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Sweeping prairies and waves of amber grain may be what comes to mind when most people think of Kansas. And it's not that they're wrong, it's just that they're not fully right. Lots of farms and farmland means a long and proud tradition of growing one's own food. Kitchen gardens, home orchards, and vegetable plots aren't unusual, and neither is making jam or putting up other preserves. Make the most of local Kansas produce—whether you grow it yourself, seek it out at farm stands and farmers markets, or simply pick it up at the local store—with this simple guide.
Exact crop availability and harvest times will vary across the state and year-to-year, but this summary will help you know when to look for what at markets near you in Kansas. You can also lookup produce by more generalized seasons (spring, summer, fall, winter) to see what might be available right this second.
Apples, July through October (local harvest may be available from cold storage well into winter)
Apricots, June into July
Arugula, May through September
Asparagus, April through June
Basil, July through September
Beets, May through October
Blackberries, July into August
Blueberries, July into August
Broccoli, June through October
Brussels Sprouts, August through November
Cabbage, June through November (local harvest available from storage through March)
Cantaloupes, August and September
Carrots, May through November (local harvest available from storage through winter)
Cauliflower, August through November (this frost-loving vegetable may be available much later, depending on when winter arrives in any given year)
Celeriac/Celery Root, August through October
Celery, August through October
Chard, May through September
Cherries, June and July
Cilantro, June through September
Corn, mid-June through mid-August
Cucumbers, July through mid-October
Eggplant, July through mid-October
Fava Beans, May
Fennel, late August into October
Garlic, August through November
Garlic Scapes/Green Garlic, May and June
Grapes, August and September
Green Beans, July through September
Green Onions/Scallions, June through September
Greens (various), May through November
Herbs, various, May through October
Horseradish, June through November
Kale, June through November
Leeks, August through October
Lettuce (various), May through October
Melons, July through September
Morels, spring
Mushrooms, Cultivated, year-round
Mushrooms, Wild, spring through fall, varies tremendously each year
Onions, August through October (local harvest available from storage year-round)
Parsley, May through September
Parsnips, April and May and again in October through November (local harvest available from storage through winter)
Peaches, July and August
Pears, August through October
Peas & Pea Pods, June through August
Peppers (sweet), June through September
Persimmons, October
Plums & Pluots, July and August
Potatoes, July through November (local harvest available from storage year-round)
Pumpkins, September through October
Radishes, May through October
Raspberries, June into August
Rhubarb, April through June
Shelling Beans, September through October (local harvest available dried year-round)
Spinach, May through October
Squash — Summer, July through October
Squash — Winter, August through November (local harvest available from storage into spring
Strawberries, June and July
Sweet Potatoes, September into December
Tomatoes, July through October
Turnips, August through November (local harvest available from storage through February)
Watermelons, August through September
Zucchini, July through October
Zucchini Blossoms, July and August