New Jersey is called the Garden State for a reason. We have the most fresh produce and summer {into fall} is absolutely the best season…for a variety of reasons. Of course you can head to the farmer’s market, however, a majority of us enjoy picking out our own produce.
“U-pick” farms and gardens can be found in every part of the state {meaning farms that you can go to, pick their produce, and go!}, and many offer annual fruit and vegetables festivals to celebrate the DIY harvesting. Here are a few of the best farms and gardens in the New Jersey area that will not disappoint:
Lee Turkey Farm {201 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor}
The 54-acre Lee Farm is rich in history, its farmhouse dates back to 1802 and all the original barns are beautifully painted and still in use. The Lee Family has farmed the same land for six generations, since 1868. Nestled in the center of suburbia, the farm has hundreds of fruit trees and acres of vegetables for the picking. The abundance of summer includes apples, peaches, melons; raspberries; nectarines, pears and blackberries.
Demarest Farms {244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale}
Prepare for a new experience in picking. Demarest Farms claims well-manicured fields and groves, spectacular views, and tasty fruits of almost every verity. Bergen County’s only pick your own peach orchard, apple orchard, and pumpkin patch, Demarest Farms has more than 14 varieties of pick-your-own apples and more than 12 varieties of pick-your-own peaches. You may remember our visit from last year.