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Gardeners Rejoice: This Massive New Egypt Greenhouse Offers Starter Plants And Rare Herb Varieties At Farm-Direct Prices

Three generations of farming expertise live and breathe across 269 sprawling acres in Ocean County, where rows of ripe produce stretch toward the horizon and massive greenhouses shelter thousands of thriving plants.

Since Charles W. Hallock purchased the original 90 acres back in 1949, this family operation has grown into one of New Jersey’s most diverse agricultural experiences, transforming from a simple farmstead into a beloved destination where over 35 different crops await discovery throughout the growing season.

What started as a wholesale vegetable operation took an exciting turn in 1970 when the next generation of Hallocks introduced pick-your-own strawberries and vegetables to eager customers.

Today, brothers Doug and Charlie Hallock continue the tradition alongside their sister Debbie and Charlie’s wife Tricia, managing 70,000 square feet of greenhouse space and cultivating everything from classic Jersey tomatoes to exotic varieties of eggplant.

The farm draws visitors from as far as Connecticut, Maryland, Delaware, and even Washington DC, all seeking that incomparable taste of sun-ripened produce picked at peak freshness.

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Seasonal Bounty Throughout The Year

Spring Strawberry Season: The farm’s reputation truly shines when strawberry season arrives, typically kicking off in late May. These berries deliver remarkable sweetness that makes grocery store versions taste bland by comparison.

You’ll spot rows upon rows of plump red berries hiding beneath green leaves, and the satisfaction of filling your container with fruit you selected yourself creates an experience shopping carts simply cannot match.

Summer Tomato Heaven: Come July and August, tomato enthusiasts make pilgrimages here for varieties you will never find in supermarket produce sections. Expect heirloom tomatoes with complex flavors, paste tomatoes perfect for sauce-making, and cherry tomatoes that burst with juice.

The flavor difference proves so dramatic that many visitors swear off ever planting their own tomatoes again, preferring to let Hallocks handle the hard work. Plan on picking around 70 pounds if you want enough for canning or freezing batches of sauce.

Diverse Vegetable Selection: Throughout the growing season, the fields rotate through an impressive array of vegetables. Green beans, wax beans, and flat beans provide crispy snacking straight from the vine. Multiple pepper varieties from sweet bells to hot chilies offer something for every palate.

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The farm grows unusual crops too, including kohlrabi, Swiss chard, several eggplant varieties (purple, white, zebra-striped, neon, and even round Sicilian types), and garden eggs—a white African eggplant that adds authenticity to ethnic dishes.

Fresh-picked corn, both white and bi-color varieties, appears throughout summer, along with cabbage, broccoli, beets, turnips, kale, collards, spinach, and cilantro.

Sweet Corn Stand: Even if you don’t want to pick your own, the farm market sells their freshly harvested sweet corn alongside other seasonal vegetables, brown eggs, local honey, peach cider, and canning supplies. The bi-color corn receives particularly enthusiastic feedback, and everything tastes noticeably fresher than produce shipped from distant farms.

The Greenhouse Experience

Spring Plant Shopping: From March through June, the greenhouse transforms into a gardener’s paradise packed with options for home cultivation. Annuals and perennials in full bloom provide instant color for flower beds, while hanging baskets offer ready-made porch decorations. The selection never looks picked through—you will find abundant choices regardless of when you visit during the season.

Vegetable Starter Plants: Rather than starting from seed, grab robust tomato plants, pepper seedlings, and herb starters that give your garden a serious head start. The plants grow strong and healthy under greenhouse conditions, establishing well once transplanted.

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Prices remain reasonable enough that buying transplants makes more sense than nursing seeds through unpredictable spring weather.

Knowledgeable Plant Selection: The variety impresses even experienced gardeners, with unusual herb varieties and hard-to-find vegetable cultivars appearing alongside standard favorites. Late season visits may score you 50% off deals on remaining plants, making it an ideal time to fill gaps in your garden or experiment with new varieties at minimal cost.

Farm Atmosphere & Setting

Rural Countryside Charm: The farm sits on Fischer Road in New Egypt, maintaining an authentic agricultural atmosphere that feels worlds away from suburban sprawl.

Fields stretch in multiple directions, giving you room to roam and pick without feeling crowded even during busy weekend periods. The landscape changes with the seasons—lush green in spring, vibrant and productive in summer, then transitioning to fall harvest colors.

Comfortable Picking Conditions: Most crops grow at convenient heights that do not require extensive bending or climbing. That said, wearing old shoes makes sense since you will be walking on soil that gets muddy after rain.

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Bringing gloves protects your hands when handling prickly plants, and a knife helps cleanly cut certain vegetables. The fields close 30 minutes before the farm’s official closing time, so arrive with enough daylight to complete your picking.

Space To Spread Out: With over 250 acres of cropland, the farm rarely feels congested. You will walk past other families filling their baskets, but plenty of row space means everyone finds their own picking territory.

The expansive acreage also ensures fresh sections open up regularly as crops ripen in different fields throughout the season.

Practical Considerations

Budget-Friendly Pricing: The pay-by-weight system for picked produce offers excellent value compared to retail prices, especially for premium items like heirloom tomatoes or organic berries.

Most visitors find they get substantially more fresh produce for their money than buying pre-picked options at grocery stores or farmers markets. The greenhouse plants also carry reasonable price tags that reflect true farm-direct savings.

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Family-Friendly Guidelines: Children are welcome under adult supervision, with a ratio of one adult per five children enforced to ensure safety and proper supervision in the fields.

This policy keeps things manageable while still allowing families to share the picking experience together. The hands-on nature of harvesting vegetables teaches kids valuable lessons about where food comes from.

Easy Parking & Access: Ample on-site parking eliminates the frustration of circling for spots or walking long distances with heavy produce bags. The farm maintains clear access from the parking area to both the greenhouse and picking fields. Note that pets must remain in vehicles—the fields are not pet-friendly.

When To Visit: Calling ahead ensures the crops you want are ready for picking, as harvest times shift based on weather and growing conditions. The farm stays open seven days per week during growing season, with slightly shorter weekend hours for u-pick fields.

Weekday mornings tend to be quieter than weekend afternoons, giving you first pick of the ripest produce before crowds arrive.

Farm Market Extras: Beyond u-pick options, the farm market stocks pre-picked produce, including Jersey peaches and blueberries sourced from local growers. You will also find brown eggs, local honey, and canning supplies if your picking expedition inspires batch cooking or preserving projects.


Hallocks U-Pick Farm
📍 38 Fischer Rd, New Egypt, NJ 08533

Writer: Danny Russo
Click to read bio

I grew up on the Jersey Shore and now call Asbury Park home. Generally I write about local news and events, and local attractions around the state.