Find a local pick your own farm here!

Pepper U-Pick Orchards in Southeast Michigan 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

Lenawee County

  • Gust Brother's Pumpkin Farm - Uses integrated pest management practices, beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, eggplants, flowers, peppers, pumpkins, tomatoes, other vegetables, Other fruit or veg, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area, petting zoo, farm animals, school tours
    13639 Mulberry Road, Ottawa Lake, MI 49267. Phone: 517-486-2237. Email: gustbrothers@gmail.com. Open: See our website for current hours; Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: Take U.S. 23 to exit 1 in Michigan, then go west and follow the signs there. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
    Gust Brother's Pumpkin Farm Facebook page. We use integrated pest management practicesprovides a real, wholesome, and fun farm experience to all visitors. We offer fall decor and produce both pre-picked and you-pick: pumpkins, gourds, squash, Indian corn, corn shocks, straw bales, crafts, jams, etc. Families enjoy our farm animals on display, which includes young and old animals. Included are sows with piglets, cows and calves, sheep, goats, bunnies, chickens, chicks, and kittens. Visit our new concession barn for some freshly made donuts, cider, or other snacks, or enjoy a hayride around the farm. Gust Flower and Produce Farm offers visitors an opportunity to cut their own flower bouquet, take a stroll through our sunflower trail, or pick-your-own vegetables. We also offer pre-picked produce for purchase. Get lost in our 10 acre you-pick field filled with over 100 varieties of different vegetables and cut flowers. Picking your own vegetables and flowers is a fun and wholesome activity for the whole family to enjoy! Here is a sampling from 2020 of what you can pick and the 2020 PRICES Sweet Corn-$5 per dozen or $0.50 per ear, Tomatoes-$1 each, Bell Peppers-$1 each, Green Beans-$2 per quart, Cucumbers-$.50 each, Zucchini/Summer Squash-$.50 each, Cantaloupe-$3 each, Watermelon (seedless)-$5 each, Eggplant-$1 each, Cabbage-$2 each, Cauliflower-$3 per head, Broccoli-$2 per large crown or $2 per quart, Potatoes-$3 per 5+ lb bag, Large sweet onions-$.75 each

Macomb County

  • Blake Farms Orchard and Cider Mill - apples, asparagus, blackberries, cherries, corn (sweet), cucumbers, herbs or spices, lavender, melons, pears, peas, peaches, peppers, plums, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), rhubarb, summer squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, watermelons, Honey from hives on the farm, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, U-pick and already picked, farm market, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, restrooms, picnic area, inflatables or bounce houses, jumping pillow, trike track, pedal kart track, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations
    17985 Armada Center Rd, Armada, MI 48005. Phone: (586) 784-5343. Email: info@blakefarms.com. Open: MID JUNE THROUGH EARLY NOVEMBER from 8 AM to 6 PM, 7 DAYS A WEEK. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
    Blake Farms Orchard and Cider Mill Facebook page. We use integrated pest management practices (IPM)Blake's Big Apple, located in Armada, Michigan offers everything for the family. You can get our award winning cider and donuts prepared fresh daily, as well as pre-picked seasonal produce. You can also come out and pick our your own produce. We also carry our own line of jarred goods, like salsas, jams, jellies, pickled veggies and bbq sauces. During the fall we also have a variety of haunted attractions, like zombie paintball and haunted hayrides.Apple varieties: Empire, Jonathon, Japanese Rose, MacIntosh, Cortland, Gala. Also U-Pick tomatoes and Peppers: Jalapenos, Pablanos, Bell peppers, Banana peppers, Raspberries, Plums, Bartlett Pears.Apple varieties: Empire, Jonathon, Early Fuji, Japanese Rose, Wolf River, Wealthy, Cortland, Gala. Vegetables: Green beans, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Cabbage, and Lavender, Wild flowers. Peppers: Jalapenos, Pablanos, Bell peppers, Banana peppers, Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill LEARN MOREBlake's Big Apple LEARN MOREBlake's Almont Garden Center LEARN MORE (UPDATED: May 26, 2018)

Monroe County

  • Gaskill Family Farm - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, asparagus, beets, blackberries, broccoli, cucumbers, eggplants, melons, onions, other berries, pears, peppers, raspberries (red),
    12433 Crowe Rd, Milan, MI 48160. Phone: 734-439-1225. Email: gaskillfamilyfarm@gmail.com. Open: Directions: From US 23 North: take exit 22 Cone Road and turn right west. Directions: From US 23 North: take exit 22 Cone Road and turn right \(west\). Immediately turn right \(north\) onto Crowe Road. From US 23 South: Take exit 22 \(Cone Road\) turn left \(north\) onto Ann Arbor Road. At stop sign, turn left \(west\) onto Cone Road. Cross the overpass and turn right \(north\) onto Crowe Road. Once on Crowe, we are the 3rd house on the left \(west\) after you cross the railroad tracks \(approximately 1 mile\). . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
    Gaskill Family Farm Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 734-260-2998 From US 23 North: take exit 22 Cone Road and turn right (west). Immediately turn right (north) onto Crowe Road. From US 23 South: Take exit 22 (Cone Road) turn left (north) onto Ann Arbor Road. At stop sign, turn left (west) onto Cone Road. Cross the overpass and turn right (north) onto Crowe Road. Once on Crowe, we are the 3rd house on the left (west) after you cross the railroad tracks (approximately 1 mile)Strawberries (starting 2017) mid June to early July; Raspberries about 1 to 2 weeks after strawberries start until late Fall; vegetables all summer and into Fall (June to October); Apples/Pears September to late OctoberWe use integrated pest management practices. Payment: Cash, Check, Credit Card. Updated June 2016. is a small farm growing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. In a normal year we will start out picking strawberries for the farmers markets followed about mid June with summer red raspberries then blackberries, fall red raspberries, apples and pumpkins. Our growing method is conventional with a great deal of effort put on Integrated Pest Management. We work with nature every where we can, from seeding down hard to plant areas to a vegetation that will attract beneficial insects to growing a combination of clover and grasses between rows of raspberries, not only make it easier for our customers to walk, but to supply some of the nitrogen the raspberries need to grow. (UPDATED: June 24, 2016) (ADDED: June 22, 2015)

Washtenaw County

  • Slow Farm - Certified Organic, asparagus, herbs/spices, peppers, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Autumn, red), winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties, school tours, farmstand
    4700 Whitmore Lake Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Phone: (917) 837-0975. Email: slowfarmandfriends@gmail.com. Open: Friday to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm, October 1 to October 31. Directions: From M-14 West: - Take Whitmore Lake Road Exit \(Exit 4\) - Turn right on Whitmore Lake Road - Continue north on Whitmore Lake Road , approximately 2 miles - Slow Farm is on the left. Look for field with a campermarket stand and a deer fence. - 4700 Whitmore Lake Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx.
    Slow Farm Facebook page. Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesFrom M-14 West: - Take Whitmore Lake Road Exit (Exit 4) - Turn right on Whitmore Lake Road - Continue north on Whitmore Lake Road , approximately 2 miles - is on the left. Look for field with a camper/market stand and a deer fence. - 4700 Whitmore Lake Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105Asparagus season: May to June; Strawberry season: June; Flower season: June or July to October; Tomato season: August to September; Pumpkin and Squash season: September to November;. We are certified organic for all crops! is certified organic by OEFFA since June 2018. We practice collaborative agroecology and welcome visitors during our open hours. (ADDED: October 09, 2018)

 

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)