Welcome to The Local Wellness Connection with Dr. B.J. Hardick 🌿

It's back again London - Market Season!

Outdoor farmers' markets now in full swing—including the beloved Covent Garden Market—it’s the perfect time to reconnect with local growers, explore fresh seasonal produce, and fuel your health from the ground up.

Let’s dive in and discover what’s fresh, local, and good for the soul. 👇

What to look for at the Farmer's Market

When you go to the Farmer's Market there are some great things to shop for. It's a great chance to connect with people in the community who provide fresh foods, creative products and keeping local traditions alive!

Here are some things that always catch my eye:

Locally Grown Berries

Berries are most delicious when fresh and local means shorter travel distance and they were picked fresh! You can ask more questions and how and where they were grown and I love to snack while shopping too.

Fresh Greens of Every Variety

Salads are an obvious staple of the spring and summer, and Markets are the perfect place to expand your palate with a new leafy green - arugula, fresh spinach, kale varieties and cabbage are some of the ones I tend to buy most often.

Natural Health and Beauty Products

Small community creators are easier to find at the market - soaps, creams, balms, and other personal care products made using simple ingredients in small batches are perfect to try something new and support your community!

Thoughtful Gifts for Hosts & Gatherings

Markets are the perfect place to grab fresh flowers, handcrafter goods, preserves, candles and other artisan goods that make wonderful gifts to bring along to a BBQ, family gather, or other celebration. It can be the perfect place to find a unique and meaningful gift.

The market isn't just a way to get your weekly shopping complete, but the whole experience of walking through the market and discovering something new is always a treat!

Shop Local, Eat Fresh – London’s Best Farmers’ Markets

There’s something deeply grounding about shaking hands with the person who grew your tomatoes or baked your sourdough. Supporting local farmers' markets isn’t just about finding fresh, seasonal food — it’s about building connections with the people who grow, raise, and make what nourishes us.

When we choose food that’s grown close to home, we support family-run farms, reduce our environmental footprint, and invest in a healthier, more vibrant local economy. Whether you’re filling your tote with crisp veggies, sipping on handcrafted kombucha, or chatting with a beekeeper about honey varieties — each moment spent at a farmers’ market helps grow a stronger, more resilient community.

Here are 5 local farmers’ markets in and around London, Ontario to visit this summer — each one with something special to offer.

Located in downtown London, Covent Garden’s Outdoor Farmers’ Market has been a Saturday morning favourite for generations. As one of the city’s oldest public markets, it brings together farm-fresh produce, local artisans, and live music in a lively community atmosphere. This market stands out because all of the vendors produce the products they sell at the market and more then half of the vendors are the farmers!

When: Saturdays, April 4 – November 28, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Where: Market Lane, Outside on the Rotary Square

Set against the backdrop of the Komoka Wellness Centre, this market is a small-town gem with a big heart. You’ll find everything from homegrown veggies and local meats to hand-poured candles and homemade preserves. Don’t miss The Whole Grain Hearth, a vendor known for their naturally leavened sourdough and buttery croissants — often sold out before noon!

When: Saturdays, May 17 – October 11, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Where: Komoka Wellness Centre, 1 Tunks Lane, Komoka

Housed in the historic Confederation Building, this bustling year-round indoor market is one of the most diverse in the region. The Market at Western Fair District brings together over 100 vendors under one roof..

It’s also one of the few markets in London open both Saturday and Sunday, making it perfect for a weekend grocery haul or leisurely brunch.

When:

• Saturdays, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Sundays, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Where: 900 King Street, London

Located in the north end of the city, this vibrant outdoor market pops up in the Masonville Place parking lot every Friday, drawing a loyal community crowd. Be sure to stop by one of the over 24 unique vendors and grab fresh flowers and produces plus specialty cheese, jams and meats!

When: Fridays, May – October, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Where: Masonville Place parking lot, 1680 Richmond Street North

Just a short drive north of London, the Ilderton Farmers’ Market offers a charming country vibe with a strong sense of community. Located in a growing rural town, this market has blossomed into a Saturday morning staple with over 25 vendors. Expect seasonal produce, fresh baking, handmade crafts, and a warm welcome from familiar faces.

When: Saturdays, June 6 – October 10, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Where: 100 Meadowcreek Drive, Ilderton

Whether you’re after farm-fresh eggs, handcrafted soaps, or just a good cup of market coffee — every visit supports local families and strengthens our community.

Which market is your favourite stop this season?

This information is provided for non-diagnostic and educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. This information should not be considered complete, nor should it be relied upon to suggest a course of treatment for a particular individual. Dr. B.J. Hardick is a Doctor of Chiropractic and is not a Medical Doctor. You should not use this information or information on Dr. Hardick’s website to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or to determine your need for medication or treatment. Always consult your healthcare professional before adjusting any diet, exercise or medical regimens.