Beginners' Guide to CSAs, Farmers Markets, and Seasonal Shopping in Nashville
- LB
- Apr 18
- 4 min read
Have you seen the graphs and charts that tell you what fruits and veggies are in season that are supposed to help you save money and eat better? Was it helpful but also kind of intimidating? Did the veggies "Beets" and "Kohlrabi" make you hesitate to take the leap into shopping in season for fear of not knowing what on earth you were going to cook for dinner? You are not alone - I have been there and this Spring/Summer I have decided to take the leap and join a CSA (no turning back)! Nashville offers plenty of ways to support regional growers, eat in season, and connect with your community - and here’s a guide that will help you plug in.
What is a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)?
A CSA is a subscription to a local farm. You pay in advance—typically at the beginning of the growing season—and receive weekly or biweekly boxes of freshly harvested produce and other farm goods (in many cases you have a pickup location at a local farmers market or grocery store). In return, you support farmers up front, helping them plan crops, purchase supplies, and weather unpredictable seasons.
Why CSAs Matter:
They support small-scale farms. You’re funding real families and independent growers—not corporations.
They reduce environmental impact. Local food has a shorter travel distance, which means fewer emissions and less packaging.
They encourage seasonal eating. CSAs offer produce when it’s at its nutritional peak and most flavorful.
They help build food security. Investing in local agriculture strengthens our regional food system.
CSA Options in Nashville
If you're thinking of giving a CSA a try, Nashville has several excellent options—each with their own vibe, produce variety, and pickup locations. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just dipping your toes into seasonal eating, there's something here for you.
Heads up: Most spring/summer CSA sign-ups open between January and April, and sometimes they sell out! Be sure to join mailing lists or follow your favorite farms on social for updates.
🌱 The Nashville Food Project – Growing Together CSA
A beautiful mix of local farming and community empowerment.
Season: 20 weeks, starting in May
What's Included: A box of fresh, organically grown produce and herbs weekly
Unique Perk: Grown by immigrant and refugee farmers building sustainable income
Farming Style: Organic and community-led
Pickup Options: Locations around Nashville (TBD each season)
🥬 Cooper Creek Farm
One of the most popular CSAs in the area—and for good reason!
Season: Spring CSA is currently sold out (but worth bookmarking for the future)
Length: 12-week shares
What's Included: A full box of seasonal produce; add-ons like eggs available
Farming Style: Organic practices, heavy community presence
Pickup Locations: East Nashville & Richland Park Farmers Markets
🥕 Bloomsbury Farm
A great choice for families or folks who love variety.
Seasons:
Spring CSA: March 12 - May 17
Summer CSA: May 21 – October 11
Fall CSA: October 15 – December 13
What’s Included: 8 different items + 1 herb weekly, with biweekly sprouts
Farming Style: Certified Organic
Pickup Locations: On-farm pickup or market options
Bonus: You can shop the farm stand when picking up your share
🌾 Bells Bend Farms
For the eco-conscious eater who wants to support regenerative agriculture.
Season: Up to 28 weeks of CSA availability from spring through fall
What's Included: A rotating selection of in-season vegetables
Farming Style: Regenerative, sustainable, no chemical inputs
Pickup Location: Typically at the farm or local drop sites
Why Choose It: Their mission is to build a local food economy and community
🧅 S.E. Daugherty & Sons
A classic choice with consistent seasonal offerings.
Seasons:
Spring CSA: April 28 – June 15
Summer CSA: June 23 – August 10
Fall CSA: September 1 – October 19
What's Included: Weekly boxes of fresh vegetables from their family farm
Farming Style: Traditional and sustainable
Pickup Options: Various sites throughout Nashville
Why Locals Love It: Affordable, reliable, and a longtime staple in the area
Tip: Many farms now accept SNAP/EBT, and some offer payment plans—don't let cost keep you from exploring your options!
Nashville Farmers Markets: Where to Shop Local Year-Round
Of course, if you are still hesitant to take the BIG leap, supporting your local farmers markets offers the opportunity to still shop in-season but have more control over the items you choose to consume. Luckily, Nashville has a wide variety of farmers markets for nearly any part of town you live in, many of which operate year-round or at least three seasons out of the year.
Location: 900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd
When: Open daily; Farmers Shed vendors Wed–Sun
Features: Local produce, international grocery, food hall, craft vendors
Location: 4711 Charlotte Ave
When: Saturdays, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. (Year-round)
Highlights: Food trucks, fresh flowers, live music
Location: 210 South 10th St, East Park
When: Tuesdays, 3:30–6:30 p.m. (May–October)
Vibe: Small and community-focused with a great mix of produce, baked goods, and family activities
Location: Sevier Park
When: Tuesdays, 4–7 p.m. (May–October)
Why Go: Perfect midweek market with dinner options and live music
Location: Two Rivers Mansion
When: Fridays, 4–7 p.m. (May–October)
Unique Finds: Local honey, bath and body products, and regional food artisans
The Benefits of Seasonal Shopping
Eating seasonally means choosing produce when it's naturally ready to harvest in your region. This not only supports local farmers but also ensures you’re getting produce at its peak flavor and nutrient density.
Check out the chart below from FarmFlavor.com for more information on seasonal produce in Tennessee!
While we have yet to receive our first CSA share, we are eagerly awaiting to expand our palettes. And not only does shopping locally at the farmers market or utilizing a CSA benefit your community, it engages you in your community. Meet some people, make some friends, remember when "they" said it takes a village? Build your village - I plan to!
LB
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