Apple Picking Finder
Free printable

The apple picking checklist.

Everything to pack, everything to ask, and everything to do when you get home with a full basket of fresh apples. Print it, save it, take it with you.

What to pack

  • Sturdy closed-toe shoes (orchards are muddy after rain)
  • Layers, a light jacket for early morning
  • Sunscreen and a hat
  • Reusable water bottles
  • Cash for small farms (many still cash-only)
  • Wet wipes and paper towels
  • Cooler for the drive home
  • Empty tote bags for extras

If you have kids with you

  • Snacks and juice boxes
  • Change of clothes for toddlers
  • Stroller-friendly? Check the orchard first
  • Small camera for the kids to use

Questions to ask when you arrive

  • Which varieties are ripe today?
  • Do you charge by the bag or by the pound?
  • Can we sample before we pick?
  • Where are the shorter trees for kids?
  • Do you have cider donuts, and are they fresh today?
  • Are dogs allowed on the property?

After you get home

  • Sort apples: bruised ones first for cooking
  • Never wash apples until you are ready to eat them
  • Store in the crisper drawer with a paper towel
  • Keep apples away from other fruit or they will over-ripen