While our tree leaves are just starting to emerge, and snow might still be in the forecast, spring is officially here and summer is not far behind. One of the best things about warmer temperatures is the opening of farmers’ markets. Fortunately, there are many of them in Larimer County.
By Alison O’Connor
Horticulture Agent, Colorado State University Extension in Larimer County
The 38th season of the Larimer County Farmers’ Market kicked off May 18. Located in the Larimer County Courthouse parking lot, 200 W. Oak St., the market is operated by Larimer County Extension and the Colorado Master Gardeners. The market is open 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday through Oct. 26.
The LCFM is the oldest market in Northern Colorado (and one of the most popular). It offers a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, baked goods, cheese, plant starts, sauces, honey, meats, milk, eggs, salsa, cut flowers, wine, crafts and desserts. Visit with CSU Extension Master Gardeners and Master Food Safety Advisors to answer your gardening and food preservation questions. Profits from the market support Extension’s educational outreach efforts.
For more information, visit the market website at www.larimercountyfarmersmarket.org. While parking in Old Town is always a challenge, remember that the Mason Street parking garage is free for the first hour — even on Saturday — each hour after is just $1/hour. The LCFM also accepts SNAP (EBT), credit and debit cards.
If you can’t shop in Old Town on Saturdays, there are several other markets to vist during the week:
Tuesdays
Loveland Farmers’ Market
N. Garfield and Orchard (Hobby Lobby parking lot)
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
May 7 to Oct. 29
fortcollinsfm.com
Wednesdays
Fort Collins Farmers’ Market
Harmony and Lemay (Ace Hardware parking lot)
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
June 12 to Oct. 30
fortcollinsfm.com
Thursdays
Berthoud Farmers’ Market
Fickel Park, 630 Mountain Ave.
3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
July 11 to Sept. 26
Estes Valley Farmers’ Market
1209 Manford Ave. (Stanley Park Fairgrounds)
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
June 6 to Sept. 26
Saturdays
Larimer County Farmers’ Market
200 W. Oak St. (Larimer County Courthouse parking lot)
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
May 18 to Oct. 26
larimercountyfarmersmarket.org
*Market accepts SNAP benefits
Drake Road Farmers’ Market
802 W. Drake Road
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
April 13 to Sept. 28
drakeroadfarmersmarket.com
Sundays
Fort Collins Farmers’ Market
Harmony and Lemay (Ace Hardware parking lot)
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
May 5 to Oct. 27
fortcollinsfm.com
City of Loveland Farmers’ Market
700 S. Railroad Ave. (the Old Fairgrounds)
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
June 30 to Sept. 29
www.cityofloveland.org/index.aspx?page=686
*Market accepts SNAP benefits
If you plan to grow most of your own vegetables at home this year, remember the Master Gardeners are available to help you succeed. You can call the Extension Office to reach the Master Gardeners at 970-498-6000 or send an email to larimermg@gmail.com. You can also drop off samples at the office (1525 Blue Spruce Drive in Fort Collins) and/or visit with Master Gardeners between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through Oct. 30.
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