What's in Season the First Week of August Near Ann Arbor

If late July was the tipping point, early August is where the season really opens up. The crops that were “almost ready” two weeks ago are fully in now, and a few early-summer favorites are on their way out. Here’s what’s worth prioritizing at the market this week.

Watermelon Is (Finally) Here

Michigan’s watermelon season is short, and it’s just getting going in Washtenaw County. Look for it at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market and Ypsilanti Farmers Market, or check Argus Farm Stop if you strike out — they source from 200+ Michigan farms and tend to have it once it’s ready anywhere in the state. It won’t stick around past early September, so this is the window. Our new Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad is the fastest way to put a whole melon to use.

Eggplant and Peppers Are Hitting Their Stride

Both crops need real summer heat to size up, and by early August they’ve had it. Diversified vegetable growers like Tantre Farm, Community Farm of Ann Arbor, Green Things Farm, Blue Spring Farm, Slow Farm Organic, and Fusilier Family Farms should have both in good supply now if you’re on a CSA, and the same farms typically sell direct at the Saline Farmers Market. We put both to work in a new Marinated Eggplant and Peppers recipe that only gets better the longer it sits in the fridge.

Sweet Corn and Tomatoes Are Still Going Strong

These two peaked in late July and haven’t let up. For a deeper look at where to find the best of each, see our guides to sweet corn and tomatoes — both are still fully accurate for early August.

Blueberry Season Is Wrapping Up

If you haven’t made it out u-picking yet, don’t wait much longer. Blueville Acres Blueberry Farm and Dexter Blueberry Farm are both in their final week or two of the season — call ahead before driving out, since a hot, dry stretch can end a season early. Our full u-pick roundup has details on both.

Peaches Are Around, in Smaller Numbers

Michigan peaches are trucked in from the west side of the state rather than grown locally in Washtenaw County, but early August is a good stretch for finding them at Argus Farm Stop and at farmers market stalls that carry produce beyond what they grow themselves.

Keep Up With What’s Fresh

Availability shifts fast this time of year. The most reliable way to stay ahead of it is a CSA share — you get whatever’s peaking that week without having to guess. Otherwise, check the farmers markets page for hours near you, and swing by the recipes page for something new to do with whatever you bring home.