By Katherine Jones
For the Salisbury Post
This week at the Salisbury Farmers Market should be a very pleasant experience for everyone attending because the cool mornings make shopping more comfortable and give an impression that fall is not far away. Fall will bring with it a very different selection of fruits and vegetables that are not conducive to growing in the hot, humid months of summer. In the weeks to come, look forward to fall peas, greens, collards and other cole crops as well as many varieties of apples, grapes, sweet potatoes and pumpkins.
Kristine Turco of How Sweet It Is will not be impacted by the changing seasons. She has been a delightful presence at the Farmers Market for 15 years. Her home-baked items are works of art. Not only are they attractive but they are delicious. Kris usually has on hand several varieties of muffins, pies, breads, cookies, cakes and cinnamon buns. The selections are too numerous to mention. When you visit her booth, if you do not see what you need, she will accept special orders.
New this week
Lettuce bowls have reappeared and Country Garden has some beautiful selections. Dawn’s Greenhouse will have Romaine lettuce bowls and cabbage plants. Eagle Farm is expecting to have several varieties of peas, among which will be Red Ripper, Summertime and Dixie Lee.
Fruits and Vegetables
Local corn is finished for this year; however, there is still plenty of squash, cucumbers and tomatoes. These will be available until the first frost arrives. Okra is still available but is on the decline because it requires hot weather and warm nights to produce. Also available are peppers, potatoes, onions, green beans, purple hull peas, cabbage and October beans.
Flowers and Plants
Fall mums will be on hand at Joyce’s Flowers and Oxendine Farms. There are many colors to choose from. Dawn’s Greenhouse has herb plants and fresh- cut herbs. Seng Leng still has some beautiful cut flowers for a colorful bouquet.
Crafts
Ruth Booker makes an apron she calls a “teacher’s apron.” It has six pockets, or sections, and is suitable for keeping small items handy. Virginia Alexander has some very pretty doilies she has crocheted. J & K Creations has an interesting display of garden art, including stepping stones and bird baths.
Meat Products
Wild Turkey Farms has an impressive selection of beef and pork products as well as farm fresh eggs. T & D Charolais offers locally raised and all-natural grass-fed beef.
Baked Goods
Many attractive cakes, pies, breads, cookies, muffins and fried fruit pies are available at The Bread Basket and How Sweet It Is. These products are all homemade and make a great addition to many of your meals.
Welcome back to Mr. Cress. We missed you.
Katherine Jones is a Master Gardener Volunteer for the Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. She and Sue Davis provide a Farmers Market update each week.
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For more information about the Farmers Market, visit www.salisburyfarmersmarket.com.
The Farmers Market is located in downtown Salisbury at the corner of South Main and Bank streets. It is open from 7 a.m. to noon each week on Wednesday and Saturday.