Find a local pick your own farm here!

Pepper U-Pick Orchards in Madison area of Wisconsin 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.

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Dane County

  • The Tree Farm - asparagus, beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, Christmas trees, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant (aubergine), flowers, peas, peppers, pumpkins, rhubarb, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables.
    8454 St Rd 19, Cross Plains, WI 53528. Phone: 608-798-2286. Email: treefarm@midplains.net. Open: May and June we sell asparagus and rhubarb by appointment; July and August we are open Wednesday, Thursdayand Friday, 9-noon and 4-8; Saturday and Sunday 9-5. Directions: The Tree Farm is located in Northwestern Dane County, WI, on Highway 19, four miles west of Highway 12. From Middleton take hwy 12 North and turn west \(that\'s left\) on hwy 19. From Sauk City take hwy 12 SE, turn south \(right\) on hwy KP and then east \(left\) on hwy 19. From Black Earth take hwy F north and turn east \(right\) on 19. See our website for a map and complete directions. . Click here for a map and directions. September and October we are open Wednesday, Thurs, and Friday 9-noon and 4-dusk; Saturday and Sunday 9-5 Thanksgiving we are open Friday 1:30 to 4:30; Saturday and Sunday 9-4:30 is located in Northwestern Dane County, WI, on Highway 19, four miles west of Highway 12. From Middleton take hwy 12 North and turn west (that's left) on hwy 19. From Sauk City take hwy 12 SE, turn south (right) on hwy KP and then east (left) on hwy 19. From Black Earth take hwy F north and turn east (right) on 19. See our website for a map and complete directions. Click here for a map to our farm. We raise approximately 40 different kinds of vegetables and herbs for you to pick as well as flowers to cut. A complete list of what we raise and when we expect it to be ready is available on our web site. We raise most vegetables that will grown in our climate. A complete list is available on our web site. (Updated December 22, 2010X)
  • U Pick Strawberry Farm - beans, cucumbers, peas, peppers, summer squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, U-pick and already picked, petting zoo
    5396 Hahn Road, Deforest, WI 53532. Phone: 608-417-9485. Email: info@upickstrawberryfarm.com. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
    U Pick Strawberry Farm Facebook page. . UPDATE for 2020: They are closed until the 2021 season; "It is with great disappointment we have decided on the following. The weather pattern of the 2020 strawberry season has not been ideal for our patch. Our berries have set small and medium sized. As a result of possibly disappointing our valued customers, we will not be selling our berries to the public for fresh eating." 8am to 7pm, 7 days a week; It is recommended to call/ text the berry line prior to coming out due to weather and be informed on current picking status You pick or we pick. We offer wholesale and retail pricing. We encourage fundraising efforts. Also, the educational aspect is very important to us. If you would like to tour our Berry Patch, please feel free to email or call us. At the Berry Patch you will also be able to visit some of our animals

 

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)