Fresh from the Farmers Market

I like to hang out at my local farmers market. That may sound a little weird, but if you’re reading this blog, you probably think farmers markets are cool, too.

I hang out at farmers markets partly because they’re fun and partly because I’m a Georgia Master Gardener. Officially, I’m a certified Master Gardener Extension Volunteer. To gain this certification, I took a 50-hour training class and passed two tests. I also contributed 50 volunteer hours in my first year in order to be certified. To stay active, I volunteer for at least 25 hours in my community each year. And my local farmers market’s “Ask a Master Gardener” booth is my favorite volunteer placement.

In the farmers market season, from May to October, you can find me in my red UGA Extension apron at the Church Street Farmers Market. The Master Gardeners usually give away seed packets, and sometimes vegetable seedlings like tomatoes and peppers. In fall, there’s often fruit trees and shrubs for sale. And we’re always on hand to answer questions about gardening from azaleas to zucchini.

For the market’s spring opening, I wore a different apron and demonstrated recipes from my blog. In keeping with the fresh produce theme, I made three vinaigrettes to serve with farmers market salads. You can find the recipes here.

I had a blast at the market, showing how easy it is to make tasty vinaigrettes from fresh ingredients. But the very best part was talking with folks about the market and their purchases — fresh sourdough bread, sweet baked treats, and beautiful locally-grown produce.

We’re going to make farmers markets cool. 🦋🌸🦋

Read More About Church Street Farmers Market

Church Street Farmers Market in Douglasville, Georgia, is open Tuesdays from 3 to 7 p.m.. Learn more about my favorite farmers market in this guest post by Keep Douglasville Beautiful Director Chan Weeks. 

Lucky Seventh Baker’s sourdough breads are featured at the Church Street Farmers Market. Check out the story behind the bread in this guest post by Anna Thornton. 

Old Mountain Top Farm’s foraged and farm-grown goodies surprise each week through the season. Read Leila Davis’ guest post about her farm and market booth.

Join the Conversation

Join A Cook and Her Books on Instagram to talk about farmers markets and all good things from the kitchen and garden. Facebook is family, too. Would love to hear from you.