[ May 08, 2023 ] Thankfully the rain was just a hint of wet in the early hours of the Jasper Farmers Market. The Pickens County Master Gardeners set up for their annual plant sale at the end of the Veterans Memorial Pakr parking lot across from the Farmers Market.

They along with the early bird vendors of the FM arrived in the dark to set up tents and put out their wares by flashlight, lamplight, or squinty eyes. To be ready for the market opening by 7:30 means preparedness. The MG's had so many plants their sale didn't begin until 8:00 am because it takes a lot of coordination to get those many and varied plants laid out in some sort of order. This small delay may have caused some confusion for the early market customers. The MG's appreciate your patience and patronage. This is their yearly fundraiser for the coming year's budget and to help out the 4H kids go to Summer camp.

Plant lover's not only had the Master Gardener's plants to choose from there were several vendors offering some choice vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Jones Family Farm had beautiful cabbage and cauliflower heads, broccoli, radish, lettuce, bok Choy and more.

The Jasper Farmers Market is the best place to get fresh baked bread, rolls, and other delicious savories and sweets. The choice of jellies, jams, and preserves is bountiful. Imagine spreading your favorite flavor on that fresh bread! Meanwhile, the choice of creatively crafted crafts are amazing. Earrings, towels, soaps, lotions, porch decor, you name it, it's probably there and it's handmade, homemade, and one of a kind. Way better than mass produced goods.

Come on down and give our market a try if you haven't. Thank you if you have! This Saturday is our annual 'Begonia for Mom'. Moms visiting the market will receive a free begonia, while supplies last.

We are open 7:30-12 and located in the Park n Ride parking lot at Lee Newton Park across from the Veterans Memorial Park. The market is fur friendly and there were a few roosters crowing about how glad they were to be at the market along with their duck and goat friends.

The Jasper Farmers Market is sponsored by the Pickens County Master Gardeners and it is in its 24th year! Now that's something to be proud of!

There will be a special free public education event given by the PCMG's on June 3rd. Master Gardener Kerry Defoe will be speaking about the invasive plants that are damaging our environment. There is a limit of 30 attendees for this event to be held at the Extension Office, 68 D.B. Carroll St. Please call 706 253 8840 to reserve your spot.

The MG's plant tent will be up next month, June 10th. The theme is Three Sisters Planting.