Ask a Farmer
Do you have a question about how certain products are grown or when they're in season? Please feel free to ask questions and we'll have our team of farmers respond. We may not be able to get back to you right away because farmers spend much of their time tending their crops and going to markets.
Capital Region farmers are hardworking men and women who grow a diversity of products all season long. During the growing season they work long hours to ensure a quality product that they sell at their farms, farmstands, farmers' markets, greenhouses or nurseries. They are real people who care about the products they grow and take pride in selling great tasting produce, meats, cheeses, dairy, baked goods, cider, wine, beer and hard cider.
All kinds of fruits, vegetables, berries, herbs, plants, hanging baskets, flowers, trees, shrubs and Christmas trees as well as honey and maple syrup. Farmers also raise animals and other crops like hay, corn and soybeans.
They can be found at a variety of farmstands, farmers' markets. CSA's, nurseries and greenhouses throughout the region. Farmers' markets tend to be open a limited number of hours once or twice a week depending on location. Farmstands operate most days and hours during the season and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operate on a weekly schedule throughout the growing season. Check out the many locations on this website to find locally grown products near you.
During the growing season for most fruits, vegetables, plants, trees and shrubs and all year long for honey and maple syrup depending on supplies. Typically the growing season starts in May in this region and ends in the middle of October. Fresh fruits, vegetables and berries are available when they're in season. Early spring vegetables like asparagus, lettuce, spinach and rhubarb are available in May or June followed by strawberries in mid-June and cool season crops such as broccoli.
As the days grow longer and warmer, a variety of vegetables are available along with summer berries and fruits including raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries and peaches. Farmstands and farmers' markets welcome the sweet corn harvest in early to mid-July along with summer squash, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes and a host of other heat-loving vegetables.
As the days grow shorter and cooler, apples, pears, winter squash, pumpkins and gourds appear at the farmstands and farmers' markets.
During the holiday season, Christmas tree farms are open for pre-cut and choose and cut trees as well as wreaths and other holiday decorations. Honey and maple syrup are generally available all season, but it's best to contact the producers to make sure they have product in stock.
Locally grown products are oftentimes fresher than produce at the grocery store. In additon, by supporting your local farms, you support the local economy.
The prices vary, but are often not that much more than what you purchase at the grocery store. When you purchase directly from a farmstand, farmers' market, greenhouse, nursery or CSA, you ensure that the money stays in the local economy.
Some products like honey and maple syrup are available all year as well as products that are made from fresh fruits and vegetables like jams, jellies, pickles and tomato sauce. Storage fruits and vegetables including apples, potatoes, winter squash and turnips may be available depending on the storage capabilities of the farm. It's always best to check with the farmer first during the late fall and winter months to determine the availability.
