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N ot only are farmers markets full of fresh, delicious produce, but they also offer a wealth of inspiration and knowledge. So many people rush through just to find what they need and then quickly rush off. Not me, I slowly peruse every- thing. It's like Christmas morning! I have made many friends and gained a wealth of knowledge from these garden- ing gurus. I've also tasted new and inter- esting things I might not otherwise find in a traditional grocery store. It's like a culinary exploration trip for me! I have made so many friends at the mar- ket I go to the most. I visit them every week and if for some reason I miss, they are concerned of my absence. It works the other way as well. There is a family there that has two booths. Mom runs one and the daughter and her husband run another. One day Mom, one of my favorite vendors, was missing. So I went to the daughter and she said Mom stayed home to babysit her kids. I was relieved and we all had a good laugh! If you're a gardener and you can't find friends there, I don't know what to tell you. Those friendships also turn into net- working opportunities. Just by talking to people you find out they know someone who might know someone who has that one specialty item you're searching for. I have found sources for fresh wild and cul- tivated mushrooms, a plethora of Orien- tal fresh vegetables, different types of honey, salsa and spice vendors, unique fruit, fresh eggs, homemade canned good- ies and so much more. If you can't find something, ask! You can also learn a lot at the market. I'll be having difficulties growing a cer- tain variety of something at home and then I stumble across someone at the market who has perfect ones. Well, I'm going to start asking questions. I have done this many times and they are a wealth of knowledge. Also I've found things at the market I didn't think would grow around here or at least thought would be difficult to grow. They are happy to share their tips and techniques to help you out. I now grow my own ginger and turmeric with good results because I asked. Many have their own secret fertilizer recipes, soil mixes or additives that they use to improve flavor, size and harvest. There are always a learning opportunities at the market. I also have fun trying new things and finding different varieties that you won't find in your local grocery store. I have never tasted bitter melon until just a cou- ple of years ago when I was convinced to try it by my favorite vendor. She even gave me a recipe so I wasn't going in blind. One variety of garlic I grow in my gar- den came from the market. It's an old- fashioned variety that is tough to find. Now I save and grow my own every year. I've tried so many different varieties of honey its crazy. Buckwheat is my favorite, dark and flavorful. Choices can be so lim- ited at grocery stores and you don't get to meet and talk to those who either grew or harvested these delicacies directly. I also find things not offered at regular grocery stores. Morel and other wild mushrooms, spring garlic, garlic scapes, unique varieties of apples and pears, maple syrups, different varieties of toma- toes and peppers, homemade spices and specialty salsas, and so much more. So next time you visit your local mar- ket, slow down. Take the time to make some friends, learn as much as you can, and try something new and different. Happy gardening! (Michael Timm is chief horticulturalist at Ebert's Greenhouse Village in Ixonia.) HOME AUGUST 2021 6 MICHAEL TIMM Farmers markets: A valuable learning place File photo At your next visit to a farmers market, take your time and ask questions. Over time, you might form relationships with a vendor or two. Slow down and enjoy the setting. I've found things at the market I didn't think would grow around here or at least thought would be difficult to grow. They are happy to share their tips and techniques to help you out. – Michael Timm, Ebert's Greenhouse Village Make friends, share ideas, try new items are just some of the reasons to go to a market near you

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