Cherry picking in NJ is a MUST do activity in early summer. With juicy, sweet cherries available from late June to early July you’ll regret not heading to some of these Pick Your Own Cherry Farms New Jersey has to offer. Be sure to keep an eye out at your local farms – the season is notoriously short!
The Best Cherry Picking in NJ
While grabbing a bag of cherries at your local farmstand or farmer’s market is great, it’s nothing compared to picking the stone fruit yourself and enjoying it right off the tree.
Known as the Garden State, New Jersey is known for its abundance of amazing, fresh produce. While blueberries, strawberries, and peaches are well known for pick your own fields, cherries are a fruit you need to be picking.
If you’re looking for a pick your own cherry farm near you, you’re in the right spot. Just like with our blueberry picking and strawberry picking in NJ posts, we’ve found the best of the best, and compiled them here for you.
Tips and Questions for Picking Cherries
When can you pick cherries in NJ?
Generally speaking, you can begin picking the cherries in mind-June through early to mid-June. It’s a notoriusly short picking season, with some farms quoting only a 7-10 day window. Always call the farm ahead of time to ask about picking conditions!
Where can I go to pick cherries?
There are tons of PYO cherry spots in NJ – keep scrolling to find a farm local to you.
What do you wear to cherry picking?
Clothes you won’t mind staining with juice and shoes that can get a bit messy. We always recommend wearing shoes that can get dirty, but boots are best! Since cherries are in trees, there’s a chance you’ll be in a ladder.
Tips for picking the best cherries:
- Go on a weekday, if you can! Farms will be less crowded and some farms waive the pick your own admission fee on weekdays,
- If you’re going on a weekend, head there as soon as they open. Not only is this to avoid crowds, but it also ensures you get the first pick of the ripest berries.
- Know what you’re getting. Cherries come in both “sweet” cherries and “pie” or sour cherries. Sweet cherries are best for eating, while sour cherries are best for pies, jellies, and jams.
- Look for firm, heavy cherries. They should have shiny skin and a fresh-looking stem. You should be able to easily tug on the fruit and get it off the tree with the stem. Here is a great resource with picking tips!
Pick Your Own Farms for Cherry Picking in NJ
Ready to hit the farms? Here are the best PYO farms in NJ offering cherry picking. With each farm. click through to the post with full information on the farm, from hours to pricing. Always be sure to call the farms ahead of time as cherry picking seasons can vary!
Terhune Orchards – Princeton, Mercer County.
Not only can you find a cherry orchard, but this farm offers farm animals, freshly baked pies, and its own winery. Go picking and then wander the farmstore packed with homemade baked goods and local finds.
Lee Turkey Farm – East Windsor, Mercer County
This unique farm raises over 3000 turkeys each year, but you might not know that it also has countless You Pick fruit and vegetable patches open all season long, including a cherry orchard. Opens in June, but make sure to check in before heading over.
Rowand’s Farm – Glassboro, Gloucester County
Rowand’s Farm is best for it’s short but popular cherry-picking season. They pick from late June through mid-July, or whenever their trees are empty. They also have a small selection of Ranier cherry trees, but those tend to get picked out in the first day or two of the season. Make sure you check in on their Facebook page for the most up to date info on availability.
Johnson’s Corner Farm – Medford, Burlington County
This pick your own farm offers numerous PYO produce opportunities, but the real sell is the Discovery Barnyard! If you plan on cherry picking with kiddos this farm also offers kids activities and 3 splash pads for kiddos.
Mood’s Farm Market – Mullica Hill, Gloucester County
With a variety of pick your own options, many still know this NJ PYO farm for it’s bountiful cherry season. You must bring your own containers for pick your own and they will be weighed before heading out to the fields.
Battleview Orchards – Monmouth County
Conveniently located right off Route 33, this Freehold favorite is well known to locals and visitors alike. You might have visited in fall for apples and pumpkins, but this spot also offers phenomenal cherry picking! They offer a variety of sour or pie cherries, perfect for baking with. Make sure to head to the country store on your way out for produce, freshly baked goods, and more.
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