There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh, local produce, especially when it’s in season. Visiting your local farmers market is one of the best ways to enjoy the diversity of Wisconsin agriculture while supporting the hardworking farmers who grow our food. This guide makes it easy to know what’s in season in Wisconsin, from tender asparagus in May to sweet corn and tomatoes in August. When you shop in-season, your food travels fewer miles and supports the people growing it right here in our state. Plus, shopping at farmers markets allows you to ask growers directly about how your food is grown, giving you a closer connection to what’s on your plate.

Why Shop in Season?

Choosing Wisconsin-grown produce at its peak keeps local farms thriving while delivering fresher, healthier meals for your family.

Superior Taste and Nutrition – Locally harvested fruits and vegetables travel shorter distances, arriving at peak ripeness with vibrant flavors and full nutrient density.
Smart Savings and Less Waste – Abundance means lower prices at markets, more produce for your dollar, and minimal spoilage.
Thriving Communities – Your dollars fuel Wisconsin farm families while reducing transport emissions for a lighter environmental impact.
Connected Meals – Chat with growers at your local market for seasonal shifts to inspire creative dishes.

What’s in season: May–June

Early in the season, you’ll see tender greens and the first signs of summer on market tables.

May: Asparagus, rhubarb, and spinach are some of the first local vegetables to appear. These cool-season crops are perfect for simple sautés, salads, and spring baking.
June: Strawberries, beets, and peas, alongside continuing spinach in some areas. This is a great month for colorful salads, fresh fruit desserts, and quick side dishes made with just-picked veggies.

What’s in season: July–August

Mid-summer thrives in Wisconsin with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables filling farm stands and markets.

July: Look for broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, raspberries, summer squash, cucumbers/pickles, potatoes, pumpkins, sweet corn, and blueberries. This is also when beans and tomatoes begin to show up, making it easy to build meals almost entirely from local produce.
August: Many July crops continue, and this is prime time for sweet corn, tomatoes, and peppers, along with eggplant and melons. It’s the ideal month for grilling vegetables, making fresh salsa, or freezing and canning for the months ahead.

What’s in season: September–October

As nights cool down, markets shift toward hearty late-summer and fall favorites.

September: You’ll still find broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, raspberries, summer squash, cucumbers, potatoes, pumpkins, sweet corn, beans, tomatoes, and the first winter squash varieties. Perfect time to combine late-summer produce like tomatoes and corn with fall staples for transitional meals.
October: Spinach returns as a cool-weather green, and winter squash remains available, often joined by storage crops like potatoes and carrots. These ingredients are ideal for soups, roasts, and make-ahead meals that carry Wisconsin flavor into the colder months.

Make the most of Wisconsin’s harvest

When you choose local, you’re doing more than filling your basket with colorful fruits and vegetables—you’re investing in Wisconsin communities. Every purchase helps support farm families and keeps dollars circulating in the local economy. Whether you’re picking up sweet corn for a summer cookout or squash for a cozy fall meal, buying in-season produce makes mealtime more meaningful. So grab this seasonal guide, head to your nearest market, and celebrate the rhythm of Wisconsin’s harvest all summer long.

Click here for a printable version of the What’s in Season Guide!