Grow Your Garden

Dallas Farmers Market digs into spring planting season for your garden

Now is the time for tomatoes.

Photo by Ashley Tobar

It may be barely April, but spring is already in full swing. This lovely outdoor weather has us dreaming of al fresco meals full of fresh fruits and veggies, and if you want that homegrown produce on your summer table then now is the time to start planning — and planting — ahead.

Whether you're an experienced green thumb or a novice gardener, there's no better place to stock up on your gardening needs than the Dallas Farmers Market. Dust off those gardening gloves, stock up on supplies, and get the expert advice you need from those who grow at DFM.

This bustling hub for gardening, farm-fresh vegetables, wholesome produce, dairy, and more, right in the middle of downtown Dallas, is dedicated to educating the community about living a more natural and balanced way. Every week, you'll find Bonton Farms and Heddin Family Farms at the market, offering gardening advice that's specific to Dallas' sometimes persnickety conditions.

One piece of advice you might hear if you swing by this weekend? Get those tomato starts or pots planted in the next few weeks to enjoy a luscious bounty come June. Experienced gardeners from Ruibal's — which has been selling plants at the Dallas Farmers Market since 1984 — have selections of the best varieties for the Dallas area.

If you're in need of planters, head to Luxe District Collective in The Market building for sleek concrete options to give your garden a facelift.

Plus if you plant those tomatoes now, then you'll have the chance to enter them in the DFM's Tomato Round-Up contest, where you can compete with your best beefsteak, cherry, Baxter's Early Bush, Juliet, Small Fry, Better Boy, Big Box, Carnival, Homestead, Big Beef, and Celebrity tomatoes. Be on the lookout for dates and more info in the coming weeks.

Of course, there's so much to discover beyond tomatoes at the Dallas Farmers Market. Right now you can scoop up peppermint, lemongrass, chocolate mint, stevia, and aloe vera, along with herbs such as rosemary, oregano, and basil. Citronella plants will come in handy once the mosquitos start to descend, while strawberries are always welcome. Take your pick of peppers with both sweet and hot banana, poblano, habanero, cayenne, tabasco, and Big Bertha varieties.

Most are $4 per container, or $30 per flat. Aloe vera and citronella will run you $10 a piece, with rosemary costing $5.

While you're at the Dallas Farmers Market, take time to visit its many vendors and restaurants.

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Ramen News

Dallas' acclaimed Ten Ramen to open in Cru Wine spot in West Village

Ten Ramen

A highly acclaimed ramen spot is coming to Dallas' West Village: Ten Ramen, one of Dallas' most celebrated ramen spots, will open a location in the former Cru Food & Wine Bar space at 3699 McKinney Ave. #107.

According to a release, Ten Ramen will open in spring 2026.

In related news, the concept was acquired by Vandelay Companies (Hudson House, Jack & Harry's, East Hamption Sandwich Co., El Molino), led by CEO Hunter Pond, who counts himself a big Ten Ramen fan.

“I’ve been a longtime fan of who is arguably one of Texas’ most respected chefs — founder and creator Teiichi Sakurai — and what Ten Ramen embodies,” says Pond.

Vandelay also owns Tei An, the award-winning authentic Japanese restaurant and Ten Ramen sibling which Sakurai opened at One Arts Plaza in 2008.

Ten Ramen debuted in March 2015 at the Sylvan | Thirty mixed-use project in West Dallas — a pioneering concept at the time, and one that quickly earned a devoted following with its tiny 10-seat setup and uncompromisingly authentic flavors.

Back then, it was a ground-breaking concept for Dallas and is still one of the most beloved ramen spots in the city. Diners flocked to wait in long lines for its menu of Mazemen, Shoyu, Tonkotsu, and Lobster Ramen — recipes that will remain intact, Pond says.

“We haven’t touched the recipes, they’re perfect just as they are,” he says. “After many months under our ownership already, it remains clear that the magic is in the food, the service, and the experience. Our goal with this new location is simple: bring what we feel is the best ramen in Dallas to more people, in a space that feels both fresh and familiar.”

Ooooooh, so Vandelay has owned it for many months. Well well well.

“When the opportunity came to bring this incredible concept into our family of restaurants, I jumped at it," Pond says.

He's the one shepherding it into the West Village — a location he says will give more diners the chance to experience the concept.

The location has an impressive track record: Cru Wine Bar closed in August 2025 after an unparalleled 23 years at that address.

The new 1,480-square-foot space will be a fresh take on the Ten Ramen experience, with a full-service bar that seats 7, and an intimate dining room seating 28 — versus the impromptu stand-up situation at Sylvan Thirty.

Their goal is to make a space that feels approachable and lively while staying true to the dishes that made Ten Ramen a local favorite.

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