By Katherine Jones
For the Salisbury Post
School begins this week, and with it the realization that summer is almost over. When the season ends, so does the availability of locally grown produce. Let us not get ahead of ourselves because there is still some time left to enjoy the summer bounty even though fall and winter are creeping closer.
Many produce vendors still have much to offer due to staggering the planting of some crops, such as corn and cucumbers. Last Saturday at Salisbury Farmers Market, there were a lot of okra, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, corn, zucchini, onions and peas. Also stringless and half runner green beans along with potatoes and a large variety of peppers. Some peaches and a few blueberries were on hand and plenty of cantaloupes. Muscadine grape are available and some apples were beginning to come into season.
Some shoppers visit the market just to get some of the wonderful baked goods. Large and small loaves of whole wheat and sourdough bread plus a variety of dinner rolls. Sweet breads such as cinnamon, zucchini, pumpkin, banana nut and my personal favorite, chocolate zucchini. You can find several kinds of pies and cookies. Emma of Bread Basket had a new creation she called cranberry, nut, chocolate chip bars. YUM!
Cut flowers are still plentiful especially zinnias and dahlias. If your landscaping and container flowers are looking a little stressed or just plain worn out, there are still good choices available to refresh your pots and hanging baskets. There are also some great looking perennials which will last for many years in your landscaping with the proper care.
Iíve said this before and it bears repeating. We are fortunate to have two vendors at our market that have anything you need in the meat category. Their products all come from all natural, pasture raised animals. Stop by and see the fine people at T & D Charolais and Wild Turkey Farm.
The crafters have been busy. They have a varied inventory, ranging from crocheted items to tote bags made from recycled plastic grocery bags and animal feed bags to unique and stunning birdhouses. Come visit the talented people and hear their stories about some of their creations.
For more information about the Salisbury Farmers Market, visit www.salisburyfarmersmarket. com. The Farmers Market is located in downtown Salisbury on the corner of South Main and Bank streets. It is open on Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon.
Katherine Jones is a Master Gardener volunteer for the Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County.