Farmers market moves to Trinity property, opens April 12

Madison City Farmers Market will open April 12 on the Trinity Baptist Church property, 1088 Hughes Road. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Local growers and artisans will open Madison City Farmers Market on April 12 in a new location.

The farmers market will move to the south lawn of Trinity Baptist Church at 1088 Hughes Road, which is just south of its former location.

“We had outgrown our location at Madison Senior Center. Parking had become difficult. Traffic in/out of the market also affected traffic on Hughes Road, so the mayor asked us to consider moving to alleviate traffic flow problems,” board chairperson Mary Stallings said.

On April 12, shoppers can expect these products:

* Kale, collards, arugula, rainbow chard spinach, spring salad mix, radishes and ramps.

* Garlic, green onions, asparagus, broccoli and broccoli greens.

* Milk, butter, goat cheese, beef, pork, chicken and eggs.

* Honey, relish, pickles, jams, jellies, preserves, bread, biscuits, gluten-free and vegan baked goods.

* Farm-to-table to-go dinners, eco-friendly cleaners, bath and body products.

* Sugar-free chocolates, cold-brewed and fresh-roasted coffees and locally blended teas.

Crafters will sell hand-woven baskets, designer aprons, woven bracelets and hand-sewn cards. Farmers will sell fresh-cut flowers, hanging baskets, bedding vegetables and flowers — even earthworms, worm tea and worm castings.

Our cold winter has delayed some crops, but “heavy frost last week (affected) crops more than the winter did,” Stallings said.

Before planting annual flowers and vegetables, Stallings recommends soil analysis and finding the correct pH balance.

Gardeners often plant too early. “My papaw came from a long line of farmers. He always said, ‘Never plant summer crops until the tax man comes’ … meaning don’t plant your tomatoes, squash and corn until after April 15,” Stallings said.

“This rule-of-thumb is a pretty good one for the backyard gardener living in North Alabama,” she said. “The chance of a killing frost is greatly reduced.”

Also, how can people deal with Alabama’s brick-hard clay? “Compost,” Stallings said.

Stallings hopes to have live music each week. Interested musicians can email to valerie@madisoncityfarmersmarket.com.

Market hours are 8 a.m. to noon. For more information, email to info@madisoncityfarmersmarket.com or visit madisoncityfarmersmarket.com.