice when you take that first bite—it’s the taste of Ontario summer.

Ontario’s peach season typically runs from late July to late August, depending on the region and weather. While you can always grab peaches at your local market, visiting a pick-your-own peach farm gives you a more authentic, sustainable, and flavorful experience. It’s not just about the fruit—it’s about the connection to the land, the farmers, and the rhythm of the seasons.

Why Peaches Are So Special

Peaches are more than just delicious—they’re loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration. A medium peach contains:

  • Vitamin C – supports immune health and skin repair
  • Vitamin A – essential for healthy vision
  • Fibre – aids digestion
  • Antioxidants – may help reduce inflammation and combat free radicals

Ontario-grown peaches, especially those grown near Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, benefit from a unique microclimate that encourages optimal sweetness and texture. Freestone varieties, often found in local orchards, are ideal for fresh eating, baking, and canning.

The Benefits of Picking Your Own Peaches

1. Peak Freshness and Taste

Peaches don’t continue to ripen once picked—they just soften. Picking your own ensures you get perfectly ripe fruit, full of natural sugars and flavor. Unlike store-bought peaches that are harvested early for shipping, farm-fresh peaches are left on the tree until just right.

2. Know Your Food’s Journey

When you pick your own, you’re skipping multiple stages in the supply chain. You know where your food comes from, how it was grown, and who grew it. That transparency fosters a deeper appreciation for what’s on your plate.

3. Reduce Food Waste

Supermarket peaches often suffer bruising during transport, making them less appealing and more likely to be discarded. Picking directly from the orchard means less waste and better quality fruit.

4. Environmentally Friendly

By choosing pick-your-own:

  • You reduce the carbon emissions associated with transportation and packaging.
  • You support low-waste, seasonal agriculture.
  • Many PYO farms use fewer chemical treatments and promote soil-friendly practices.

5. Support Local Farmers

Buying local strengthens Ontario’s agricultural communities and keeps dollars in the local economy. These farms also act as green spaces and contribute to preserving Ontario’s rural charm.

Where to Pick Your Own Peaches in Ontario

These farms are featured on PickYourOwnOntario.ca, and each offers its own unique peach-picking experience:

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Make the Most of Your Peach Picking Trip

  • Call ahead: Confirm availability, hours, and whether peaches are ready.
  • Go early: Morning picking is cooler and offers the best fruit selection.
  • Bring your own containers (if allowed) and dress for the outdoors.
  • Handle peaches gently to avoid bruising—cradle them in your hand rather than pulling.

What to Do with Fresh Ontario Peaches

  • Eat them fresh: Simply rinse and bite!
  • Bake a peach pie or cobbler
  • Grill them: Slice and serve with vanilla ice cream
  • Can them for winter enjoyment
  • Blend into smoothies, salsas, or peach lemonade

A Peachy Conclusion

Picking your own peaches in Ontario is more than just a summer outing—it’s a way to connect with nature, eat seasonally, and support local farms. With delicious varieties grown across the province and farms welcoming visitors of all ages, there’s no better way to experience peach season.

So pack your sunhat, gather your family, and head to one of Ontario’s pick-your-own peach farms. From Vineland to Blenheim, the taste of summer is waiting—right on the branch.

Find a Local PYO Farm!

Pick Your Own Garlic in Ontario: Fresh Flavour, Local Farms & Sustainable Benefits

Pick Your Own Garlic in Ontario: Fresh Flavour, Local Farms & Sustainable Benefits

Garlic lovers, rejoice! Ontario is home to a growing number of pick-your-own garlic farms, where you can experience the joy of harvesting your own fresh bulbs straight from the earth. From rich, spicy hardneck varieties like Music and Russian Red to more delicate softneck types, Ontario’s garlic fields offer flavour, freshness, and a strong connection to the land.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about garlic picking in Ontario, from when to go and what to bring, to the health and environmental benefits of this powerful plant. Plus, we’ve included a list of Ontario garlic farms where you can get your hands dirty and fill your kitchen with fresh, local garlic.

Why Garlic Deserves the Spotlight

Garlic isn’t just a kitchen staple; it’s a nutritional powerhouse with a fascinating history:

  • Health benefits: Garlic is rich in antioxidants and allicin, a compound known for supporting heart health, boosting immunity, and lowering blood pressure.
  • Culinary versatility: Whether roasted whole, minced raw, fermented into black garlic, or turned into garlic scape pesto, garlic enhances virtually every savory dish.
  • Easy to store: When properly cured, garlic can last for months, making it an ideal addition to your pantry.

Why Pick Your Own Garlic in Ontario?

There are many reasons why families, foodies, and eco-conscious shoppers are turning to pick-your-own garlic experiences:

1. Superior Freshness & Flavor

Garlic harvested by hand and cured at home retains its oils, depth of flavor, and texture better than mass-produced garlic that may have travelled thousands of kilometers.

2. Connect with Local Growers

When you visit Ontario’s garlic farms, you’re meeting the farmers who grow your food. Many specialize in unique heirloom or organic varieties you won’t find in grocery stores.

3. Environmental Benefits

  • Reduced food miles: Picking locally cuts down on emissions from transportation and refrigeration.
  • Less packaging waste: No plastic mesh bags or stickers—just farm-fresh bulbs.
  • Soil health: Many small Ontario garlic farms use regenerative and organic practices, building healthier soil and encouraging biodiversity.

4. Educational & Fun

Bring the kids! Garlic picking is a hands-on way to teach about plant life cycles, sustainability, and seasonal eating.

When to Pick Garlic in Ontario

Garlic is typically ready to harvest from mid-July through early August, depending on the weather and variety. Look for these signs:

  • Leaves are turning yellow and drying from the bottom up.
  • Flowering stems (garlic scapes) have curled and hardened.
  • Bulbs feel firm and have developed skin layers underground.

What to Bring Garlic Picking

  • Gloves & trowel: Garlic bulbs are pulled gently but may need loosening.
  • Basket or mesh bag: Avoid plastic, which traps moisture.
  • Hat, sunscreen, water: Mid-summer sun can be intense.
  • Cash or e-transfer: Some farms are rural and may not accept cards.

Garlic Picking Tips

  • Dig, don’t yank: Loosen soil before pulling to avoid damage.
  • Cure properly: Let garlic dry in a shaded, airy space for 2–3 weeks before storing.
  • Store in a cool, dry place: Ideal storage temperature is around 18°C (65°F).
  • Use garlic scapes: Don’t miss out on the curly green stems if you can! They make fantastic pesto and stir-fry additions.

Where to Pick Garlic in Ontario

Here are some fantastic Ontario garlic farms where you can pick your own or buy directly from the source:

Robintide Farms – York

Belluz Farm – Thunder Bay

Tincap Berry Farm Inc. – Leeds & Greenville

Visit PickYourOwnOntario.ca to explore each farm and find one near you.

Garlic Varieties Grown in Ontario

Ontario farmers grow mostly hard neck garlic, which thrives in the colder climate and has a stronger flavor than imported soft neck varieties. Common types include:

  • Music: Large cloves, robust and slightly spicy.
  • Russian Red: Deep, rich flavor with purple skins.
  • Spanish Roja: Classic gourmet variety with a full garlic punch.
  • Bogatyr & Duganski: Rare heirlooms with bold taste.
  • Black garlic (fermented): Sweet, umami-packed superfood often available at specialty farms.

Final Thoughts: Why Garlic is the Perfect Pick

Choosing to pick your own garlic in Ontario isn’t just about freshness—it’s about supporting sustainable agriculture, preserving heirloom varieties, and building a stronger local food system. Whether you’re a home cook, gardener, or eco-conscious shopper, the garlic fields of Ontario offer an experience that’s good for your tastebuds, your health, and the environment.

So grab your sunhat and trowel this summer and visit one of Ontario’s incredible garlic farms—you’ll leave with dirt under your nails, full baskets, and a new appreciation for this small but mighty crop.

Ready to start your garlic adventure?

Browse farms and plan your trip at PickYourOwnOntario.ca

Find a Local PYO Farm!