What's Coming to Washtenaw County Farmers Markets in July

If you’ve been going to the farmers market mostly for strawberries, it’s time to expand your routine. Strawberry season in Michigan wraps up by late June or early July, but what replaces it is one of the most abundant stretches of the entire year. July is arguably the best month to be shopping at a local farmers market.

Here’s what you can expect to start seeing over the next few weeks.

Blueberries

Michigan is one of the top blueberry-producing states in the country, and local blueberries typically start showing up at Washtenaw County markets in early-to-mid July. They’re sweeter and more flavorful than anything shipped from out of state. Buy extra — they freeze beautifully and last all winter.

Zucchini and Summer Squash

If you’ve ever grown zucchini yourself, you know what happens in July: you can’t give it away fast enough. That abundance works in your favor at the market. Zucchini is cheap, versatile, and shows up in yellow, green, and striped varieties. Look for smaller ones — under 8 inches — which tend to be more tender and flavorful.

Green Beans

Fresh green beans from a local farm are a completely different experience from canned or frozen. They snap crisply, cook in minutes, and have an earthy sweetness that’s hard to describe. They show up in July and stay through August.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers come on strong in July. Look for pickling cucumbers (small, bumpy) if you want to make quick refrigerator pickles, or slicing cucumbers for salads. Ask vendors which variety they grow — some are more bitter than others.

Early Tomatoes

The first tomatoes of the season usually arrive in mid-to-late July, depending on the weather. Cherry tomatoes often come first, followed by slicers and heirlooms. Don’t rush them — a tomato picked too early isn’t worth eating. Wait for the ones that are deeply colored and smell like summer.

Sweet Corn

Michigan sweet corn season is one of the things people genuinely look forward to. It typically starts in mid-July and runs through August. Buy it the same day you plan to eat it — the sugars start converting to starch almost immediately after picking. Local farms like Kapnick Orchards and Wasem Fruit Farm are known for their summer fruit and vegetable crops.

Fresh Basil

July is when basil really hits its stride. Buy a big bunch, make pesto, and freeze it in ice cube trays. A cube of homemade pesto in January is a small miracle.

What’s Leaving

A few things you’ll want to catch before they’re gone: asparagus is likely finished by early July, and rhubarb is wrapping up too. If you haven’t made a strawberry rhubarb crisp yet, you have maybe another week or two.

Where to Shop

All four Washtenaw County farmers markets run through the summer — Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Saline, and Dexter. Ann Arbor’s market runs year-round and has the widest selection. Farms like Tantre Farm, Community Farm of Ann Arbor, Jacob’s Fresh Farm, Green Things Farm, Seva Farm, Blue Spring Farm, Fusilier Family Farms, and Whitney Farmstead are all active through the summer season.

July moves fast. Go early, bring a cooler bag, and buy more than you think you need.