Farms and Farmers Markets Providing Fresh Winter Produce in Tampa FL

As the weather cools down, the farmers markets in Tampa FL open for business. There are dozens of local farms and hydroponic farms surrounding the Tampa Bay area, so of course, there is no shortage of farm fresh food. The farmers markets in Tampa are only open from October to May so now is the time to check them out. Since they're outdoors, they close during inclement weather, so before you make the trip be sure to call or check their website.

Farmer's Markets

Tampa Downtown Market operates farmers market from October to May every Friday at Lykes Gaslight Square Park at Madison and Franklin Street in Downtown Tampa. The Friday Market is open on Fridays from 10 AM - PM. They boast a number of produce vendors including Parke Family HydroFarms, Magnolia Organics Farm, Kilpatrick Produce and many more. On a recent visit, there were several vendors offering fresh produce and fresh herbs, there were also flowers, fresh pasta, raw honey, homemade bread and various craft items. For your entertainment the market also has live music. You can visit their website at http://www.tampadowntownmarket.com for directions, dates and vendor information.

Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market is in its second year. This farmers market operates from October to May on the second Sunday of each month, on the front lawn of Hillsborough High School, 5000 Central Avenue, Tampa, FL. On a recent visit there were vendors selling fresh produce as well as farm-fresh eggs, pottery and jewelry. They also have musical performances for your entertainment. You can visit their website at http://www.sundaymorningmarket.com/ for directions, dates and vendor information.

Farms

Parke Family HydroFarms if you're not able to catch these farmers at one of the local Farmers Markets don't worry you can always stop by their farm in Plant City, right outside of Tampa. Their farm at 3715 Tanner Road in Dover, FL offers U Pick Produce as well as a Produce Club. All of their vegetables and fruits are insecticide and pesticide free. They're open from Tuesday through Saturday by appointment only. You can contact them at 813.927.4049 or visit their website at http://www.parkehydro.com.

Lancaster Hydro Farm is not a U Pick or We Pick Farm. What they offer is hydroponic vegetables and fruit delivered to your door. Their Produce Club offers weekly and bi-weekly delivery or vegetable or fruit baskets as well as breads, preserves, honey and assorted items from their Country Store. Their farm located in Dover, FL is only available for viewing by appointment. If you'd like to place your order for a Produce Club basket or delivery availability in your Tampa location call 813.482.2008 or visit their website at http://www.lancasterfarm.net.

Urban Oasis Hydroponic Farm offers locally grown vegetable at their Carrolwood location. You can purchase your produce as a member of their Farm Share or from their Farm Market which is open every Friday from 10-6PM and Saturday from 10-4PM at 5416 West Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, FL. They offer a large selection of vegetables during their October to June growing season which are free from pesticides and herbicides. For more information about their Farm Member Share or directions visit their website at http://urbanoasisfarm.com/ or give them a call at 813.293.FARM.

As you can see, there are many places in Tampa to find farm fresh produce during the winter months. This is just a small sample of what's available. There are still various farm stands and smaller flea markets scattered around Tampa that are waiting to be explored.