The 2005 Season has begun, Bayview Farmers’ Market opened its season April 30. Coupeville Farmers’ Market has completed its first month of its market season. Greenbank Sunday Market opened its 8th Season on May 1. Oak Harbor Thursday Market’s opening day is scheduled for the first Thursday in June. The SW Tilth Farmer’s Market opened their season April 30. April showers and warmer weather brings May’s fresh produce, plants and flowers. Not to overlook quality crafts made by local crafters and artisans where you can find that special gift for yourself or... Hint: This is Mother’s Day Weekend!

Bayview Farmers’ Summer Market, Saturdays, May through October, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Located at the corner of Bayview Road and State Route 525. There will be vendors with a wide variety of produce, hot foods and crafts. The Junior Vendor Program allows kids under 16 to sell their handcrafted items. Please support our youngest vendors. Market Manager Pam Mitchell at (360)579-2181 or manager@bayview farmersmarket.com

Coupeville Farmers’ Market is in full swing at it’s new location in the field behind the Coupeville Library. Now is the time to pick up some great potted plants, flower and veggie starts. The early season vegetables are coming on, there are great baked goods, and lots of crafts including yard art, handcrafted jewelry, local watercolor pictures. Hours will be 10:00am to 2:00pm Contact Market Manager Peg Tennant by email at coupevillemarket@aol.com or call (360)678-4288.

Greenbank Farm Sunday Market invites you to visit every Sunday. There will be spring produce and crafts available along with free coffee and tea. Check out the Country Style BBQ. The market runs till September 25 and is held outside at the field’s edge at Wonn Road and State Route 525. Hours are 10:00am to 3:00pm. For more information and vendor sign up, contact Market Managers Issy Olivia/Dory DeJong at flynhags@whidbey.net or call (888)366-5655 or 222-3151 or 678-7700.

Oak Harbor’s Thursday Market opens in June and runs thru September from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. It is located on State Route 20 next to the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Center. Contact Market Manager Peg Tennant at oakharbormarket@yahoo.com or call Sheila Case-Smith at (360)675-0472.

South Whidbey Tilth Farmers’ Market has plants and posies for Mother’s Day gifts. Consider giving mom an outdoor rocker or a stone fountain for the yard. There will be plenty of spring veggies, hand made cards and textiles. The market is open every Saturday, 10:00am to 2:00pm on Thompson Road and State Route 525. Look for the scarecrow! Master Gardener plant clinic on May 14. Also, on May 14 bring your kids over to plant a pumpkin patch. Interested in selling at our market? Contact Market Manager Bob Wendt by email at frontier@whidbey.com or call (360)579-5844.

--The information in this column is provided by the Island Farmers’ Market Coalition, a cooperative effort by the market managers. Continue to watch this column for regular updates about each of the markets and what produce is in season and how you can participate.