Workshops will cover garden ideas and market plans

Published 12:00 am Friday, April 4, 2014

SALISBURY — Spring is in full swing and with that starts the questions of farmers’ markets, gardening and the general outdoors. Being a local food agent, I am privy to all of those details.
The Salisbury Farmers’ Market will be opening Saturday, April 26 from 8 a.m. to noon in the parking lot across from Rowan Public Library on the corners of West Fisher and South Jackson streets. This year looks like there will be plenty of excitement, children’s activities and cooking demonstrations. The Salisbury Farmers’ Market is searching for a part-time manager. For more information on the position or the Farmers’ Market, please visit: http://www.salisburyfarmersmarket.com.
Rowan County Cooperative Extension is also preparing for the busy season by offering some great programs for farmers, gardeners, children and local food enthusiasts.
Webinar on Community Food Councils: Challenges and Opportunities, April 17, 12:30-2 p.m. If you are interested in local food and how to get a local food council started in Rowan County, please attend this webinar. This will be held at Rowan County Cooperative Extension, 2727 Old Concord Road. RSVPs are required, so call 704-216-8970 to reserve your space.
Marketing Beyond the Farmers’ Market: April 17, 6:30–9:30 p.m. If you know of any local farms trying to expand their market, encourage them to participate in this marketing program. The Rowan County Cooperative Extension is hosting a marketing program at the Cooperative Extension office, 2727 Old Concord Road. While attending the program, farmers can mix and mingle to learn about organizations interested in purchasing their products for community supported agriculture subscriptions, food hubs, marketing campaigns and farmers’ markets. Since there will be farms and organizations from multiple counties, as well as local food samples provided by Bread Riot, registration is needed by April 15. Please call 704-216-8970 to register.
Seed Swap and Vegetable Disease Workshop: April 23, 9 a.m.–noon. Have you been saving your own seed? Do you like trading seeds with friends and family? How about participating in this year’s Seed Swap and Disease workshop? This workshop is at Rowan County Cooperative Extension. The workshop will help teach you to properly identify diseases that target vegetables in our home gardens. This will be a great time to trade out your best seeds and try some new varieties that are grown across the county. For more information and to register please call 704-216-8970.
Pallet Gardening Workshop: April 25. 9 a.m.–noon. Have you witnessed the latest trend of planting gardens in used pallets? Do you want a garden but do not have the space? Rowan County Cooperative Extension will show you how to make your own pallet garden and once finished, you will be able to take home your own small garden. The workshop will be at Rowan County Cooperative Extension Shelter. The cost of materials is $15 for adults and $10 for children. The workshop is limited to 20 participants and registration is required. Call 704-216-8970 to register.