Saving the planet isn’t limited to driving hybrids or reducing the useof plastic bags. Buying local and organic foods is also a crucial step to becoming a serious greenie. Here's our list of farmers’ markets in Toronto:

*St. Lawrence Farmers’ Market
The large marketplace offers a large selection of meat, poultry, specialty items, baked goods, organic products, fruit, vegetables, flowers, plants and dairy products. Open Saturdays from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Runs year round. 

*Trinity Bellwoods
Local produce like asparagus, arugula, wild leeks, fiddle heads, seeds and seedlings can be found at this market. Open Tuesdays from 3 p.m.to 7 p.m., May 11 to October 26. 

*Nathan Phillips Square
Great Canadian music complemented by local fruits and vegetables. The market runs on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., June to October.

*My Market: Liberty Village/East Lynn Park/Bloor-Borden/SickKids/St. Andrew’s The five locations showcase fresh fruits and vegetables on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., May to October.

*Sherway Gardens
Open Fridays at 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., May to October. Visit their official website for up-to-date info on which local crops are available.

*Dufferin Grove Organic
Get a taste of beef, pork, venison, chicken, lamb, Georgian Bay fish, baked goods, olive oil, cheese, sheep’s milk and yogurt. The market also features mushrooms, honey, perogies, sauerkraut, cacao beans and coffee from Oaxaca, crêpes, honey, honey comb, bee pollen, beeswax and frozen royal jelly. Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., year round.

*Riverdale Organic
Featuring several kinds of honey, bee pollen, sheep’s milk, cheese and yogurt, lamb cuts, dog and cat treats, olives, olive oil, feta cheese, vegan treats, goat cheese, fresh elk meat. The market also offers vegetables, artichokes and green coffee. Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 7p.m., May to October.

*The Village Market (organic)
Carrying organic fruits, and vegetables, meat and fish, and prepared foods. This market is not just for foodies. Organic skin care, cleaning, crafts and therapy products are also sold. The market is open Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., all-year round. 

*Appletree Markets
The market is now open year-round, taking the goods indoors for the winter (every second Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.) An exciting lineup of vendors includes Scotch Mountain Meats, St. John’s Bakery, Riverside Foods, Kawartha Ecological Growers, as well as an “Eco-Market,” with environmentally-conscious designers and artists. Open Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. during the warm months.

*Evergreen Brickworks Farmers’ Market
Showcasing a large collection of local products including fruits, veggies, wild fish, meats, cheeses, milled flours, eggs, and oils, the market is open beginning in May, every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

*Withrow Park
Selling all kinds of honey products, organic crêpes, fresh frozen jellies, baked goods, meat, fruit and vegetables, the market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., from May 22 to October 31. 

*Toronto East York Farmers Market
Straight off the wagons from Ontario’s farmlands are a wide variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables and preserves. Open Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., from May 18 to November 2.

*Metro Hall
The market boasts a wide range of produce including zucchini, apples, breads, pies, walnuts and maple syrup, as well as fresh flowers and artisanal cheeses. The market runs every Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., May to October.

*Stonegate Farmers’ Market
This market offers various types of honey products, chemical-free fruits and vegetables, organic baked goods, as well as body, mind and soul-healing products. The market also sells handmade pillows, soaps, nut-free pies, low-sugar desserts, jams, jellies, sauces, chutneys and more. Open Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., June 22 to October 5. 

*Weston Village
Open every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 15 to October 30.

*Sorauren Farmers’ Market
Sorauren offers a full selection of local, organic and sustainable fruits, vegetables, natural meats, artisan cheeses, flour and grain products. There’s also a selection of prepared foods made from fresh produce. Open the third Monday of every month from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., year round.

*Goody’s Natural Market
This outdoor, organic fruit and veggie market is located inside High Park, beside Grenadier Restaurant. Open Fridays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., running May to October.

*Guildwood Village Farmers’ Market
The market is 85 per cent organic, with fresh-picked Ontario produce and fruit, meat and dairy products, Goldwater seafood from Nova Scotia, local Toronto breads and baked goods, as well as honey products that come straight from the beekeeper. Open June 10 to October 7, 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

*North York Civic Centre
The market sells a full range of Ontario grown fresh fruit and vegetables, honey, flowers, herbs and plants, homemade soap and lotions, cheese, jam, sauces and preserves, along with many kinds of breads and meats. Open every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., June 3 to October 28.

*York Farmers’ Market
Local fruits, vegetables, fresh meats, eggs, cheeses, deli products, breads, buns, cakes, pastries, specialty coffees, tea, juices, honey, maple syrup, gourmet savory jellies, custom jewellery, prepared Italian foods, and crafts are all available. Open Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

*Birchcliff Village Farmer’s Market
An indoor market offering breads, organic meats, Amish cheeses, organic garlic, potatoes, onions, prepared meals, locally roasted coffee, homemade soups, dips and cider. Natural soaps, candles, jewelry and pet treats are also available. Open June 11 to October 8, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

*Square One Farmers’ Market
Visitors can choose from homemade preserves, baked goods, fresh flower bouquets and Ontario’s fresh fruits and vegetables. Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Sunday, until November 1.

*Farmers’ Organic Market
You’ll find lots of veggies, including green tomatillos, hot peppers, gigantic puff mushrooms, and straight from the stream wild perchfillets. Located at St. George the Martyr Church, the market takes place year round on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in South Grange Park.

*Green Barn Farmers’ Market
The local and mostly organic market includes fresh produce, honey, artisanal cheeses, prepared foods, mushrooms, fish, meats, grains, jams, syrup, and prepared foods all accompanied by local music and a kids play area. Located at 76 Wychwood (s. of St. Clair at Christie), open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays, year round. 

*Distillery District Farmers’ Market
Fresh breads, fruits, veggies, jams, salad dressings, maple syrup, marinades, honey and hot sauces will be set up on Market Lane, in the east end of the Distillery District. The Sunday market runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., from late June 29 to October 12. 

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