Summer may be on the wane, but this is peak season for local produce. Though many blueberries have already fulfilled their destiny, some are still waiting to do so, hoping all that effort to grow and ripen won’t be in vain. Peaches are peaking, and early apples are already on the stands. Corn and tomatoes are now near-daily staples at some dinner tables, with fresh-picked raspberries, blackberries, and melons filling out summer evening menus. Time to enjoy the bounty; it will be gone in the blink of an eye!
Carlson Orchards, 115 Oak Hill Road, 978-456-3916
Pick-your-own peaches, nectarines, blueberries, and raspberries. Already-picked peaches, nectarines, and blueberries are available in the store, along with vegetables (including corn) from Brookdale Fruit Farm in Hollis, New Hampshire. Check Facebook for an updated version of what will be available for picking and in the store each day.
Store is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily; pick-your-own is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Doe Orchards, 327 Ayer Road, 978-772-4139
Still some pick-your-own blueberries on the bushes. At the stand, White Lady and yellow freestone peaches. Gravenstein and Ginger Gold apples will soon be ready for picking.
Stand and pick-your-own are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, Tuesday through Saturday, weather permitting.
Good Spirits Farm, 106 East Bare Hill Road
At the self-service farmstand this week: Blueberries, blackberries, peaches, pears, tomatoes, cucumbers, kale, turnips, and fresh herbs, including basil. Also the farm’s own honey, jam, herbal tea, lip balm, and hand cream. Fresh Chip-In Farm eggs in the fridge. Also flower bouquets with dahlias, zinnias, and sunflowers.
Stand is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Old Frog Pond Farm, 38 Eldridge Road
Pick-your-own raspberries will start soon; check the website for the announcement. At the stand on the porch at the side of the house: Certified organic produce, including Pristine apples, peaches, and the farm’s honey, jam, beeswax, and herbal teas.
Pick-your-own is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
Westward Orchards, 178 Massachusetts Avenue, 978-456-8363
Available in the store: Westward’s blackberries, yellow and white peaches, nectarines, watermelon, honeydew, mixed plums, Asian pears, and Early Mac apples, along with corn, tomatoes (including heirloom and cherry), lettuce, kale, cucumbers, peppers, summer squash, zucchini, broccoli, eggplant, beets, cabbage, beans, carrots, mixed potatoes, and mixed herbs.
Store is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; pick-your-own is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Willard Farm, 218 Still River Road, 978-456-8291
Corn, tomatoes, cantaloupe, zucchini, summer squash, yellow and red onions, eggplant, flowers, and potted herbs from Cucurbit Farm in Acton.
Stand is open daily
All produce listed is Harvard grown unless otherwise noted.
—Compiled by Joan Eliyesil
