The Farmers’ Market returns to Martinsville this summer, after a 20-year absence.

“Everybody’s really excited to get it off the ground,” said market masater Dave Hamrock.

The plan is to have a dozen or so vendors, selling eveything from bedding plants and eggs to veggies later in the season.

“We’re trying to get approval for having baked goods and soaps on the list,” Hamrock said just before the big season opener May 30. “We’re trying to keep it local, trying to develop things downtown.”

Bounty from gardeners and farmers

The Saturday market is from 8 a.m. until noon.

The Martinsville spot on the courthouse square joins at least a dozen other markets in south-central Indiana.

It is pairing up with Mooresville’s Wednesday nights to be known collectively as the Morgan County Farmers’ Market.

“It’s brand spanking new,” said Hamrock, who was recently hired as the master.

The market scene in Indiana is a mix of newcomers and oldtimers.

The Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market celebrates 35 years this season.

So with summertime here, let the living be easy — healthy and fun.

MARKET WATCH

A sure sign of good eats in Indiana is a brown-paper bag full of fresh fruits and veggies.

INstride’s guide to the freshest produce this summer.

Marcia Veldman from the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market provided a calendar of what fruits and veggies to plan on during the next few months.

June: Asparagus, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, green beans, green onions, greens (a wide variety including chard, kale and arugula), herbs, lettuce, mushrooms, new potatoes, rhubarb, snap peas, spinach, strawberries, summer squash, tomatoes (greenhouse), and turnips.

Later in the month: basil, blackberries, blueberries, garlic, peaches, raspberries and sweet corn.

July: Apples, Brussel’s sprouts, cantaloupe, eggplant, grapes, onions, peppers, plums, potatoes, tomatoes (field grown), and watermelon.

August: Summer crops are in peak productivity, with tomatoes dominating the month! You’ll also start to see some fall crops arriving like shell beans, sweet potatoes and winter squash. To celebrate the tomato, the Bloomington Farmers’ Market has two special events — the annual Heirloom Tomato Tasting Aug. 15 and a Salsa Contest Aug. 29.

* In addition to the produce, a variety of meat (beef, elk, lamb, and pork), a variety of cheese (both cow and goat), maple syrup, honey and eggs can also be found at the Bloomington market — and many of the others.

AREA FARMERS MARKETS

LAWRENCE

Bedford Farmers Market

West side of courthouse square

Saturdays 8 a.m. - noon

May through October

Thornton Park parking lot

Tuesdays and Thursdays

8 a.m.-noon

May through October

MONROE

Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market

401 North Morton St. (City Hall)

April through September Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

October through November from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sixth and Madison (Bloomingfoods Near West)

June through September Tuesdays from 4 to 7 pm

For more information, product availability and the weekly entertainment schedule see www.bloomington.in.gov/farmers or call 812-349-3700

The Wednesday Market

Bloomingfoods Parking Lot, 3220 East 3d Street

May through October from 7 am to noon

The Bloomingfoods Saturday Market

Bloomingfoods Parking Lot, 3220 East 3d Street

May through October from 8 am to noon

MORGAN

Mooresville

Corner of Indiana and Main streets

3-7 p.m. Wednesday

Martinsville

North side of the courthouse square on Morgan Street)

8:00 a.m. until 12:00 Saturdays

BROWN

Nashville

71 Parkview Rd.

Redbarn Jamboree

8:00 am Saturdays

Brown County Village Market

East Gould Street, Downtown Nashville

8:00 am - Noon Saturday

Bean Blossom Farmers’ Market

State Road 135 N, Bean Blossom

April 19-October

Saturdays: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

ORANGE

Orleans-Orange County Home Grown Farmers Market

West side of Congress Square Park in Orleans

May 17-October 25

Saturdays: 8 a.m.-Noon

www.orangecountyhomegrown.org

French Lick Orange County Home Grown Valley Farmers Market

Off of Indiana Street, near junction of 56 and 145, Between the Train Station and Casino,

May 6-October 28

Tuesdays: 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

GREENE

Owensburg

Brays You Pick

Route 3 Box 59, call 812-863-7947

Daily 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

The Eastern Greene Chamber of Commerce Farmer’s Market in Solsberry

Downtown Solsberry

8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every other Saturday starting May 23 until the end of September.

OWEN

Spencer

Community Farmers’ Market of Owen County

Courthouse Square

8 a.m. to noon