What local to Roanoke vegetables & herbs are now in season?
It’s not hard to figure out if farmer’s markets claiming to be only local hold true to their word. If you’re seeing bananas, pineapples and coconuts for sale any time of year, that’s a big red flag. These items don’t grow in Roanoke or within any radius (even if you go by the liberal 400 miles the USDA and Kroger’s tends to use) that could be considered regional.
Also, be suspect if you’re seeing peppers, tomatoes and squash in May. Sure, science and art (growing produce profitably these days requires a bit of both) is making great strides in extending the season and spurring early growth, but you’re not going to find these crops available naturally this time of year from local producers in Roanoke or any surrounding areas.
Some local farmers have been extremely successful at extending the season throughout the winter for cool weather loving crops. These include lettuce, kale, Swiss chard & a number of other leafy vegetables as well some root crops and cold tolerant vegetables & herbs. It’s a lot harder to create the light and heat requirements of plants needing a long summer season to ripen.
Vegetables currently in season in Roanoke
(Drawn largely from what’s currently being harvested at Halcyon Acres.)
- Lettuce
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Kale
- Swiss Chard
- Spinach
- Peas
- Carrots (babies)
- Asparagus
- Strawberries
- Rhubarb
Local herbs for fresh harvest now in Roanoke
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Sage
- Chives
- Lavender
- Dill
- Parsley
There are probably some items missing from this list, but that’s what’s ready at Halcyon Acres and what’s showing up at farmer’s markets. Have something else you’re growing that’s ready to harvest now? Please share in the comments below.
