It’s officially summer and the first in many years that I won’t have my own garden.
In springs past my husband would prepare the land and we would sow seeds, waiting impatiently to see them push up through the earth and begin to reach for the sun.
Then the tilling, hoeing and pulling of weeds would begin. By June, our labor would begin to pay off and we would eat fresh cucumbers, sugar snap peas, tomatoes and more. Two slices of bread, a little mayo, salt and pepper, a thick slab of fully ripe tomato just picked from the vine equaled paradise.
While we don’t have our own garden this year, all is not lost.
There are several farmers markets in the area that offer fresh produce for sale.
On Tuesdays at the Green Creek Fire Station from 5 – 7 p.m.; Thursdays, just steps from our office in Tryon, on McCown Street, from 4 – 6:30 p.m.; Fridays in Saluda at the West Main Parking lot from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.; and on Saturdays in Columbus at the Womack Building parking lot from 8 – 11:30 a.m. and at the Landrum Depot from 7 – 10 a.m.
If you are looking for something to do this weekend the second annual PolkFresh Agri-Tour starts at 9 a.m.
This tour of 13 local farms and stops promises demonstrations and fresh farm food for purchase.
For more information see today’s Bulletin or check out their site at: www.polkcountyfarms.org/newsandevents/polkfreshagritour2011.html.
Support your local farmer, economy and your health – buy some just picked produce this weekend and enjoy the natural goodness.