The tender shoots of the asparagus poke its head every spring during the month of May.
Here are four farms near Toronto where you can pick the May crop that started as little purple specks and grew into delicious spears in Ontario.
Remember to follow the rules for picking at each farm.
For buying asparagus directly from local farms, see here.
Andrew’s Scenic Acres
From u-pick flower and vegetable fields to pumpkin patches and a fun farm experience for the kids, Andrew’s Scenic Acres has it all. You can pick strawberries, peonies, raspberries, blueberries, currants, dahlias, and gooseberries in spring and summer. Their fall harvest includes pumpkins, squash, decorative gourds, and sunflowers. Visit during the month of May to pick asparagus and rhubarb.
When: Daily from May 13th until harvest is over | 10 am to 5 pm
Where: 9365 10th Side Rd, Milton (Directions ~ 55 min (60 km) from Toronto )
How Much: Admission:
$15/person +HST
Seniors (ages 65+): 1/2 off entrance fee
Children under age 5: FREE
Asparagus: $4.75 per pound
Pingle’s Farm Market
Pingle’s Farm in Oshawa offers a plethora of activities round the year, from Easter to Christmas, the farm’s public calendar is filled with fun activities for the entire family including corn mazes and sunflower festivals. AND in May, you can go to pick your own asparagus.
Spring Days celebration includes access to the playland, animal barn, and pick-your-own asparagus patch. The playland includes a slide hill, mini putt, race track, sandbox, and more.
When: Weekends in May
Where: Pingle’s Farm Market, 1805 Taunton Rd, Hampton (Directions ~ 1 hr 15 min (80 km) from Toronto )
How Much: $18 for 3 litre basket
Barrie Hill Farms
This successful, family-owned farm farms over 200 acres of fruits and vegetables. It was first established as a tobacco farm in 1968 and has grown to include produce and flowers. You can pick asparagus, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples and pumpkins.
Enjoy a unique experience at the Asparagus Lovers Night Out on May 26th, picking farm-fresh asparagus and enjoying asparagus-inspired appetizers and cider. The evening includes a wagon ride, an asparagus harvesting demonstration, and a visit to the Silo Café. For Mother’s Day, enjoy brunch and pick-your-own asparagus on May 14th with brunch boxes, a pick-your-own ticket, and no pre-paid fee.
When: May to Early June (call for the hours of asparagus picking)
Where: 2935 Barrie Hill Rd, Springwater, Ph: 7057280571 (Directions ~ 1 hr 30 min (100 km) from Toronto )
How Much: $7; Mother’s Day: $17 Asparagus Lovers Night: $49.99
Ye’s Farm
Ye’s Farm, also known as the Bradford Asparagus Farm, offers pick-your-own asparagus, allowing visitors to experience harvesting fresh asparagus from the field themselves. The farm provides instructions on how to pick the asparagus, ensuring a fun and educational experience for all.
When: Weekends in May — 2023 TBA
Where: Ye’s Farm, 251 Morris Rd (enter Morris Rd via Marshview Blvd, NOT Walker Ave.), Bradford (Directions ~ 1 hr 15 min (77 km) from Toronto )
How Much: TBA ($15/bucket (4L) in 2022)