By Julia Howard
Whether it’s growing vegetables or nurturing native perennials for pollinators, gardeners
tend to share one thing in common: a deep joy in the act of growing. At the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, we believe that connecting with nature is essential to a thriving community and fostering that bond is at the heart of what we do.
This Saturday, April 11, join us for Gather & Grow at the Wilton Mall, from 9:30 am to
1:30 pm. The event is inspired by the Master Gardeners of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County — a volunteer group with a decades-long partnership with the market, known for answering gardening questions and conducting soil pH testing.
They also bring a free seed library stocked with non-GMO vegetable and flower seeds for growers of all experience levels.
“It’s always a wonderful opportunity to talk to people about their garden because that leads to soil, and then it becomes a whole conversation,” explains Valeri Robinson, a Master Gardeners for CCE of Saratoga County.
Beyond the seed library, the Master Gardeners bring a deep commitment to education.
This Saturday, Master Gardener Bella Osborn will lead a free workshop on nature journaling for garden management from 9:30 to 10 am.
“Any gardener can be an artist! Nature journaling helps to take the guess work out of gardening, improves plant success, and boosts observational skills,” shares Osborn.
Bring a journal, pencils, and a friend — the workshop takes place in the former Trustco
Bank space located at the market’s information table.
At 11 am, Scene One Cinemas will host a free screening of The Biggest Little Farm — a
heartwarming documentary following a couple’s journey to build a sustainable farm and learn to
work with nature, not against it.
Families can also join the festivities and paint terra cotta planting pots with no-mess
tempera sticks. Master Gardeners volunteers will host host an activity teaching children about
composting by making edible compost!
Amid all the festivities, don’t forget to support the many growers, makers, and producers
who make the Saratoga Farmers’ Market what it is. Their dedication is a cornerstone of the
vibrant, locally driven community that makes Saratoga Springs so special.
Can’t make it this Saturday? The Master Gardeners will be at Saturday markets all month
and when we move outdoors to High Rock Park on May 2 (9 am–1 pm), and at Wednesday
markets (3 to 6 pm).
Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Wilton
Mall Food Court. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for
our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.
