What’s Growing in Colorado Now: Your Fall Farmers Market Flight Plan
Fall in Denver? Oh, it’s golden—literally. 🍂 As the trees put on their flashy new outfits and the air starts getting crisp, it’s the perfect time to soar over to your local farmers market and see what Colorado produce is taking the spotlight this season. Summer may have the peaches, but don’t let it steal all the glory—fall’s harvest is packing just as much flavor and freshness, and it’s all homegrown right here in Colorado. 🧑🌾🌱
Click here for a full listing of Denver area farmers markets
So, What’s in Season Now in Denver?
Time to fill up that market tote! Fall in Colorado means cozy, hearty, and oh-so-delicious veggies. Here’s what’s growing in Colorado now and ready for you to swoop in on at your local market:
- Green Chiles: The smell of roasting green chiles is practically the official scent of fall in Colorado and cause of a heated rivalry between New Mexico and Colorado on which state grows the best for chile (how we spell it here in the Southwest- the one thig we can agree on.) So show you Colorado state pride by picking up some at the market especially when they peak in mid-October.
- Winter Squash & Pumpkins: Whether you’re planning to make a killer butternut squash soup or carve out a spook-tacular pumpkin, these local beauties are in their prime. Grab ‘em while they last! 🎃
- Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, parsnips—oh my! These colorful gems are perfect for roasting, mashing, or just crunching straight from the market. (No judgment.)
- Apples: Forget about those imported apples from who-knows-where. 🍏 Colorado apples are fresh off the tree, perfect for pies, crisps, or just eating while you stroll around the market.
- Leafy Greens: Cooler temps mean your kale, chard, and spinach are loving life right now. Add them to your fall salads or sauté them up for some extra cozy vibes.
- Olathe corn: Still growing strong until mid-October, making it the perfect bridge from summer BBQs to cozy fall meals. Grill it up for those last warm evenings or toss it into hearty dishes like corn chowder or cornbread to warm you up as the weather cools.
- Herbs: Sage, rosemary, thyme—everything you need to add that extra oomph to your fall feasts. Your future soups and roasts will thank you. 🌿
Plant Now, Thank Yourself Later
Fall isn’t just about harvesting—it’s also prime planting season! Yep, now’s the perfect time to dig into your gardening dreams and plant a little something for future you. What’s on the fall planting playlist, you ask?
- Garlic: Want fresh, homegrown garlic next spring? Of course you do! 🧄 Plant your garlic now, let it nap through the winter, and you’ll be pulling up beautiful bulbs when the warmer weather returns. It’s the ultimate long game.
- Flower Bulbs: Thinking of a colorful spring garden? Plant tulips, daffodils, and crocuses now, and you’ll be rolling out the rainbow come springtime. 🌷 Your future self will thank you when those flowers start popping up after the snow melts.
Why Shop Local?
When you hit up your Denver farmers markets, you’re doing more than just snagging fresh veggies—you’re supporting local farmers who pour their heart and soul into growing the best of the best right here in Colorado. It’s about community, connection, and giving back to the land that gives us all this amazing produce. So, grab that tote bag, wander through the stalls, and feast your eyes (and your belly) on the fall harvest.
