A Farmer’s and Food Lover’s Guide.
We’re all familiar with the four traditional seasons—spring, summer, fall, and winter—but on the farm, the rhythm of the year is more complex with subtle variations. Many farmers and chefs recognize six distinct growing seasons, offering a deeper understanding of how vegetables evolve throughout the year. Embracing this expanded view not only connects you more closely to your food but also helps you make choices that align with your body’s seasonal nutritional needs.
Why the Six Seasons Matter
Farming isn’t static—it’s dynamic, ever-changing, and guided by more than just a calendar. Crops don’t neatly fit into four-season boxes. Each plant has its own growth cycle and peak harvest window. Understanding this allows both farmers and home cooks to maximize flavor, freshness, and nutritional value.
For example, a radish picked in early spring tastes vastly different from one harvested in the heat of midsummer. This awareness deepens our connection to the food we eat and the land it grows on.
Fresh from the Fields
Right now, we’re in the sweet spot between spring and summer—a time of exciting variety and abundance. Here’s what’s currently being harvested:
- Garlic scapes
- Lettuce
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Collard greens
- Radishes
- Purple kale
- Peas
- Asparagus
- Rhubarb
Don’t miss your chance to enjoy these seasonal favorites at their peak.
How to Make the Most of the Seasons
- Visit farmers markets often. Seasonal eating starts with knowing what’s growing now. Your local farmers are the best guides. Visit our farmers market schedule here.
- Get to know your food sources. Building relationships with farmers helps you learn more about growing practices, new crops, and how to prepare them.
- Cook at home when you can. Preparing meals from scratch reduces food waste and ensures you’re feeding your body the nutrients it needs right now.
- Follow this adage in the kitchen: “What grows together, goes together.” Foods harvested in the same season often pair beautifully in recipes.
A Timeless Way to Live
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a curious cook, or someone just beginning to explore seasonal eating, the six seasons framework can help you appreciate vegetables in a whole new way. It’s a reminder that eating seasonally isn’t just a trend—it’s a timeless, flavorful, and nourishing way to live in harmony with the land.