Downtown Rochester Farmers Market to open with a flurry

The Downtown Rochester Farmer’s Market opens May 3 and is holding several opening day specials. 
· Free Farmers’ Market Tote Bags sponsored by Kidz 1st Pediatrics filled with special offers from downtown Rochester businesses for the first 500 adult customers

· Live music by blues artist Paul Miles, sponsored by Bella Cuore-Organic Beauty

· Colorable monster mural project for the whole family

· Enter-to-win for more than 20, $25 gift certificates donated by downtown Rochester businesses

· Enter-to-win the Harvest Basket Drawing for products donated by market vendors

New this season, the Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market will accept Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Bridge Cards. This initiative through the Rochester Downtown Development Authority gives recipients of public assistance access to fresh, healthy food while supporting the local farm economy.

The market is open every Saturday, May 3 through Oct. 25, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. and is located at the corner of E. Third and Water Street, one block east of Main Street.

Master Gardener Society to host conference in Waterford

The Master Gardener Society of Oakland County is hosting the 2nd Annual Educational Garden Conference with doors opening at 7 a.m., Saturday, April 26 at Oakland Schools Conference Center, 2111 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford Township, for gardeners of all interests and skill levels. The conference will provide Master Gardener education credits for Master Gardener volunteers.

Keynote speakers this year will include notable authors and garden experts – Allan Armitage, David E. Perry, Stephanie Cohen and Stacey Hirvela.

The conference will again feature a Garden Market with more vendors than last year, raffle prizes and gift bags.

Tickets may be purchased at www.mgsoc.org for $80. The registration deadline is April 16. For more information, call 248-770-0524.

Spring planting delayed

It finally feels like Spring and most greens should be planted right now, if not before. I have procrastinated because it felt like it was going to stay cold permanently. The ground was still frozen solid in mid March, when greens can normally be planted in this region.
But here it is, a full week into April. Lettuce, parsley, Swiss chard, kale, spinach could already be coming up.
I have one thing in my favor, my fall garden has turned into an early spring garden. I left the cold frame covered all winter and removed the plastic wrap today to behold spinach plants, in good shape.
Other veggies that can be planted now include onions, radishes, beets, carrots, potatoes, peas, broccoli, cahliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts.