Summer farmers markets open next week in Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood and downtown

Downtown workers: Don't fret if you can't get to Pike Place Market as often as you'd like. Beginning Tuesday, the market is coming closer to you.

Full Circle Farm, Tiny's Organics and Bao Cha are among a dozen Pike Place producers that will be selling fresh produce, flowers and organic greens Tuesdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at City Hall Plaza, on Fourth Avenue between James and Cherry streets.

Pike Place Express at City Hall Plaza is one of two seasonal satellite markets launching this month. The Cascade Farmer's Market will operate Thursdays 3-7 p.m., debuting June 25 in the South Lake Union neighborhood, on Pontius Avenue North between Thomas and Harrison streets.

The goal of both markets is to ensure residents and businesspeople have a venue close to their homes and workplaces to shop the market's fresh produce and flowers, said Pike Place spokesman James Haydu.

"In the immediate area of City Hall Plaza, there are about 15,000 people who work during the day," Haydu said. "Our belief is this will be a boon to farmers."

The Cascade Farmers Market will operate through Sept. 24. Pike Place Express at City Hall Plaza runs through Sept. 29.

Blythe Lawrence: blawrence@seattletimes.com