Fresh fruits and vegetables are now more readily available in north Jefferson County.

The Fultondale Farmers Market started a couple of weeks ago, and the Gardendale Farmers Market opens for business Thursday at the Gardendale Civic Center.

Fultondale’s market is open on Fridays, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., through the end of October. It is at Black Creek Park in front of the senior citizens building.

There were only three vendors there Friday, but market owner Kevin Frost said 10 to 12 farmers will be there for the rest of the season, selling a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, honey and other products. Frost is a certifier with the Alabama Farmers Market Authority as well as a vendor at the market. He also owns two other farmers markets in Trussville.

One of the Fultondale vendors is Suzanne Bobo of Gardendale, who owns Suzie’s Herbs and Preserves.

“I buy everything locally,” said Bobo. She is also a certified grower, raising all of her own herbs.

The market donates a basket of goods each week to the Fultondale Senior Citizens Center.

In Gardendale, the market will be open every Thursday, 1-5 p.m., through Sept. 26. It will be closed on July 4.

A dozen vendors set up at the Gardendale event every week, selling of fruits and vegetables, baked goods and other products.

Judy Bee’s of Mt. Olive will also be selling honey and blueberries, but it will be later in the season due to excess rain causing a late crop.

In addition to food, the Gardendale Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a fun zone every week with various activities.

All farmers who sell at both markets are certified by the Alabama Farmers Market Authority.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church sponsors the Gardendale market. Jim Parola is the manager and other church members also help.

This is the fourth year for the venue to operate in Gardendale.

Both markets accept vouchers from the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Seniors age 60 and older can go to www.fma.alabama.gov for more information and to fill out an application.