2024 Northern Virginia Pepper U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Pepper U-Pick Orchards in Northern Virginia 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

Clarke County

• Mackintosh Fruit Farm - apples, asparagus, apricots, beans, beets, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, cherries, cucumbers, eggplants, flowers, grapes, herbs or spices, nectarines, onions, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), rhubarb, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), U-pick and already picked, farm market, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations
  1608 Russell Rd, Berryville, VA 22611. Phone: 540-955-6225. Email: lori@mackintoshfruitfarm.com. Open: Wednesday to Sunday, from 8 am to 6 pm, May to October 31 and on Memorial Day, July 4 Thursday, Labor Day, Columbus Day, and Halloween . Directions: Route 7 West Take right onto Russell Road 1.5 miles on the right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Mackintosh Fruit Farm Facebook page. Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesEvents: Peach Festival, Honey Bee Day, Honey Crisp Day, Apple Butter Day, monthly farm dinners, and cider pressing; Calendar-May-strawberries, asparagus, rhubarb, and greens; June - strawberries, sweet cherries, raspberries, blueberries, broccoli, onions, and flowers; July-blackberries, black raspberries, blueberries, donut peaches, peaches, corn, eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes; August-apples, Asian pears, yellow and white peaches, plums, grapes, and honey; September-apples, pawpaws, honey crisp apples, Asian pears, and potatoes; October -apples, pumpkins, fall squash, sweet potatoes, and ciderAll pick your own fruit and vegetables are also available as pre-picked in the market for purchase. Events: We can also host your events including: group meetings, school tours, weddings, and rehearsals. Call for more details. (UPDATED: January 19, 2020 JBS) (UPDATED: June 22, 2016)

Fauquier County

• Messick's Farm Market - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, asparagus, beans, blackberries, corn (sweet), herbs or spices, peas, peppers, raspberries (red), summer squash, strawberries, tomatoes, Turkeys (organic, not-hormone-fed), Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, farm market, school tours
  6025 Catlett Road, Bealeton, VA 22712. Phone: (540)-439-8900. Email: manager@messicksfarmmarket.com. Open: Monday to Saturday, from 8 am to 6 pm, Sunday 10 am to 6 pm; May 1 through October 31. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, WIC Vouchers. Click here for our Facebook page. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, WIC Vouchers.
  Messick's Farm Market Facebook page. Fax: (540)-439-4245 year round, we invite families into our fields to enjoy the pick your own experience.

Loudoun County

• Chile Man - Hot and sweet peppers.
  35796 Milligan\'s Run Lane, Purcellville, VA . Phone: 703-431-6734. Open: UPDATE for 2021; Their website is gone; Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me, their last reported hours were Farm Hours By Appointment Only. Directions: Just outside Round Hill, VA, 22 miles NW of Leesburg. Click here for a map and directions. . Alternate phone: 877-668-7160 Click for Directions
• Crooked Run Orchard - blackberries, peaches, sour cherries, pears, plums, gooseberries, raspberries, herbs, apples, tomatoes, peppers
  37883 E. Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132. Phone: 540-338-6642. Open: Stand - 8 am to dark, daily. Directions: REMEMBER: Google maps directions are incorrect and they have been notified to make the change. From Rt 287 make the first right in the traffic circle and proceed West on Main St. We\'re the second driveway on the left. On Business Route 7 at Route 287, between Purcellville and Hamilton. 32 miles west of Tysons Corner on Route 7. Turn left at Purcellville exit onto Route 287. Go 0.6 mile. Turn right onto Business Route 7 \(E. Main Street\). Turn immediately left at first driveway for stand. T - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions. REMEMBER: Google maps directions are incorrect and they have been notified to make the change. From Rt 287 make the first right in the traffic circle and proceed West on Main St. We're the second driveway on the left. On Business Route 7 at Route 287, between Purcellville and Hamilton. 32 miles west of Tysons Corner on Route 7. Turn left at Purcellville exit onto Route 287. Go 0.6 mile. Turn right onto Business Route 7 (E. Main Street). Turn immediately left at first driveway for stand. Turn left at second driveway for PYO crops PYO - weekends only - 8 am to 6 pm, Saturday and 9 am to 6 pm, Sunday. Hayrides for school groups by appointment only during September and October. The small fruits and vegetables are grown without, or with a minimum of, chemicals. We use mineral fertilizers on all crops. Apples and pumpkins available in quantity amounts. We have farm animals, a nature trail, and picnic tables. Please, no dogs. Call before visiting the farm about pick-your-own information. Fresh picked asparagus - April 20-June 20; red raspberries and sour cherries - June 20-July 20; gooseberries - July; thornless blackberries and peaches - July-August; summer apples - Tydeman Red and Paula Red - August; fall apples - Red and Golden Delicious, Mutsu, Law Rome, Gala, Jonagold, Braeburn, York - September 15- December 31 or until supply runs out. Seasonal vegetables - tomatoes, salad mixes, sweet corn, squash, green beans, pumpkins and gourds. Christmas wreaths - Scotch and white pine and cedar mix. PYO - strawberries - Memorial Day-June 10; blackberries and peaches - July & August; sour cherries - late June-early July; apples and pears - September 15-October 15. Picking dates vary from year to year. Please call ahead for picking information. (UPDATED: June 03, 2020, JBS)
• Sprouting Roots Farm - Uses natural growing practices, beets, cucumbers, eggplants, flowers, herbs or spices, kale, melons, onions, peppers, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, watermelons, Other fruit or veg, restrooms
  15669 Limestone School Road, Leesburg, VA 20176. Phone: (571) 226-0824. Email: info@sproutingrootsfarms.com. Open: Hours and availability of crops to pick varies considerably; please text, call or email for current availability and hours; Typical season is from mid June through October ; in season, Saturday and Sunday, from 9 am to 12 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Venmo, PayPal, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Sprouting Roots Farm Facebook page. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification(ADDED: September 23, 2021)
• Ticonderoga Farms - Uses natural growing practices, corn (sweet), figs, flowers, herbs or spices, melons, peppers, pumpkins, tomatoes, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area, Jumping pillow, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
  26469 Ticonderoga Road, Chantilly, VA 20152. Phone: 703-327-4424. Email: marketing@ticonderoga.com. Open: See our website for current hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard.
  Ticonderoga Farms Facebook page. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified OrganicPYO the end of June through August; Fig Festival Labor Day Weekend to mid September Fall Festival mid September to October 31 st Christmas Festival, weekends only Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve.
  Comments from a visitor on September 25, 2011: "It is an enjoyable experience to be there. There are unique items in the market that you can't find anywhere else, like; homemade Salsa that has been given rave reviews; fig conserve that has been toasted as the best ever. New items are being added all the time. I look forward to the fall recipes that will be offered; like: pumpkin pie spice, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin bread, roasted pumpkin seeds, apple cider, and more. All crops are grown organically. They have preserves, jams, jellies, marmalade and honey. The honey comes right from the farm, raw and no additives. They have 9 varieties of figs growing. There is a pick your own pumpkin patch which has several varieties of pumpkins, gourds and squash growing. The new cow train is awesome. It is 10 cars that look like cows pulled by a tracker. There is also an in-ground inflatable pillow, which is huge in size; it is a big hit with children and adults. The hayride has been spookafide for Halloween; plus the barn. It is 300 acres of play ground with new attractions being added. "

Shenandoah County

• Deauville Farm - Uses natural growing practices, beans, beets, cucumbers, peppers, pumpkins, winter squash, tomatoes, Fresh eggs
  7648 Crooked Run Road, Basye, VA 22810. Phone: 540 856-2130. Email: deer1@shentel.net. Open: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, from 10am to 4 pm, April through November. Directions: from Mount Jackson I81 exit 273, Route 11 south to route 263 west. Go 13 miles to Basye. First right after Bryce Resort \(Alum Springs Road route 717. Go 3 34 mi, turn right onto Crooked Run Road. Second driveway on left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. from Mount Jackson I81 exit 273, Route 11 south to route 263 west. Go 13 miles to Basye. First right after Bryce Resort (Alum Springs Road route 717. Go 3 3/4 mi, turn right onto Crooked Run Road. Second driveway on leftWe use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certificationPreviously a deer farm, Deauville is now a small farm offering PYO heirloom veggies and eggs. on weekends, April through November guests who come to see the animals and gardens, and to buy venison, eggs, vegetables or plants. You can pick your own vegetables beginning in late April with salad greens, followed by a wide range of summer veggies including over a hundred varieties of heirloom tomatoes.

 

Pepper

Pepper Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

There 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.

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.
   • How to freeze peppers
   • How to can peppers (removing the skins)- P
   • How to can peppers (leaving the skins on) - P
   • Pickled peppers - W, P
   • How to can Hot peppers in oil - W
   • Jalapeno pepper jelly
   • Pepper Jelly, hot or sweet, including chilies, jalapeno, and pimiento
   • How to make chili sauce from your own tomatoes and peppers - W
   • Mixed  vegetable pickles (cauliflower, peppers, onions, celery, cucumber mix) - W, P
   • How to make your own roasted peppers!

 

Name	Heat	Photo	Description	Best uses
Bell Pepper	Sweet		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		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		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		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
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)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers