Duris Cucumber Farm: A Legacy of Family, Farming, and Fresh Produce in Puyallup

In the heart of the Puyallup Valley, Duris Cucumber Farm stands as a testament to the enduring values of family, tradition, and community agriculture. What began as a modest home garden in 1955 has grown into a well-respected, multi-generational farm known for its specialty pickling cucumbers and commitment to high-quality produce.

The story of Duris Farm began with Hazel Duris, who simply wanted to make pickles at home. She asked her husband, Al, to help her plant a small garden where she could grow cucumbers and other vegetables. As the plants flourished and produced far more than Hazel needed for her own use, she decided to place the surplus in front of their home with a handwritten sign that read “Cucumbers for Sale.” Passersby stopped to buy the fresh produce, leaving their payment in a coffee can—a humble start to what would become a full-fledged farm operation.

Encouraged by that early success, Hazel and Al expanded their planting the following year to a third of an acre. The additional income covered school clothing for their daughter and allowed Hazel to purchase a Singer sewing machine. A year later, the family built a small roadside stand next to their home to accommodate growing demand. That simple gesture of entrepreneurship laid the foundation for one of the most recognized seasonal produce operations in the region.

Today, Duris Cucumber Farm remains a family-run enterprise, though it carries on without its original founders. All five of the Duris children are involved in the business in various capacities. Tom Duris leads the farm’s overall operations, while his sister, Sondra Andrews, manages the popular roadside market. Becky and Mark Duris sell the farm’s early-season strawberry crop at local farmers markets, and their brother Bill supports the farm’s efficiency by maintaining detailed records of plantings and harvests.

Duris Farm continues to specialize in pickling cucumbers, providing everything customers need to preserve and can their own batch of pickles at home. Over the years, the product offering has expanded to include a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables sourced both from the family’s own fields and other local farms. This commitment to freshness and quality has made the stand a favorite among locals during the growing season.

A key part of the farm’s success is also due to the dedication and hard work of the Vietnamese and Cambodian families who return each year to manage the harvesting process. Their skill, reliability, and deep connection to the land play a vital role in maintaining the high standards and productivity that the Duris name has come to represent.

With deep roots in Puyallup and a steadfast focus on family and community, Duris Cucumber Farm offers more than produce—it offers a story of growth, resilience, and local pride. As generations of customers return each summer to buy cucumbers, berries, and fresh vegetables, they are participating in a tradition that has been nearly 70 years in the making.

For those seeking fresh, local food and a genuine taste of Puyallup’s farming heritage, Duris Cucumber Farm remains a beloved seasonal destination.