Bring local fruits, veggies and more from the farm to your table

Looking to get local produce on your table this season? Here are the best ways to bring farm-fresh Cincinnati-area fruits and veggies home, from a visit to the farmer’s market to joining a farm subscription service. 

Go Beyond Findlay with a Local Farmers Market 

Findlay Market and Hyde Park Market are always worth a visit—but odds are, no matter where you live in the area, you’ll be able to find a farmer’s market without leaving the neighborhood. Popular options like the Boone County Farmers Market (open daily) and Madeira Farmers Market (Thursdays) will start in early May, and more will open up as we get deeper into the season. 

Join a CSA Program 

Community Supported Agriculture programs, also called Farm Shares, allow consumers to support local farms directly on a weekly or monthly basis. In exchange, supporters get a regular supply of farm-fresh goods—produce, meat, fresh eggs and more. Every CSA program is different, so you can choose from a variety of Cincinnati-area options, such as Circle Garden Farm, for a program that fits your preferences and budget.  

Make it a Day and Pick Your Own 

Keep an eye on Blooms & Berries in Loveland, McGlasson Farms in Hebron and Hidden Valley Orchards in Lebanon for a chance to do your own berry- and veggie-picking later in the summer. Pick-your-own farms tend to update their Facebook pages more often than their websites, so check for the latest before you go! 

Grow Your Own Veggies 

It’s not too late to start a garden plot in your own backyard! Clear out a patch of garden, pick up a couple of tomato and pepper plants and you’ll be chopping up your own veggies in no time. Or, if you’re looking for low-maintenance, try a windowsill herb garden to add an easy home-grown flair to your cooking.