Eat Local: Farm-Fresh Finds in Frederick This Spring & Summer

With spring turning into summer in Frederick, It's time to embrace the freshness of the season by eating local. From pick-your-own farms where you can create unforgettable memories (and great photos!) with your little ones, to CSAs offering a bounty of seasonal delights and local farmers markets ... there are plenty of ways to eat fresh in the Frederick area!

By choosing locally grown produce, you're not only treating your taste buds, but also supporting sustainable agriculture and the hardworking farmers in the area.

Discover where you can find locally grown fruits, vegetables, and more in Frederick to bring home to your family:

^{Sergii Petroshchuk | Canva}

Pick-Your-Own (PYO) Farms in the Frederick area

It's a hands-on adventure at these PYO farms in and around Frederick, where you can enjoy the experience of picking your own fruits and vegetables straight from the fields. Here are some top picks:

Glade Link Farms

Strawberries & Sugar Snap Peas Mid May-June approximately

Blueberries Late June-July approximately

12270 Woodsboro Pike, Keymar, MD 21757

301-898-7131

What to expect: Always call before visiting 301-898-7131. Cash or check only. Containers are available but customers are encouraged to bring their own. Pets not allowed.

Mayne's Tree Farm

Strawberries May 20

3420 Buckeystown Pike, Buckeystown, MD 21717

(301) 662-4320

What to expect: More than just Christmas trees! Check Facebook for updates on you-pick times.

Catoctin Mountain Orchard

Blueberries, black raspberries & cherries in early summer

15036 N Franklinville Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788

(301) 271-2737

What to expect: Farm market is open 9-5 daily Check Facebook, their website or call for more information on picking schedule. Catoctin Mountain Orchard has a playground.

Pryor's Orchards

Reopening around Mid-June with sweet cherries and apricots.

13841B Pryor Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788

(301) 271-2693

What to expect: "Our sole purpose is to give you a wholesome, fresh, good tasting, high quality, home grown, safe products" Always call first for information on picking times.

Larriland Farm

Will reopen in late May with strawberries

2415 Woodbine Road, Woodbine, MD 21797

410-442-2605

What to expect: Farm market will open in late May when picking begins. Make sure to call or check website before visiting - sometimes they do have to pause/close fields due to customer demand and weather conditions.

Frog Eye Farm

Blueberries - summer

19600 Frog Eye Rd, Knoxville, MD 21758

240-463-7236

What to expect: "Pick-Your-Own Blueberries (NO PESTICIDES/NO CHEMICALS) A Blueberry Picking Adventure! Always call or visit our Facebook page before coming out to the Blueberry Patch."

Tips for fruit picking with the family - bring sunscreen, bug spray and hats. Most places do not allow pets. Wear closed toe shoes and comfortable clothing. Check the farm's website or give them a call before visiting.

^{Rita E. | Canva}

Local CSAs in Frederick

Support local farmers and enjoy a regular supply of fresh, seasonal produce by joining a CSA in Frederick County. CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. Here are some options to consider:

Sycamore Spring Farm, Frederick

Details: “Better than Organic” naturally grown products are grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, Multiple share options available, farm pickup or delivery to New Market, Gaithersburg & Rockville. Fruits and vegetables, with the option to add fresh eggs, beef, baked goods and more.

Moon Valley Farm, Woodsboro

Details: "We farm because we want to be a part of building a new and better food system." Three different share sizes with options to customize and add extra items like sourdough bread and coffee. They have an online farmer's market if you don't want to commit to a CSA, with a $30 order minimum. Home delivery or pickup.

Moon Valley Farm Strawberry Festival

Pleasant Hill Produce, Walkersville

Details: "Pleasant Hill Produce grows high quality, safe food for the local Frederick community. We use organic and sustainable practices to maintain the farm for ourselves and future generations to use." Fully customizable boxes with local delivery or pickup. Pay as you go weekly. Local items like meats and cheese are available to add on.

^{Ruthie Prasil | Canva}

Farmers Markets in Frederick County

Frederick's farmers markets are a great place to spend time browsing fresh produce, locally-produced artisanal goods, and much more. Here's where to find farmer's markets in Frederick:

Downtown Thursday Market

May 2- October 31

Thursdays 4-7pm

The Frederick City Market

May 12 - November 24

Sundays 9am-1pm

Field Fresh Farmers Market

April 27-November 23 (Closed for Fair 9/14 & 9/21)

Saturdays

9am-1pm

Frederick Farmers Market

April 27 - November 23