By Sue Davis
Master Gardener Volunteer
Each year when the Market opens in March, the vendors and regular customers look forward to a bountiful season of local foods, plant, flowers and crafts. Opening day is full of fresh local greens and cole crops. From then on, we live with anticipation! When will we see strawberries, tomatoes, corn, or your favorite? Correll Farms worked hard to recover from the loss of many of their cole crops in the March hail storm. Others planted winter squash, pumpkins and late season vegetables without the successes of prior growing seasons. During the 2012 Summer Farmers Market, 44 vendors participated, bringing us everything from canine treats to award winning zebra-striped tomatoes. With all the difficulties encountered throughout the summer we ate fresh, local produce every week. Thanks go out to all 44 who served us during 2012.
October 27 is the last day of the 7 a.m. to noon hours on Saturday. Wild Turkey Farms will be back with lamb, pork, sausage, beef and other specialties. Lee Ly has lettuce, beets, napa cabbage and an assortment of Asian Vegetables. Mr. Gill, “The Greens Man” will have his greens mix and turnips. Last week he sold out of turnips by 10 a.m. Larry may have more butter beans. They are plump, full pods just waiting to be cooked for a cool fall meal. Country Gardens continues to have a good variety of local late summer vegetables including bell peppers. Eagle Farm will not be at the market this week. Steve Eagle is still having issues with his knees. Early in November he will work with physicians to determine next steps. Keep the Eagles in your hearts.
How Sweet It is and The Bread Basket continue to surprise buyers with loaf breads, pastries and pies and tarts. Both Kris and Emma accept holiday orders. Kris of How Sweet It Is! is taking Thanksgiving orders for pies and cakes now.
The Salisbury Farmers Market is open Saturday from 7 a.m. until noon at the corner of Bank St and South Main Street in downtown Salisbury. Beginning on Nov. 3, market hours change to Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon. I asked one vendor if he would be at the winter market, which runs every Saturday through December 22, he said “until the frost gets our plants.” Plenty of local foods will be available.
Sue Davis is an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer with Cooperative Extension in Rowan County.