Glory days of pick your own at Hamilton-area farms and orchards
Berry days are behind us and the peachy present is waning, but as summer sours, the flavours of fall will take over.
The harvest in the Hamilton area is ripe for pick-your-own produce enthusiasts, with vegetable and fruit options galore.
Especially noteworthy - and a family favourite - the glory days of apple picking start in September, with early season varieties ready in late August.
If you're giddy for Galas or prefer to wait for pumpkins, there are plenty of places to pick in the region:
The Apple Orchard Inc.
Early apple varieties are now available for picking at this Flamborough farm. Find Ginger Gold, Paula Red and early pioneer McIntosh now, and many more varieties starting in early September. Pickers can also find pears, squash, pumpkins and more at this Highway 6-area orchard.
1668 Hwy. 6, Hamilton
Lindley's Farm
Summer PYO season has ended at this popular Ancaster farm and market. They're reopening for pumpkin picking in the last weekend of September.
900 Fiddlers Green Rd., Ancaster
Luna Farms
Pick-your-own season starts at this Niagara Escarpment farm Sept. 2. They'll be open every weekend (including Labour Day) for apple picking.
661 8th Rd., Stoney Creek
Josling Farms
Veggies aplenty are available for fall harvest at this Carlisle farm. Check out their crop ripening calendar and phone ahead to find late-season PYO options, such as tomatoes, peppers, cabbage and eggplant until first frost in October.
512 Concession Rd. 8 E., Carlisle
Brantview Apples and Cider
This Brant County orchard is a one-stop apple shop, starting in early September. Find 22 pick-your-own varieties, small-batch hard cider, a bakery and more.
225 Howell Rd., St George
Carluke Orchards
Thirteen varieties of apples, pumpkins and squash are available for pickers starting early September at this Ancaster farm. Check out their bakery and gourmet food market for delicious finds.
2194 Shaver Rd., Ancaster
Murphy's Country Produce
Call ahead before driving out to Binbrook and find a wide variety of seasonal produce. Okra, cucumbers, beans, zucchini and more are available to pick for yourself, or buy pre-picked corn, sunflowers or farm-fresh eggs at the market.
2040 Guyatt Rd., Binbrook
Puddicombe Estate Farms
Pick pears starting in early September. Apples and pumpkins follow at this Stoney Creek fruit farm and winery.
1468 Hamilton Regional Rd. 8, Stoney Creek
Hanes Corn Maze
It is pumpkins galore at the maze and patch. Book a ticket for their sunflower maze now. Later in the season, check out their famous pumpkin cannon and take some pumpkins home.
1001 Hwy. 5 W., Dundas
Merry Farms
If it is too early to talk about pumpkins, it's way too early to start talking about Christmas trees. Pick your own of both varieties at this Lynden farm.
1974 Concession 2 Rd. W., Lynden
Jeremy Kemeny is a Hamilton-based web editor at The Spectator. Reach him via email: jkemeny@thespec.com