Hello Market Friends!

Here we grow again! This month's Newsletter is dedicated to our growers that give the true name of what we are...FARMERS MARKET. This time of year I am constantly asked "where is all the produce."

There is a good reason - it's too HOT. When you look out your window this time of year (in Florida) tropical plants jump for joy in this  weather...tomatoes, beans, lettuce, potatoes and other produce can't survive.  Now for the good news; we are about 6 weeks away from a  produce lovers heaven. The last 10 days I've visited our growers to give you a firsthand look of what's in store for the upcoming season. The vendor-run market has added even more growers of produce and plants the last 2 years to become one of the largest true agriculture markets in the state. Not only is the City of Sarasota blessed to have such a market, growers and vendors are blessed to have such a great city to supply local agriculture. Enjoy the field trip and look for an update on these growers in the future.

Phil Pagano

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Chris and Eva Worden, owners of Worden Farm are dedicated to Certified Organic growing; the largest produce grower at the market at 50 acres...summer squash, tomato, eggplant, cucumber, basil, cilantro, parsley, onion, lettuce, celery, fennel, cabbage, okra, peppers, green beans.

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Natures Partner owner Peter Burkard has supplied local produce and plants for 32 years at the market. Peter has many seperated garden plots on his close to two acre farm along with some citrus and fruit trees. Chickens and Bees round off his farming along with much more...

arugula, bok choy, caulifower, kale, kohlrabi, sweet onions
spinach, radishes, lettuces of various kinds, cucumbers
and zucchini.

The Fall/Winter/Spring selection of plants includes such herbs as parsley, cilantro, chives, dill, sage, thyme, oregano, various basil types, and catnip.
 

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Carmel Monti, owner of Mother's Organics brings not only plants he starts from seed but also integrates his plants with grow buckets and other growing methods perfect for a home or condo owner.

 

Dufour Family Farmers provides plants for locals to start their own gardens...

This time of year, we are planting just about everything!  This week is specifically herbs...

basil, parsley, dill, cilantro, sage, thyme, mints, tarragon and oregano.  Also, several varieties of vegetables...tomato, hot peppers, green peppers, florida sweet onions, broccoli, collard greens, swiss chard, leaf lettuce, eggplant, cabbage and lots more! 

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Up and Coming!

Browns Groves has taken their citrus to the next level.

Tim, Heidi and family have planted a new breed of oranges granted by Florida Department of Citrus to be one of a few growers that can grow this new variety of Sugar Bells-Honey Bells-Clementine oranges.  400 trees were planted one year ago and should be ready for 2013.