Sustainability Recipe: How to Farmers' Market Like a Boss

Campus Sustainability Office July 20, 2023

About this Series

Sustainability Life Recipes provide practical tips to go green and save green. Each recipe features strategies that save money while protecting the environment and contributing to good jobs for people in our community.

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Produced in collaboration with (formerly) Get Your GreenBack Tompkins


Here in Ithaca, we are blessed with dozens of local farmers in our area! For fresh produce and sustainable shopping opportunities, the Farmers' Market has your back. Get ready, grab your reusable bag, and go to a market near you!

Farmers' Market in the Community

Beyond our campus, Ithaca is brimming with chances to go to the Farmer’s Market and eat healthy, delicious foods while supporting local businesses. Wide-ranging stalls offer Cuban street food, local wines, homemade ice cream, fresh baked pastries, handcrafted jewelry, and dozens more. The Ithaca Farmer’s Market has been cultivating earth and community since 1973. Browse their list of locations and hours below.

Local Markets and Their Hours

1.      Steamboat Landing, 545 Third St.

  • Saturdays April through October, from 9am to 3pm

  • Saturdays November and December, from 10am to 2pm

  • Sundays April through October, from 10am to 3pm

  • Sundays November and December, from 10am to 2pm

2.      Dewitt Park, N. Cayuga St. and E. Buffalo St. Corner

  • Tuesdays April through October, from 9am to 2pm

3.      East Hill Plaza, 380 Pine Tree Rd.

  • Wednesdays April through October, from 4 to 7pm

4.      Winter Market, 2255 N. Triphammer Rd.

  • Saturdays January through March, from 10:30am to 2pm

Top Reasons to Shop at the Farmers' Market

Strengthen our local economy by supporting good jobs for people in our community. Eat delicious, fresh food pulled straight from the Earth – no chemicals, no packaging. Enjoy being a part of a warm and caring community.

Pro tip: Reference this New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets calendar to figure out what’s in season. An accessible calendar is below.

Fruit & Vegetable Availability Calendar

Vegetables

Availability Period

Asparagus

May 1 – June 25

Beans, Dry

All year

Beans, Lima

September 1 – November 1

Beans, Snap

July 1 – November 1

Beets

June 1 – March 1

Beet Greens

May 1 – October 1

Broccoli

June 1 – December 1

Brussel Sprouts

September 1 – December 1

Cabbage

June 10 – April 1

Carrots

July 1 – April 10

Cauliflower

August 15 – December 1

Celery

August 15 – November 10

Collard Greens

July 1 – January 1

Corn

August 15 – November 15

Cucumber

August 15 – November 15

Eggplant

August 20 – November 20

Garlic

June 1 – December 1

Herbs

All year

Kale

September 1 – December 1

Leeks

August 1 – January 1

Lettuce

May 1 – October 20

Mustard Greens

June 1 – December 1

Onions

All year

Parsnips

October 1 – June 1

Peas

June 1 – August 1, and Sept 1 – Nov 1

Peppers

July 1 – October 10

Potatoes

All year

Pumpkins

September 1 – December 1

Radishes

May 1 – October 1

Rhubarb

May 1 – August 1

Spinach

May 1 – October 20

Squash, Summer

June 1 – October 10

Squash, Winter

August 1 – March 1

Swiss Chard

June 1 – November 1

Tomatoes

June 20 – November 1

Turnips

August 1 – May 1

Turnip Greens

May 1 – September 1

Zucchini

June 1 – October 15

Fruits

Availability Period

Apples

All year

Blackberries

August 1 – October 1

Blueberries

July 15 – October 1

Cantaloupes

August 1 – October 1

Cherries, Sweet

June 20 – August 1

Cherries, Tart

July 1 – August 1

Currants

August 1 – September 1

Grapes

August 15 – November 1

Peaches

July 1 – September 20

Pears

August 10 – March 1

Plums

July 1 – October 1

Raspberries

July 1 – July 20, and Sept 1 – Nov 1

Strawberries

June 1 – August 1

Watermelon

September 1 – November 1

Originally posted July 2018, updated July 2023