Visiting a Farm for the First Time
Happy Earth Day, friends! After visiting an apple orchard last Fall with a friend, she announced that she’d never truly been to a farm before. It took me by surprise. Growing up with rural farmland all around me, in Oregon, I found myself giving her a rough explanation of Visiting a Farm for the First Time and what to expect.
I never thought I would write a post like this but, then I realized… I travel to farms every year. Last year, I literally stayed at a Sunflower Farm in Ashland, Oregon, and then went to a Lavender Farm in late Summer. They were both so different and unique. I recommend both! Here’s my post on 7 Unique Farms to Visit this Year to give you some other farms to visit. 👩🌾
What can I say? I truly love visiting farms and what better way to celebrate Earth Day than visiting land that grows your own food.
What to Expect When Visiting a Farm for the First Time:
The number one thing you need to know about farms and farmers is that they live a slower kind of life. With that said, they’re hard at work from sunup to sunset. They’re also some of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting in my life and they take a lot of pride in everything that they do.
Farm Websites
If you’re going to a farm for the first time and you’re like everyone else trying to research your local farmer on the internet… don’t be surprised if you’re greeted from a website that looks like it’s from 2001 (… or 1995 😳).
Additionally, Farmers are busy and they don’t always have time to update their websites or facebook pages. Many of them with have times and seasonal closures on their social platforms… but sometimes, you’ve got to go old-school and call them.
Basic Farm Questions
If you’re wanting information on their their produce, I like to ask the following questions:
- Is your farm offering u-pick this season? (fruits)
- Can you please tell me the dates of your open season?
- Do you know if you are closing the season early this year? (good to ask for apple season!)
- Is your orchard kid friendly? (If you have children. The answer is normally yes)
- When is the best time to arrive at your farm?
- Should I bring my own bags/baskets? (some supply boxes, etc for you)
Basic Farm Etiquette:
Let’s start with this most obvious: this is NOT your property. It is also not public property. It is, normally, someone’s family land and they will have a lot of pride in it. Mostly because so much hard work goes into it! Think of the sowing, growing and harvesting of their crops! With that said, there is a level of respect that everyone should have on these farms. ❤️
I always try to be super kind and courteous. Not just to others around me but particularly to the hosts and staff members. Many employees are there for the summer and a lot of them are family or family friends of the farm. Make friends with these guys! They’re generally a wealth of knowledge about the grounds. In short, be respectful and the owners will treat you like family.
The Best Time to go:
There’s a farm open for almost every season. Produce will vary depending on what you’re hoping to get out of your trip and what you plan to take anything home with you. Example: You’re not going to be taking blueberries home in October.
With that said, the best time of day to go is when a farm first opens in the morning. Obviously, mornings are cooler but significantly more quiet, peaceful and enjoyable. You won’t get stuck in afternoon crowds and you’ll be able to get first pick on produce.
Produce by Seasons
The best time to grab your favorite produce!
Summer
- Apples
- Beets
- Bell Peppers
- Blackberries
- Carrots
- Celery
- Cherries
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Garlic
- Green Beans
- Melons
- Peaches
- Plums
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini
Spring
- Apples
- Apricots
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Radishes
- Rhubarb
- Strawberries
- Turnips
Fall
- Apples
- Beets
- Bell Peppers
- Brussel Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Cranberries
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Grapes
- Green Beans
- Parsnips
- Pears
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Pumpkins
- Radishes
- Raspberries
- Sweet Potatoes/Yams
- Winter Squash
Winter
- Apples
- Beets
- Brussel Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Celery
- Leeks
- Onions
- Oranges
- Parsnips
- Pears
- Potatoes
- Pumpkins
- Rutabagas
- Sweet Potatoes/Yams
- Winter Squash
What to Bring:
The most obvious, and arguably most important, question. Haha, right? Depending on weather, here’s the pro-list of what to bring when you are Visiting a Farm for the First Time:
The Basics:
- Cash (in case their systems are down)
- Reusable Bags
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Hand Sanitizer
- Packed Lunch & Blanket
- Camera
Summer/Spring:
- Light Jacket
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Closed Toed Shoes
Fall/Winter:
- Warm Jacket
- Beanie
- Gloves
- Warm/Wool Socks
- Hiking or Rain Boots
- Scarf
Traveling with Kids:
- Snacks
- Sippy Cups
- Binkies
- Favorite Stuffed Animal
- Favorite Blankie
- Waterproof Banket
There you have it, my friends! All the things to expect when Visiting a Farm for the First Time. I appreciate you reading and I’d love to know what your all time favorite farm to visit is.
Happy Earth Day and thank you for supporting local!
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Other posts you might enjoy:
- 7 Unique Farms to Visit this Year – because you need to know the fun ones!
- The Best Vegan Food in LA – if you’re headed to LaLaLand.
- How to Pack for Your Next Airbnb – when you’re a true Airbnb lover or need some convincing.
