One of the best parts of shopping local is watching the seasons change right in our produce aisle. Here's your guide to what's coming through our doors throughout the year, so you always know when to catch your favorites at their peak.
Spring: Strawberries Take Center Stage
As the weather warms up, strawberry season kicks things off, and it's one of our favorite times of year in the produce department. Sweet, juicy, and best enjoyed as close to picking as possible, local strawberries are a sure sign that summer's on its way.
Spring is also when we start seeing more demand for our fresh-cut fruit cups and mixed fruit platters. Our cups are an easy grab-and-go option when you want fresh fruit without the extra prep.
Summer: Cherries, Watermelon, and Sweet Corn
Summer is peak season in our produce aisle, and a few favorites always lead the way.
Northwest cherries arrive and don't stick around long, it's one of the shortest seasons of the year, so when they're in, we recommend grabbing them while you can (and if you love cherries, you already know they're the star of our LaBada Bing! ice cream).
Watermelon becomes a household staple all summer long, whether it's for a backyard barbecue or just a cold, refreshing snack on a hot day.
And when local corn season hits, it's one of the moments our customers look forward to most every year. Sweet, fresh, and grown close to home, there's nothing quite like it.
Our fresh-cut fruit cups and cut fruit platters stay in high demand right through the summer months too, perfect for cookouts, pool days, and everything in between.
Fall: Pumpkins and Pumpkin Fest
As summer winds down, pumpkins take over, and along with them comes one of our most anticipated traditions: Pumpkin Fest.
Held for one weekend only every October, Pumpkin Fest is a LaBonne's tradition our customers look forward to all year. Here's the catch: we never announce the date until the day before! So if you don't want to miss it, keep an eye on our social media pages as fall approaches, you won't want to find out a day late.
Your Connecticut Seasonal Produce Calendar
Here's a closer look at when your favorites are typically available and at their peak. Keep in mind, actual timing can shift by a week or two depending on the weather each year.
Your Connecticut Seasonal Produce Calendar
Here's a closer look at when your favorites are typically available and at their peak. Keep in mind, actual timing can shift by a week or two depending on the weather each year.
| Item | Typical Season | Peak Window |
|---|---|---|
| Asparagus | April – June | Late April – May |
| Rhubarb | April – June | May |
| Spring greens, lettuce & spinach | April – June | May |
| Radishes | April – June | May |
| Strawberries | Early June – early July | Mid-June |
| Sweet cherries | Late June – mid-July | Early July |
| Blueberries | Early July – late August | Late July |
| Raspberries | Early July – frost (two seasons) | Mid-July & late August |
| Watermelon | Mid-July – September | August |
| Sweet corn | Mid-July – frost | August |
| Peaches | Early August – mid-September | Mid-August |
| Tomatoes | August – frost | Late August – September |
| Peppers & eggplant | August – frost | Late August – September |
| Apples | Late August – November | September – October |
| Pears | September | September |
| Grapes | September | Late September |
| Pumpkins | Late September – October | October (don't miss Pumpkin Fest!) |
| Winter squash | September – December | October |
| Cranberries | October | October |
| Storage crops (potatoes, cabbage, root veggies) | Year-round, best fresh-harvest | September – November |
Fresh-cut fruit cups and mixed fruit platters are available in our produce department year-round, with the biggest demand in spring and summer.
Shop Local, Shop the Season
No matter the time of year, our produce team works hard to bring you the freshest local options as they come into season. From spring asparagus to fall pumpkins, there's always something worth stopping in for.
Keep an eye on our blog and social media throughout the year for updates on what's fresh, what's in season, and - of course - when Pumpkin Fest is happening.