Summer brings farmers markets, and we have deliciously fresh, local produce filling our homes and tables. We revel in berries and corn, asparagus and tomatoes — and then it seems to end. The good news is that fall doesn’t prevent us from acquiring that farm fresh produce. We are lucky to have a long growing season and fertile soil here in the Northwest. It’s true that we’ll have to forgo the berries and tomatoes until next summer, but there are some flavorful fruits and vegetables, and places to find them locally that are available through the fall season.
The assumption is that when school starts up and the light begins to dim earlier in the evening that the farmers markets go the way of our long summer days. The truth is that they are still going, and in some cases into October, and Snohomish County’s markets are no exception. Snohomish, Lynnwood and Mukilteo farmers markets go until the end of September, and Edmonds, Everett and Bothell run through early October. Right across the county line, The Lake Forest Park farmers market hosts two special sessions, one at the end of October and one just before Thanksgiving inside the Third Place Commons.
There are alternatives to farmers markets as well. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes can be picked up at several locations throughout the county. Klesick Family Farms, Chinook Farms, Willies Greens, Full Circle Farms and Garden Treasures all have pick-up locations around the area. Check their websites for locations, prices, produce selection and dates.
Garden Treasures in Arlington, a fresh produce fan favorite, keeps their doors open until the Thanksgiving holiday. They close through February, and reopen in March, making locally grown organic fruits and vegetables available much of the year. They offer several options — buy
in their charming store, pick-up a CSA box or pick your own at certain times in the year. Owners Mark and Patricia have mastered their crops, the growing cycle and are always willing to share insights with customers and those interested in growing their own backyard edibles. Their flavors and variety are incredible, and now with their Podcast (The Dirty Cultivator), you can learn about local food, gardening and other current events. You can find the Podcasts on their website.
We all have it in us to grow our own produce, and the Northwest is a supportive gardening community. If you are interested in starting your own fall garden, look into local books like Food Grown Right, In Your Backyard by Colin McCrate and Brad Halm, or find resources on Seattle Tilth’s website, which includes a guide called Planting for Fall Crops.
The produce choices we see in fall are a bit darker, richer and have flavors all their own. Full of rich nutrients, they can concoct hearty fall recipes that will help transition us into the cooler weather.
Snohomish County Farmers Markets Listings
snohomishmarkets.com
Garden Treasures
3328 State Route 530 NE, Arlington
gardentreasuresfarm.com
Chinook Farms, chinookfarms.com
Willie Green’s Organic Farm, williegreens.org
Klesick Family Farm, klesickfamilyfarm.com
Full Circle Farm, fullcircle.com
