Windermere Professional Partners

Looking for Fresh Produce? Check Out These 8 Pierce County Farms to Support!

September 21, 2017
Last updated September 12, 2019

Pierce County is lucky to have some wonderful local farms, and autumn is the perfect time to take advantage of the fresh produce and other wonderful products available at our fingertips! Family-owned and offering some of the finest products in the area, these farms are truly second-to-none.

Here is your guide to 8 local Pierce County farms to support (as recommended by locals!)

Hoping these pumpkins don't make buzzfeed this year

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Patterson’s Farm Market
Located at 38th Ave. N.W. Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Hours: 9:30am-6:30pm Monday-Saturday; 10:00am-6:00pm Sunday

When it comes to local farms, no place beats Sheryll Tan’s pick: “[I recommend] Patterson's Farm Market in Gig Harbor,” says Sheryll. “I'd like to believe that what they offer (local fruit and veggies in the summer and seasonal produce in the fall, winter and spring) is pesticide-free since local farms don't produce in large-scale which experts say are often mass-sprayed by pesticides. This is a family-owned business and has been an institution in Gig Harbor for being in operation for over 30 years, so buying produce from them supports the local community and local farms as well. A bonus for shopping in this place is that it is a pretty photo-op, too—in the fall for their pumpkins, and in the holidays for their fresh-cut trees.”

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Hunter Farms
Located at 1921 WA-106 Union, WA 98592
Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm

Take advantage of some great autumn produce this year at Hunter Farms, recommended by our own Julie Hammon: “Hunter Farms in Union is pretty cool,” Julie says. “They have a farm stand with lots of different veggies, meat, cheese and fruit, a corn maze, and lots of animals for the kids to pet and learn about. They have some amazing pumpkins. All shapes and sizes and also a good selection of other produce. For Halloween time they have tractor rides out to pick pumpkins and an indoor hay maze and ‘haunted’ house. This is great for our rainy weather and not having to worry about the kids getting soaked. If it's raining and you don't want to go into the field to get pumpkins, they have tons up front.” Whether you’re looking for the perfect jack-o-lantern or just want to have some festive fun with the kids, Hunter Farms is the place to check out!

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Fresh Kotata blackberries from Spooner Farms #blackberries #farmtour #nomnoms #lavender #farm #berries

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Spooner Farms
Located at 9622 State Route 162 E. Puyallup, WA 98374-1812 (Main farm; for stands & other locations, click here)
Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm June-October (for stand and other location hours, visit “Locations” page)

Suggested by both Jeri-Kay Lerew and Trish Stone, Spooner Farms is your go-to for seasonal pickings. “Spooner and Picha’s are widely known for summer berries and their pumpkin patches in fall,” says Trish. “Spooner sets up pop-up stands around Puyallup for berries so you don't have to drive out to them. Also, Spooner's pumpkin patch is expansive with food trucks, a corn maze, pumpkin slingshot and so many activities for the kids and adults alike!”

Trish does have one word of advice for those making the trek out to the main farm though: “Just beware—traffic on the Orting highway gets really backed up during their run.” If you think you can brave the crowds (it’s worth it!), head down to Spooner Farms this autumn!

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Picha’s Berry Farm
Located at 6502 52nd St. E. Puyallup, WA 9837
Hours: 8:30am-between 2:00pm & 4:00pm (Berry Farm); 3:00pm-6:00pm Monday-Friday, 10:00am-6:00pm Saturday-Sunday, October 14: 10:00am-6:00pm (Pumpkin Patch)

Another popular berry and pumpkin spot recommended by Jeri-Kay and Trish is Picha’s Berry Farm. Not only does this farm boast some of the freshest produce you can get, it also has been known to help out local students. “Russ Picha has been a junior high science teacher for many years at Aylen in Puyallup and has welcomed back students of working age to help on the farm as their first job,” Trish shares. Russ’ brother and farm co-owner, Dan Picha, is also teacher at Puyallup High School and welcomes the same student involvement! Started back in 1904 and remaining in the Picha family ever since, Picha’s Berry Farm is a Puyallup tradition that cannot be missed.

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Sterino Farms
Located at 6116 52nd St. E. Puyallup, WA
Hours: 8:00am-7:00pm

For a glimpse at where some of Pierce County’s best groceries begin, check out Sterino Farms, also recommended by Trish and Jeri-Kay. “Sterino [Farms] is fairly new in comparison [to other farms] and distributes to many local grocers throughout Pierce County,” says Trish. “They have a brick and mortar shop and run coupons and ads the old-fashioned way in the News Tribune.” If you appreciate premium produce and tried-and-true charm, you will love Sterino Farms!

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When you can't get enough of these cute "baby" pumpkins. (That's what Ayna calls them.)

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Scholz Farm and Garden
Located at 14310 128th St. E. Puyallup, 98374 WA
Hours: 9:00am-6:00pm April 13-October 31

A fourth-generation family farm on the Orting highway, Scholz Farm and Garden is the definition of the term “home-grown.” “Scholz is… a small family owned farm,” says Trish. “They have a cute little shop that is an extension of their home, complete with family goats that you are welcome to pet!” With natural, low impact farming techniques and friendly owners who love sharing what they do, a visit to this farm is the perfect way to directly support the individuals who make Pierce County what it is.

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Tag your favorite local farm and tell us why! #acommunityeffort

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Terra Organics
Located at 815 S. 28th St. Unit B Tacoma, WA 98409

While not a farm itself, Michael Duggan’s suggestion is a great way to support local farms from the comfort of your own home. “Another healthy source for local produce is a farm box from Terra Organics,” Michael shares. “This year they're providing a 4 Farms Local CSA produce box (in 3 different sizes) filled with organic produce from 4 local, organic family farms: Four Elements Farm in Puyallup, Tahoma Farms in Orting, Helsing Junction Farms in Rochester, and Alvarez Organic Farms in Mabton. Purchasing the 4 Farms Local CSA from Terra is a meaningful way to support local family farms in our region, and you're supporting a small family business in our city at the same time!” If you’re looking for a simple but meaningful way to help out the community, order a produce box from Terra Organics!

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Artondale Farm
Located at 5925 Artondale Dr. N.W. Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Hours: 1:00pm-6:00pm Thursday-Friday; 10:00am-5:00pm Saturday; 11:00am-3:00pm Sunday; closed Monday-Wednesday

Lovers of farm-fresh eggs will definitely want to check out Artondale Farm: “Artondale Farm in Gig Harbor is the place to make a regular stop for farm-fresh eggs,” says Marisa Merritt. “You've never had eggs ‘til you've had farm fresh eggs! Seriously, it's a game-changer. You can stop by year round with a cash honor system (who does that anymore?! I love it!). And this last year they have expanded and added a fresh farm stand, located right on the corner of Wollochet and Artondale at the old grange, [and there’s] tons of produce from tomatoes to peppers to cucumbers and everything in between. Happy healthy eating!” For the best omelet of your entire life, start with eggs from Artondale Farm!

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