Farmers Market

[Debra Huffman]

I hear we're going to get a Farmers Market in Merrimack. I'm told it will be on Wednesdays in front of Tractor Supply. Anyone know any details?

I love farmers markets. I'm sure it will be small for this year since lots of the farmers already have their market schedules arranged, but I hope it's successful enough to bring it back next year. If there are enough customers it draws not only produce but fun hand-crafted farm stuff too, like goat milk soaps and things like that.

[ragin cajun]

It's not online, but I read a story the other day in the UL that there is going to be a Merrimack Farmers Market on Aug. 26 and Sept. 2 at 4 p.m. in front of the Tractor Supply store at Commons Plaza. Several local farmers will be there, but it's apparently open to all farmers in NH. Squash, cucumbers and other veggies are likely to make an appearance There won't be any crafts or things of that nature there, but, if all goes well, the agricultural commission might start doing farming-related demonstrations and more farmers markets there possibly into October.

[joe179]

From a link on the town website:

The Merrimack Farmers’ Market

When: Wednesday, August 26th 4:00PM to 7:00PM

Where: The Commons at Merrimack (Tractor Supply)

[Debra Huffman]

Thanks for the news, Ragin and Joe. I'm looking forward to going! My friends in other towns really enjoy their Farmers Markets.

[joe179]

I hope to be there too!

[Tom Mahon]

Good evening,

I got tot the Famer's Market about 5:15 and a couple of vendors were closing up because they had a good day. By several reports there was a large crowd early on and business was brisk. A good start and my compliments to the Agriculture Commission for pulling this together. I'm sure the rainy June weather didn't help.

[Shannon Barnes]

I got there at 5.15pm and bought the last of a few items (onions for one). For a first effort this was great and we can build on a good foundation. Depot Farm Stand was the best stocked of all the vendors.

[Debra Huffman]

Ditto to Tom and Shannon, and I'll add that I was very pleased to see a farmer from Wilton who is a member of NOFA (the organic farmers association). He doesn't bother to get organic certification anymore because of all the paperwork, but he still grows without chemicals. So, for the very few of you out there who try to support local organic farmers, here's an opportunity to do that.

Also, the Lastowkas of Amherst Rd were there with some wonderful heirloom tomato varieties, as well as their delicious blueberries. John says he should continue to have blueberries for another two weeks.

And, for my fellow winos out there, La Belle Winery of Amherst was there with a good selection of wines. I never knew there was a winery in Amherst!

[Ann Goldman]

I got to the Farmers Market around 4:30. There were plenty of people there and you could tell that a lot of produce had already sold.
I got some uncertified organic potatoes that had just been dug that morning. There had been lettuce but all that was left was pretty picked over.
Also got some tomatoes there too. Thanks, Deb for the info on why he was not Nofa certified. We got the blueberries and cherry tomatoes from the Lastowska's. Then we headed north to Depot Farm Stand since the line was long at the farmers market and they didn't have nearly as much variety as they do at the farmstand.

[Ann Goldman]

Does anyone know if there is a farmers market at the Commons this week?

[Concerned]

I have stopped at Depot many times this summer and it seems their vegetables this year have been awesome considering all of the rain we had that washed out most of my garden. The corn has been on the small side but very tasty. Not complaining though considering the weather. They keep their prices reasonable and you couldn't meet any more freindlier folks.

Does anyone know where they get their produce from?

[Dave Merrill]

Concerned,

It's my understanding the Depot's farm is in Hollis.

[ragin cajun]

Ann,

Yup. Today at 4 p.m. in the same location.

[jodeenichols]

Does anyone have any fresh homegrown produce they want to barter for some fresh basil? We have tons, and fresh mint as well. I'm about to start making and canning some pasta sauce, because that is all I can think of to do with all of it. any ideas? I could probably fill a quart sized basket with all that I have and more. This is just growing on my back porch. Amazing!

[Debra Huffman]

Our excess produce is spoken for by family and friends so I can't help there, but there are lots of things you can do with extra basil. The easiest thing is to cut it off with some good stem attached and hang it to dry where it's not too moist (I just hang mine in my kitchen and I don't get mold, but I guess that depends on how damp the weather is.) You can make the base for a pesto sauce and freeze it. And you can always put it out in front of your house with a 'free' sign and your neighbors will probably be grateful!

I've been thinking of starting a gardening thread on the forum to share info on local gardening issues. You think there'd be any interest?