Let's Get Fresh: Spring Ahead at the Bridgeport Farmers Market
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on March 10, 2019 from Let’s Get Fresh
By Heidi Nawrocki
Ah, yes, the time of year has come! It is time to "spring ahead!" Do you know the real reason that Daylight Savings Time was created? Check out this post from Bob last year. It's a pretty interesting read and while you're reading it, be sure to set your alarm so you don't miss our St. Patrick's Day market THIS Sunday. As always, our winter hours are 11 - 2, so you definitely don't want to miss it! And after this market, we only have *ONE* more indoor market before the outdoor fun begins!
Another thing to look forward to in spring? Eggs! Lots and lots of eggs! As a former chicken keeper myself, I can attest to the fact that once early February rolls around, the hens get cracking! Did you know that it is not that cold that keeps a hen from laying eggs, but the length of day? And in case you need more reasons to eat local eggs, check out this post.
The time is fast approaching for our farmers to start their seeds and get to planting - in fact, many have! Radabaugh Farm will be taking orders for Mother's Day flowers and Patty at Green Acres Farm is working her magic on her beautiful hanging baskets. How are our farmers doing this, you might ask? Many of our farmers utilize a high tunnel or a greenhouse. This allows our farmers to extend the seasons on both sides - did you notice Radabaugh Farms had tomatoes at our November market? Farmers are able to get their crops in the ground sooner and harvest for longer. So, fresh greens and beets might make an appearance sooner than you think! And don't think twice about a WV grown tomato in June. Our farmers are skilled at what they do!
Old Man Winter will soon be loosening his grip on us and the robins will return (although I saw a few in our neighborhood recently!). My daughter says the darnedest things sometimes - recently in the car she told me that each time a new song came on the radio, she thanked the singer. When I asked her why, she replied "well, without the singers we wouldn't have this awesome music to listen to!" I'm going to take her logic a step further. Each time you eat, thank a farmer. Without farmers, we wouldn't have the fuel to sustain us (hey, even thank those coffee farmers because I know some of you rely on that fuel for sustenance!). And better yet, thank your farmers this Sunday. And every Sunday. Believe me, they will appreciate it.
