Florida may lack the colors of changing leaves, but this time of year, produce stands burst with every color of the rainbow.
Intense Florida summers can be too hot for most crops to grow. Even with only slightly cooler temperatures in the fall, the growing season ramps up. It is a time of year when both warm-weather and cool-weather crops can overlap in season.
September is still a bit early in the season locally. At most markets, only the summer crops are available in September. In October and November, though, more local produce including cucumbers, snap beans and sweet corn will begin hitting the shelves. It is also the planting season for leafy greens, root vegetables and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower.
Here is a guide to what is in season in Greater Gainesville in the coming fall months, according to Fresh From Florida:
September
Avocados, guava, peanuts, carambola, mushrooms, tangerines, grapefruit, oranges
October
Cucumbers, squash, sweet corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, avocados, guava, peanuts, carambola, mushrooms, tangerines, grapefruit, oranges
November
Eggplant, passion fruit, snap beans, radishes, strawberries, cucumbers, squash, sweet corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, avocados, guava, peanuts, carambola, mushrooms, tangerines, grapefruit, oranges
Where to find it
In search of the freshest fruits and veggies? Here is a guide to some of GG’s farmers markets that offer local produce.
Alachua County Farmers’ Market
WHEN: 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays
WHERE: 5920 NW 13th St., Gainesville
Grove Street Farmers Market
WHEN: 4 to 7 p.m. Mondays
WHERE: 1001 NW 4th St., Gainesville
Haile Farmers Market
WHEN: 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays
WHERE: 5213 SW 91st Terrace, Gainesville
High Springs Farmers Market
WHEN: 3 to 7 p.m. Fridays
WHERE: Farmers Market Pavilion, 23517 NW 185th Road, High Springs
Newberry Main Street Farmers Market
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays
WHERE: Corner of Newberry Road and 254th Street, Newberry
Brown’s Farm
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday
WHERE: 18120 NE State Road 26, Orange Heights
Roger’s Farm
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, although hours differ for seasonal events
WHERE: 3831 NW 156th Ave., Gainesville
By Jewell Tomazin