According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Maryland agriculture has it all.

With its diverse environment throughout the state, Maryland is home to several commodities including poultry, milk, pork, oysters, flowers, and fruits and vegetables.

According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, Maryland has practically every type of fruit and vegetable included in the survey, totaling nearly 29,500 acres of vegetables and 4,200 acres of fruit. And with primetime apple picking season quickly approaching, this September and October are the perfect months to visit one of Maryland’s nearly 1,800 acres of apples throughout the state.

In Cecil County, Elkton’s Milburn Orchards says family fun is always in season on the farm. Pick-your-own apple adventures opened up on Labor Day weekend and fall festivals are expected to start on September 14. Over the next month, expect to see more sweet corn, winter squash, and pumpkins pop up around the fields. Did you know agriculture dominated Cecil County’s economy for decades? Learn more.

In Thurmont, Catoctin Mountain Orchard is run by the fourth-generation Harry Black family and offers an inviting retail market on the property adjacent to the orchard. You can stop by and pick up a freshly-baked pie, or you can pick your own apples every Saturday and Sunday in September and October. Catoctin Mountain also offers pick-your-own flowers and plenty of autumn-themed treats – like apple cider and jams and jellies – to put you in fall spirit.

In Western Howard County, Larriland Farm offers red raspberries, Asian pears, and a variety of peaches throughout September. Apple season stretches through the summer until early November, giving visitors plenty of time to pick the perfect Granny Smith.

Find more options for local apple picking through the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Maryland’s Best website. For more suggestions on buying local Maryland products, check out our #BuyLocalMD archive.

Learn even more about agribusiness in Maryland