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By Jodie Fitz
Whether you have a large vegetable garden or a few vegetables or herbs in planters, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market has many varieties of plants to get you started.
In May, several vendors offer herbs, vegetables, and fruit for you to grow and harvest right at home. One of my favorites is the lettuce bowls filled with different leafy finds you don’t have to transplant. You simply grow, clip, and enjoy. Some herb selections come similarly, making container gardening easy on a sunny porch or patio.
Whether you are searching for individual herbs or vegetable plants, there are many sizes and plants at various growth stages to consider. Staggering various sizes of plants can assist with spreading your vegetable harvest throughout the season.
Shoppers will also find hanging strawberry plants and patio tomato varieties at the farmers’ market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Both options make gardening more accessible and provide fresh produce without the responsibility of a large garden.
Tips for transplanting your newly purchased plants:
Plant height
Ensure plants are 4 to 6 inches tall and haven’t flowered before transplanting.
Weather ready
Be sure to acclimate plants from inside to outside before transplanting immature plants, which is known as the hardening process. Also, ensure temperatures are ready for your plants, and you have proper coverage as needed.
Soil
Overturn and fertilize the soil before adding plants to the garden. Laurie from Kokinda Farm encourages gardeners to use organic compost, which can be purchased at most local garden stores.
Measure and match
Know your plants and the space they need to grow before transplanting them. Consider researching companion planting for an optimal growing environment. Planting specific vegetables together can prevent plants from reaching their total productivity while, if done correctly, can increase yield.
Ask a farmer
Farms selling starter plants like these have years of experience and knowledge. They can answer your questions and guide home gardeners toward a successful growing season.
Garden plants can be found on Wednesdays:
Burger’s Market Garden
Gomez Veggie Ville
Scotch Ridge Farm
And on Saturdays:
Balet Farm
Burger’s Market Garden
Gomez Veggie Ville
Green Jeans Farm
Lovin’ Mama Farm
Scotch Ridge Farm
This week’s recipe: Tabbouleh Salad
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open on Wednesdays from 3- 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at High Rock Park in downtown Saratoga Springs. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.
