The Best Local Farmers Markets and What to Buy in Season

Waco farmers markets opened their July season with abundant supplies of Texas-grown watermelons, okra and heirloom tomatoes available at multiple sites on Saturday mornings.

The timing coincides with the height of local harvest cycles in McLennan County, where residents have shown rising interest in direct-from-farm purchases as part of broader wellness routines centered on fresh ingredients rather than processed options.

The Silos Market on 7th Street near the river draws crowds for its Saturday stalls run by vendors from nearby farms, while the Cameron Park Market on 19th Street operates every weekend with a focus on East Waco producers selling seasonal greens and stone fruit.

Peak July selections

Watermelons from farms along the Brazos currently sell for around $6 each, okra bunches run $3 per pound and corn on the cob moves at four ears for $2, figures drawn from vendor reports at both locations last weekend. A McLennan County extension office tally from 2025 recorded a 22 percent rise in market foot traffic during the same month, reflecting steady demand for items picked within 48 hours of sale.

Buyers at the Silos Market also find yellow squash and cucumbers priced under $2 per pound, items that hold up well for quick home meals without added preparation steps.

Practical steps for shoppers

Arrive before 9 a.m. on Saturdays to secure the best stock, and carry reusable bags to handle the volume from multiple stalls. Check the Cameron Park Market schedule posted at the entrance for any weather-related changes, and sample one new item per visit such as a basket of local peaches to expand routine purchases.

Next weekend marks the final full month of these summer offerings before fall crops arrive, so repeated visits through the end of July allow residents to build consistent habits around what grows nearby right now.