Peach picking in NJ is a popular late summer activity you don’t want to miss out on. With juicy, sweet fruit available from mid July to early September (depending on the farm), you’ll regret not heading to some of these Pick Your Own Peach Farms New Jersey has to offer.
The Best Peach Picking in NJ
While grabbing some peaches at your local grocery store or farmer’s market is great, a fresh peach right from the tree cannot be beatev. Skip the unripe fruits of questionable age and origin and head to a local orchard.
Known as the Garden State, New Jersey is known for its abundance of amazing, fresh produce. But come mid to late summer, it’s all about soft, sweet, juicy peaches. The stone fruit grows well here and you’ll be shocked at the difference from fresh versus store bought.
If you’re looking to grab the kids and go to a pick your own peach orchard, you’re in the right spot. Just like with our blueberry picking, strawberry picking, and cherry picking posts, we’ve found the best of the best, and compiled them here for you.
Tips and Questions for Picking Peaches
When can you pick peaches in NJ?
In general peach season in NJ is mid-July-early September, but weather, environment, and variety play a big factor in that. Always call the farm ahead of time to ask about picking conditions!
Where can I go to pick peaches?
Peaches grow on trees in peach orchards. There are tons of PYO orchards in NJ – keep scrolling to find a farm local to you.
What do you wear to peach picking?
Clothes you won’t mind getting sticky with juice and shoes that can get a bit messy. We always recommend wearing shoes that can get dirty, but boots are best!
Tips for picking the best peaches:
- Go on a weekday, if you can! Farms will be less crowded and some farms waive the pick your own admission fee on weekdays,
- Go by smell! A great peach should smell, well, like a peach! If the peach isn’t fragrant, it probably isn’t ready to pick.
- Give it a slight squeeze. While you don’t want to bruise your fruit, the best test is to give is a SLIGHT squeeze. If there is some kind of give to the fruit, it’s ready to be picked. If not, it isn’t ready and won’t be as sweet. This site gives some great tips on picking peaches.
Pick Your Own Orchards for Peach Picking in NJ
Ready to hit the fields? Here are the best PYO orchards in NJ offering peach picking. With each option. click through to the post with full information on the farm, from hours to pricing. Always be sure to call ahead of time as berry picking seasons can vary!
Alstede Farms – Chester, Morris County.
This PYO farms boasts tons of different picking opportunities, including an orchard for peaches and apples. Head over and pick your fruit, but also enjoy their homemade peach ice cream and kid’s activities.
Giamarese Farm – East Brunswick, Middlesex County
You might have been to this farm in December, but did you know that they also have peach tress? Right outside New Brunswick and Rutgers University, this orchard is a great option for central Jersey.
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. The peach picking season begins in July and ends in August.
Phillips Farm – Milford, Hunterdon County
Come to a real working farm and take part in the action. Peach picking starts in early to mid July, but be sure to check in with them before heading over to get availability information and varieties. After, head over to their farm market for a wide variety of produce and local products.
Schaefer Farm – Flemington, Hunterdon County
Not just for haunted hayrides, this NJ staple has peach picking plus a bunch for kiddos to do. From a giant kids area with a sandbox and pedal cars to a petting zoo, the whole family will love this place! Don’t miss out on the farm market with farm-made dairy, jams, jellies and more!
Von Thun Farm – South Brunswick and Washington, Middlesex and Warren County
Von Thun Farms offer strawberry picking in 2 NJ locations so you don’t have to travel too far if you’re in north or central Jersey. Not only are there you pick opportunities, but there are activities for the whole family to enjoy!
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 peach picking with kiddos this summer, the Barnyard pass offers kids activities and 3 splash pads for kiddos.
Hillview Farms – Gillette, Morris County
Offering pick your own peaches in addition to blueberries, apples, and pumpkins, this Morris County farm ss one you don’t want to miss. Make sure to check out their farm market with fresh produce, eggs, honey, cider, and donuts as well as homemade pies.
Mood’s Farm Market – Mullica Hill, Gloucester County
While best known for its cherry picking options, the peach orchards are packed during the 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 peach picking! Make sure to head to the country store on your way out for produce, freshly baked goods, and more.
Leave a Reply