Fresh Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables in August and Early September

Summer is far from over, so get fruits and vegetables at their freshest. Not sure where to start? Luckily, a number of farms, farm stands and farmers' markets are available nearby.

Patch assembled a list of what's in season and where it can be purchased, as well as tips for picking your own fresh produce.

What's Growing in August and September?

Available fruits and veggies will vary by month. Picking produce at its peak time is key to getting the most for your money.

In August, fresh apples, beans, beets, blackberries, cabbage, cantaloupe, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, grapes, herbs, onions, peaches, pears, peppers, potatoes, raspberries, squash, tomatoes, watermelons and zucchini will be in season.

Some types of apples should be ready in early August. Blackberries and grapes should come into season mid-to-late August. Additional varieties of apples will become available throughout September.

Whether you prefer farmer stands, farmers' markets or U-Pick (more information about this is below), there are plenty of choices nearby.

For a more detailed calendar of harvest availability, check out PickYourOwn.org's Illinois Harvest Schedule or Garden Patch Farm's Picking Schedule.

Farm Stands

All the farms and farm stands listed below are family-owned and operated. Remember that many items are seasonal and may not be carried all the time. When in doubt, call in advance.

Apples on Oak (U-Pick)
August - Early October | Oak Avenue & Gougar Road, Lockport, IL
This U-Pick apple orchard offers over 90 varieties of apples and pears from August to the beginning of October. August apples should include Duchess, Pristine, Williams Pride, Chehalis, Akero, Ida Mac, Prima, Asian Pear, Golden Pearmain, Mollie’s Delicious and Sansa. Check out its picking schedule and blog for specific picking times.

Garden Patch Farms & Orchard (U-Pick & Farm Stand)
April 16 - December | 14154 W. 159th Street, Homer Glen
This farm has the greatest number of U-Pick options in the area. With over 4,000 fruit trees, grape vines, bushes and rows of vegetables, a trip to the Garden Patch could be an all day event. In addition to U-Pick, the farm has a store which carries produce, fresh eggs, preserves and honey (from local hives). It charges a picking fee of $5 per person (plus the price per pound of whatever you pick). Parking is unpaved. August produce U-Pick should include apples, blackberries, cucumbers, eggplant, grapes, peaches, pears, pickles, raspberries, squash and tomatoes.

Early July - October 31 | 10301 W 159th St, Orland Park
This roadside farm stand sells fresh seasonal produce throughout the summer. Some items (like peaches) are brought up from southern Illinois. It also has a refrigerated section with chopped fruits and other prepared produce. Parking is unpaved.

Mid-July -October 30 | W 159th St & Wolf Rd, Orland Park
The produce from the Brandau Farm Stand is brought from its farm in Mokena. The Orland Park farm stand is one of three, with locations in and New Lenox as well. Parking is unpaved.

July - October | W 151st St & S 81st Ct, Orland Park
One of the more picturesque farm stands, the Boley Farm Stand is set on the historic Boley farm (built in the early 1800s). The stand itself sits in what was formerly the dairy barn. In addition to fresh produce, it sells honey from Frankfort and herbs grown in Homer Glen. Parking is paved.

Farmers Markets

Farmers markets are another great place to get fresh produce. Many local farms bring products sell.

There are so many around that we found one for every day of the week:

• Monday -
• Tuesday -
• Wednesday - ,
• Thursday -
• Friday - ,
• Saturday - and
• Sunday -

U-Pick

Meaning pick your own produce, U-Pick farms offer you the chance to actually go out into the field and select each fruit and vegetable by hand.

There are several large farms nearby. Some are very specialized; others carry a wider variety of items. U-Pick is an excellent opportunity to teach children about nature, farming and healthy eating.

If you do bring the family, make sure to respect the rules of the farm.

Pick (and allow your children to pick) only what you are planning on buying. If your kids pick underripe produce, you still have to buy it. Dumping unwanted items on the ground is not only rude, it takes money out of the pockets of local farmers.

Tips and Tricks

Shopping at a farm, farm stand or farmers market is quite different than going to a grocery store. Here are a few suggestions to make your experience enjoyable and productive.

1. Don't let nature get the best of you. Bring bug spray, sun block, bottled water and wipes to keep yourself refreshed and safe.
2. Bear in mind that the precise growing times of these items will vary based on weather. Always check with the grower before planning a trip.
3. Not all places supply bags, so bring a few of your own.
4. Not all lots are paved. Park carefully especially in wet weather.
5. Bring cash. Most places won't take credit cards, and only some take checks.
6. Dress in clothing you are willing to get dirty.