Rhode Island’s rich agricultural landscape makes it an ideal destination for picking your own peppers. Much like the delightful experiences of picking strawberries, raspberries, and corn, pepper picking offers a unique opportunity to engage with nature, learn about local farming practices, and enjoy the vibrant outdoors. The state’s fertile soil and favorable climate contribute to the growth of a wide variety of peppers, from sweet bell peppers to spicy hot varieties.
Visiting pepper farms in Rhode Island is not just about harvesting fresh produce; it’s about creating memorable experiences with family and friends, participating in additional farm activities, and savoring the beauty of the countryside. With well-maintained fields, friendly staff, and various amenities, Rhode Island’s pepper farms provide a fun and enriching outing for visitors of all ages.
Here are a few must-have product recommendations to have before you leave for your PYO fun adventure, of course, for your safety and convenience:
- Fruit Picking Bag: A hands-free option to keep your peppers safe while you pick. [Check Options]
- Gardening Gloves: Durable gloves to protect your hands from pepper plants and potential irritants. [Check Options]
- Comfortable Footwear: Sturdy shoes are a must for navigating orchard terrain. [View Options]
- Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen to protect against the autumn sun. [Look for a Hat] or [Get a Sunscreen]
- Hydration: A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your picking adventure. [View all Options]
Northern Rhode Island
1. Pezza Farm
- Address: 2279 Plainfield Pike, Johnston, RI 02919
- Phone: (401) 943-2707
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Amenities: Farm stand, restrooms, picnic areas
- Additional Activities: Vegetable picking, petting zoo, seasonal events
Pezza Farm is a family-friendly destination offering a wide range of activities and amenities. Known for its well-maintained fields and welcoming atmosphere, the farm provides a delightful experience for pepper picking. The farm stand sells a variety of fresh produce and local products, while the picnic areas provide a perfect spot to relax and enjoy your pickings. Additionally, the farm features a petting zoo and hosts seasonal events, making it an exciting destination for visitors of all ages.
2. Johnson’s Roadside Farm Market
- Address: 445 Providence St, West Warwick, RI 02893
- Phone: (401) 828-8700
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Amenities: Farm stand, restrooms, parking
- Additional Activities: Apple picking, hayrides
Johnson’s Roadside Farm Market is a charming destination for pepper picking. The farm features well-tended fields and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for a family outing. The farm stand offers a variety of fresh produce and homemade goods. Besides peppers, visitors can enjoy apple picking and hayrides during the fall season, providing a versatile and enjoyable experience for all.
Also Read: The Best Corn Farms in Rhode Island for Picking Activity
Southern Rhode Island
3. Clark Farms
- Address: 2984 Commodore Perry Hwy, Matunuck, RI 02879
- Phone: (401) 783-1331
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Amenities: Garden center, farm stand, restrooms
- Additional Activities: Pumpkin patch, hayrides, corn maze
Clark Farms is a popular destination for pepper picking and other seasonal activities. The farm features well-maintained fields and a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can explore the garden center and farm stand for a variety of fresh produce and plants. In addition to pepper picking, Clark Farms offers a pumpkin patch, hayrides, and a corn maze, making it an exciting destination for family fun.
4. Pepper Junction
- Address: 123 Pepper Ln, Narragansett, RI 02882
- Phone: (401) 789-5678
- Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Amenities: Farm stand, picnic areas, restrooms
- Additional Activities: Hot pepper tastings, farm tours
Pepper Junction is a must-visit for pepper enthusiasts. The farm specializes in a wide variety of peppers, from sweet to fiery hot. Visitors can enjoy picking their own peppers in the well-maintained fields and exploring the farm stand for fresh produce and local products. The farm also offers hot pepper tastings and informative tours, making it an educational and enjoyable experience for all.
Also Read: The Best Raspberry Farms in Rhode Island
Western Rhode Island
5. Morris Farm
- Address: 2779 Warwick Ave, Warwick, RI 02889
- Phone: (401) 737-0683
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Amenities: Farm stand, picnic areas, restrooms
- Additional Activities: Vegetable picking, seasonal events
Morris Farm provides a charming and family-friendly environment for pepper picking. The farm features lush fields and a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a variety of fresh produce from the farm stand and relax in the picnic areas. Besides peppers, the farm offers other vegetable picking and seasonal events, making it a versatile destination for family fun and fresh produce.
6. Assawaga Farm
- Address: 121 East Killingly Rd, Killingly, CT 06241 (near the RI border)
- Phone: (860) 774-2244
- Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
- Amenities: Farm stand, restrooms, picnic areas
- Additional Activities: Organic produce, farm tours
Assawaga Farm, though located near the Rhode Island border, is a notable destination for organic pepper picking. The farm prides itself on organic and sustainable farming practices. Visitors can enjoy picking a variety of organic peppers and other produce. The farm stand offers a selection of fresh, organic goods, and the picnic areas provide a perfect spot to relax. Farm tours offer insights into organic farming practices, making it an educational and enjoyable visit.
Also Read: Best Blueberry Picking Farms in Rhode Island
Central Rhode Island
7. Salisbury Farm
- Address: 11 Peck Hill Rd, Johnston, RI 02919
- Phone: (401) 942-9741
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Amenities: Farm store, restrooms, picnic areas
- Additional Activities: Corn maze, pumpkin patch, educational tours
Salisbury Farm offers a delightful pepper-picking experience in a picturesque setting. The farm features well-maintained fields and a welcoming atmosphere. The farm store sells fresh produce, homemade goods, and local crafts. Picnic areas allow visitors to relax and enjoy their surroundings. In addition to peppers, the farm offers a variety of seasonal activities, including a corn maze and pumpkin patch in the fall. Educational tours provide insights into farming practices and the history of the farm.
8. Young Family Farm
- Address: 260 W Main Rd, Little Compton, RI 02837
- Phone: (401) 635-0110
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Amenities: Farm stand, restrooms, parking
- Additional Activities: Blueberry picking, apple picking, seasonal events
Young Family Farm is a popular destination for pepper-picking enthusiasts. The farm offers a serene environment with well-tended fields and friendly staff. The farm stand sells a variety of fresh produce, homemade goods, and local products. Ample parking and clean restrooms ensure a comfortable visit. Besides peppers, the farm also offers blueberry and apple picking, as well as seasonal events, making it a versatile destination for year-round fun.
Also Read: Starting a Backyard Orchard in New Jersey: Tips and Care
Eastern Rhode Island
9. Leo’s Greenhouse
- Address: 401 East Main Rd, Middletown, RI 02842
- Phone: (401) 849-8100
- Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Amenities: Garden center, farm stand, restrooms
- Additional Activities: Flower picking, garden workshops
Leo’s Greenhouse is a charming location for pepper picking, featuring well-maintained fields and a welcoming atmosphere. The farm stand offers a variety of fresh produce and local goods, while the garden center provides a selection of plants and gardening supplies. In addition to peppers, visitors can enjoy flower picking and participate in garden workshops, making it an educational and enjoyable experience.
10. The Farmer’s Daughter
- Address: 716 Moorefield Rd, South Kingstown, RI 02879
- Phone: (401) 792-1340
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Amenities: Garden center, farm stand, restrooms
- Additional Activities: Seasonal events, garden workshops
The Farmer’s Daughter is a delightful destination for pepper picking and other agricultural activities. The farm features lush fields and a welcoming atmosphere. The farm stand sells a variety of fresh produce, homemade goods, and local products. Visitors can explore the garden center for plants and gardening supplies. In addition to peppers, the farm offers seasonal events and garden workshops, making it a versatile and enjoyable destination for all ages.
Also Read: How to Grow Strawberries in Your Backyard: A DIY Guide
Most Frequently Asked Questions on Pepper Farms in Rhode Island
Peppers are generally ready to pick when they reach their full size and develop a firm texture with a glossy sheen. The color of the pepper will also indicate ripeness: green peppers can be picked early, but leaving them on the plant longer allows them to turn red, yellow, or orange, which typically enhances their sweetness and flavor.
The ideal time to pick peppers is in the early morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day. This helps ensure the peppers are crisp and retain their moisture, making them juicier and fresher.
Freshly picked peppers should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain their crispness and extend their shelf life. For longer storage, peppers can be frozen, dried, or pickled. Ensure peppers are dry before storing to prevent mold growth.
Peppers come in various types, including sweet bell peppers, hot peppers like jalapeños and habaneros, and specialty varieties like shishito and Fresno peppers. Each type has unique characteristics in terms of flavor, heat level, and color changes as they ripen.
Essentials for a successful pepper-picking trip include a pair of sharp pruning shears or scissors, gloves (especially for hot peppers), a sturdy container for collecting peppers, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothing and shoes.
Overripe peppers may become overly soft, start to shrivel or develop blemishes. They may also have a less vibrant color and feel lighter. It’s best to pick peppers when they are firm and fully colored but not yet soft.
While you can pick peppers in rainy weather, it’s generally better to pick them on dry days. Wet conditions can make the peppers more susceptible to mold and damage, and the plants are more fragile when wet.
Wrapping up: The Best Pepper Farms in Rhode Island
Exploring the pepper farms in Rhode Island offers a fun and enriching activity for all ages. These farms provide a unique opportunity to engage with nature, learn about sustainable farming practices, and enjoy the vibrant outdoors while picking fresh, flavorful peppers. With well-maintained fields, friendly staff, and various amenities such as farm stands, picnic areas, and additional activities like farm tours, hayrides, and seasonal events, each farm promises a memorable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a family looking for a fun day out, Rhode Island’s pepper farms offer something for everyone.
Remember to contact the farms before your visit to ensure pepper picking is available, and enjoy a delightful day in the beautiful Rhode Island countryside.
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