Area farmers tailgate markets continue to open outside for spring this week. In Buncombe County, Asheville City Market- South opened this past Wednesday (April 6) and Weaverville Tailgate Market and French Broad Food Co-op Wednesday Tailgate Market both begins next Wednesday (April 13). For more market openings throughout Western North Carolina, check out 2016 Tailgate Market Opening Dates.
In addition to the fresh produce farmers are bringing to market they also have plant starts for sale this time of year for you to grow your own. Purchasing plant starts from your local farmers is a great way to support them while saving on your food costs down the line. And, did you know that you can use SNAP/EBT to purchase plant starts? Find a multitude of herbs, greens, and other plant starts from farmers such as Blue Heron Farm and Flying Cloud Farm at North Asheville Tailgate Market, and Finally Farm and Paper Crane Farm at Asheville City Market.
You can also purchase seeds with SNAP/EBT. This week’s episode of ASAP’s radio segment, Growing Local discusses local farms’ roles in providing seeds for home gardeners. Listen to it at soundcloud.com/growinglocal.
To find which markets accept SNAP/EBT visit appalachiangrown.org and search “Farmers Tailgate Markets” under Places and “EBT/SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)” under Payments Accepted.
Most folks can’t get enough of all the blooming flowers in April (that is, unless you have allergies). Fresh flowers from local farmers are a great way to support local farms early in the season, before they have a bounty of fresh produce, while also getting a vibrant centerpiece for your kitchen table! Farms such as Full Sun Farm at North Asheville Tailgate Market and Root Bottom Farm at West Asheville Tailgate Market have beautiful bouquets for sale alongside their produce.
Sunchokes, chives, aquaponic basil, and green onions all made an appearance at the West Asheville Tailgate Market this week. Visit Meadow Cove Farm for chives, Sunburst Chef + Farmer for basil, and Long Valley Eco-Biotic Farm and Root Bottom Farm for sunchokes and green onions.
Area farmers tailgate markets take place throughout the region. Check out the “2016 Tailgate Market Opening Dates” to find out when markets are opening up near you. As always, you can find information about which farm stands are open and other farms to visit in the winter months by visiting our online Local Food Guide.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
