Strategize Your Garden + Support Local Farmers Markets for the Best Summer Harvest

Hello again from Grow Your Own Fort Collins!

For many of us, growing a vegetable garden is about enjoying fresh, homegrown produce and reducing trips to the grocery store. But no matter how dedicated we Fort Collins gardeners are, it’s nearly impossible to grow everything we’d like. Maybe your yard doesn’t get enough sun for tomatoes, you don’t have space for sprawling crops like squash or corn, or life is just too busy to manage an extensive garden.

Instead of seeing this as a limitation, think of it as an opportunity! By strategically planning your garden and supplementing with fresh, local produce from Fort Collins' farmers markets, you can enjoy the best of both worlds all summer long.

Plan Your Garden with Farmers’ Markets in Mind

When planning your garden, consider which crops are easy to grow at home and which might be better sourced from a farmers’ market.

🌱 Grow at Home – Herbs, lettuces, radishes, kale, and other greens thrive in small spaces and are simple to maintain.

🍉 Buy from Farmers Markets – Larger crops like melons, sweet corn, and winter squash often require more space and care than a home garden allows.

By prioritizing what grows best in your space, you can maximize your harvest while still enjoying the freshest local produce from farmers markets.

Why Support Your Local Farmers Market?

Visiting a farmers market isn’t just about filling the gaps in your garden—it’s an experience!

✔ Affordable & Fresh – Many vendors offer produce at prices lower than grocery stores.

✔ Supports the Local Community – Shopping at farmers markets strengthens local businesses and keeps your dollars within Fort Collins.

✔ More Than Just Produce – Enjoy fresh-baked bread, local honey, handmade spices, farm-raised meats, cheeses, and even desserts—all in one place!

✔ A Great Weekend Outing – Many markets feature live music, food vendors, and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a morning stroll with coffee and pastries in hand.

Maximize Your Garden & Market Experience

At Grow Your Own Fort Collins, we help homeowners create thriving gardens that complement their local food sources. Whether you need help designing a space-efficient garden, installing raised beds, or getting hands-on coaching, we’re here to make gardening easy and rewarding.

Contact us today to get started on your best growing season yet!

Here’s some information about Northern Colorado area Farmers' Markets:

1. Larimer County Farmers' Market – Fort Collins

• Dates: Saturdays, May 17 – October 25, 2025​

• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.​

• Location: 200 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins, CO​

• Details: As the oldest farmers' market in Northern Colorado, it offers a wide variety of local produce and goods.

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2. Fort Collins Farmers Market

• Dates: Sundays, May 5 – November 10, 2025​

• Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.​

• Location: 1001 E. Harmony Road (SE Corner of Harmony Rd. & Lemay Ave.), Fort Collins, CO​

• Details: Features Colorado-grown produce, breads, sweets, dairy, eggs, flowers, honey, jams, meats, pet items, specialty items, and more.

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3. Farmers Market at Fairgrounds Park – Loveland

• Dates: Sundays, June 1 – September 28, 2025

• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.​

• Location: 700 S. Railroad Avenue, Loveland, CO​

• Details: Offers a variety of local vendors, food trucks, and live music, making it a vibrant community gathering spot. 

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4. Windsor Farmers Market

• Dates: Saturdays, June 7 – September 6, 2025​

• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.​

• Location: Boardwalk Park, Windsor, CO​

• Details: Offers a variety of vendors, including baked goods, beverages, produce, meats, cheeses, eggs, dairy, and more.

Supporting local farmers markets not only provides you with fresh, seasonal produce but also strengthens the community by supporting local businesses and agriculture. Enjoy exploring the rich offerings of Northern Colorado's markets this season to supplement your own home garden!

Happy gardening,

– The Grow Your Own Team