Fresh from the farm | Farmers markets and produce stands

Bambi Miller, right, talks about her hens and eggs with Lisa Bertelsen, one of the managers of the Selah farmers market. (SARA GETTYS/Yakima Herald-Republic file)

If there’s one thing that you can count on in the Yakima Valley, it’s produce. Take a short drive and you’re ready to pick your own fruit right from the tree.

Cherries, apples, peaches and pears are ready and waiting. Looking for that fresh vegetable fix? The tomatoes, asparagus and zucchini can’t be beat.

Most vendors accept a variety of payments, but carry cash, just in case. If you’re ready to pick fresh produce, head on out. Don’t forget to bring your own container.

If a farmers market-style setup is more to your liking, there are plenty of those to choose from as well. In addition to the produce, these markets often feature live music and displays of handmade crafts.
The market is open Wednesdays in Selah and Sunnyside, Saturdays in Ellensburg, Prosser and Goldendale and Sundays in Yakima.
— Scott Mayes

Farmers Markets

Kittitas County Farmers Market — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, May through Oct. 27. On Fourth Avenue, between Pearl and Ruby streets, in downtown Ellensburg. 509-899-3870, www.kcfarmersmarket.com.
Prosser Farmers Market — 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, May 5 through Oct. 27. In the Prosser City Park, Seventh Street and Sommers Avenue. 509-786-9174, www.prosserfarmersmarket.com.
Goldendale Farmers Market — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, May 12 through Oct. 27. Ekone Park on Wilbur Avenue, off State Route 142. 509-261-0782.
Yakima Farmers Market — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, May 13 through Oct. 28. In front of the Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St. 509-457-5765, www.yakimafarmersmarket.org.
Sunnyside Farmers Market — 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, June 20 through mid-September. 4th St. and Edison Ave., near the city park. 509-830-5209.
Selah’s Wednesday Market — 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, June 20 through Sept. 26. Behind King’s Row Drive-In at 210 S. First St. 509-480-2844 or 509-961-8672, www.selahsmarket.com.

Produce Stands/U Pick Destinations

• Bella Terra Gardens, 660 Bella Terra Road, Zillah; 509-865-4554. Farm fresh eggs and herb garden. Organic and naturally grown vegetables and berries sold from historic barn, or U-pick. See the farm animals. There is also a Community Supported Agriculture program available. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday late May through October.
• Bouchey Potatoes, 2310 Evans Road, Wapato; 509-848-2061. Step into the cold storage room to pick
your potatoes at this self-service spud shop. Many varieties. Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, July through November. Honor system on Sundays.
• Cowiche Creek Nursery, 2401 Cowiche Mill Road, Cowiche; 509- 678-4998. Fresh blueberries, July through September. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
• Dagdagan Farm & Produce, 4640 Lateral A, Wapato; 509-877- 2727. Farm stand features a variety of local and imported produce, open May through October. U-pick tomatoes and peppers, late August until the first freeze. Bring your own container.
• Harmony Hill U-Pick, 141 Harmony Lane, Yakima; 509-965-3262; www.harmonyhillupickraz.com. U-pick raspberries and lavender. Open daily late July until the first frost. Call to check hours.
• Imperial’s Garden, 4817 Lateral A, Wapato; 509-877-2766. Produce stand and U-pick featuring green beans, beets, tomatoes, peppers, corn, cucumbers, watermelon and cantaloupe.
• Johnson Orchards, 4906 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 509-966- 7479; www.johnsonorchardsfruit.com. Cherries, apricots, peaches and other tree fruit sold from 1916 warehouse. Open daily, beginning in early June. U-pick cherries, pears and apples throughout the summer.
• Selah Ridge Lavender Farm, 330 Rankin Road, Selah; 509-930- 2910; www.selahridgelavenderfarm.com. Lavender Harvest Days event with vendors and music, July 20-22. U-pick lavender/products by appointment.
• Thompson’s Farm Market, 9550 Highway 12, Naches; 509-949-3450; www.thompsonsfarm.com. Select local produce, gourmet foods, gifts, local microbrews and Upper Valley wines. Open daily, June through October. U-pick cherries, peaches, apples and pumpkins available weekends in season and by appointment at Thompson’s Farm, 9535 Old Naches Highway, Naches.
• Washington Fruit Place at Barrett Orchards, 1209 Pecks Canyon Road, Yakima; 509-966-1275; www.treeripened.com. Year-round gift shop features in-season tree fruits. Cherry Days festival on July 7. U-pick cherries, late June through mid-July.
• Yakima U-Pick Farm, 11901 Zier Road, Yakima; 509-945-5406; www.yakimaberries.com. Fruit stand and U-pick raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, apples, pears, pluots, peaches, tomatoes, basil and pumpkins. Open daily, July 1 through October.

Harvest Schedule

Here are the approximate harvest times for much of what is grown in the Yakima Valley.
April through June
Asparagus

June
Broccoli • Cauliflower
Peas • Strawberries

June through July
Zucchini

June through August
Cherries

July
Apricots
Green beans

July through September
Sweet corn • Cucumbers
Melons • Peaches
Tomatoes

July through October
Carrots • Squash

July through November
Potatoes

August
Nectarines

August through September
Blackberries
Blueberries
Eggplant
Pears
Plums

August through November
Apples

September
Onions

September through October
Pumpkins