Tag Archives: carrots

Winter Vegetables, Meats and Soups make for great Farm Fresh Meals

January 6, 2014

It was a cold and windy day, but that didn’t bother us at the Franklin Farmers Market this past Saturday. Okay, that’s not quite true because it was really chilly, but it certainly didn’t keep our farmers from bringing you the best in winter vegetables, like carrots, squash and potatoes.

Winter greens from Paradise Produce

Carrots, collards, cabbage and potatoes from Kirkview Farm

Fresh organic cabbage from Delvin Farm

Tennessee farm grown lettuces from Norton Family Farm

Tennessee families picking up farm fresh produce

And even though it was a cold day, there was plenty at the market to warm you up. Lots of folks were munching warm treats from Ellie’s Old Fashion Donuts or enjoying one of Jones Mill Farms’ hot homemade rolls with Triple L Sausage.

Gotta have my Ellie’s Old Fashioned Doughnut!

Fresh baked, hot and ready Sourdough roll with Triple L Sausage from Jones Mill Farm

And there were lots of veggies that people were taking home to create their own warm comfort food. For example, fresh carrots from Paradise Produce, along with cabbage from Delvin Farms were being bought to make homemade soup. You can view pictures from Saturday’s market here.

Just picked Carrots, Kale, lettuces and spinach from Paradise Produce

Fresh beets from Paradise Produce

Those who didn’t want to make their own took a delicious shortcut and took home some of Flying S Farms yummy soups. There’s nothing quite like a bowl of hot grits to warm you up and bags of Beaverdam Creek Farm’s stone-ground grits were being snatched up in a hurry. So yes, it was cold and windy, but the trip to the market was worth it to load up ongood food for chilly winter weather.

After market lunch of Triple L Ranch Ribeye, Delvin Farm organic Brussels Sprouts and Potato Soup from Jones Mill Farm…Nothing better on a cold day!

Farm Preserves, Jams and Jellies from Jones Mill Farm

Farm baked Breads from Jones Mill Farm

Fresh Baked Pies from Geraldine

Kenny’s Cheeses from Moonshadow Farm

It’s a new year and with it comes a few reminders from the market – First, winter market hours have changed. The winter market is now open from 9am – noon and will remain that way until spring. Second, the “no dogs at the market” rule is now in effect, so please leave your pets at home. And third, don’t forget to vote for the best name for the little calf at Triple L Ranch. You can get the complete story on the calf and vote for his name by clicking here.

Finally, it is with great sadness that we say goodbye to one of our own at the market. Ed Johnson, the patriarch of Johnson’s Honey Farm passed away this weekend. Having the best honey in Tennessee was a passion of Mr. Johnson’s and it showed in the honey his bees produced. Bees have been a part of Mr. Johnson’s farm since 1918, making Paula Morton, his daughter and familiar figure at the market a 3^rd generation beekeeper. Our hearts, prayers and sympathies go out to the Johnson family.

Ed Johnson of Johnson’s Honey Farm will be missed by the entire state of Tennessee and beyond, including farmers from all over the world. His family will continue his legacy.

Christmas Shoppers buy up Winter Greens, Baked Goods and Artisan Crafts

December 23, 2013

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Beautiful fresh produce from Paradise Produce

With the extremely windy weather, it’s a thousand wonders that spinach and other winter greens were not flying across the shed at the Franklin Farmers Market this past Saturday. It was a challenge for the farmers and artisans to get their booths set up and ready to go without blowing across the parking lot, but it was worth it as many people came out to do the last minute shopping for Christmas.

Lots of bundles of carrots and radishes, along with spinach, green onions and garlic were picked up to prepare special holiday dishes.

Sweet Tennessee Carrots from Paradise Produce

Fresh picked Green Onions from Gardner Grove

Organic Garlic, Radishes and Spinach from Delvin Farms

New Stone Ground Cornmeal and Grits from Beaverdam Creek Farm

And Beaverdam Creek Farm’s new stone-ground cornmeal and grits were very popular items too. Then there were all of the absolutely delicious baked goods. Flying S Farm special decorated holiday cookies were a big hit. So was the incredible Polish bread and Stollen from Jones Mill Farm and the special sweet pastries from Lucy’s Kitchen.

Fresh baked muffins from Lucy’s Kitchen…Hi Lucy!

Flying S Farms’ home baked Christmas Cookies

Lots of stocking stuffers were snatched up too, like the Totty’s Bend Farm Goat Soap and Creekbend Herbs lavender sachets. The beautiful jewelry from Rockin’ Robin was also picked up by many.

Totty’s Bend Goat Milk Soap

Hand made artisan jewelry from Baya Designs

Beautiful beaded necklaces from Rockin’ Robin

Soy candles in recycled hand cut wine bottles

Miniatures by Philip

Custom made signs from Tom the Barn Wood Sign Guy

Elevated Gardens for small and large places

Handcrafted artisan jewelry from Antlers

Wooden kitchen cutting boards from Cody’s Woodworks

Several people stopped by the info booth to ask what name has been given to the little calf at Triple L Ranch. He’s still without a name, but you can change that. Take a look at the top seven names chosen for the little fellow and vote for your favorite. We’ll announce the winning name for the calf on January 19^th, so vote for his new name now by clicking here.

Local customer picking up their final CSA for 2013

And for those of you asking if we are taking off the weekend after Christmas and before New Year’s Eve, the answer is no. The Franklin Farmers Market will be open this upcoming Saturday and every Saturday throughout the winter (and summer!) for you. The only change will be the winter market hours in 2014. Saturday December 28^th, the market will be open 8am – noon. In January, the winter market hours will change to 9am –noon.

Despite the windy weather, this past Saturday was a good day at the market. But perhaps the best thing of all was the many holiday hugs and Christmas greetings, making it a very special day. From our family to yours, we wish a very Merry Christmas!

Santa visits Children and Shops for Farm Fresh Vegetables

December 16, 2013

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Fresh cabbage and garlic from Delvin Farms

From beets to carrots and sweet potatoes to spinach, there were plenty of winter veggies at the Franklin Farmers Market this past Saturday and people were stocking up for the big Christmas dinner.

Tasty winter greens from Zadock the Natural Farmer

You don’t have beets at Christmas? Why not? The winter veggies along with the meats and baked goods at the market can make your holiday meals a tasty present for your taste buds. For example, if you had picked up some beets, spinach, garlic, bacon and goat cheese while at the market, you could have created a roasted beet salad that is a true treat. We’re giving you a second chance.

The market’s “Eating in Season” cookbook is a great stocking stuffer for your favorite chef!

Click here to get that recipe and then make your shopping list for the market.

There was also a lot of shopping for presents at the market too.

Gifts such as beautiful jewelry from Baya Designs and Lovely Beads by Brenda; great barn wood holiday signs from Tom the Barn Wood Sign Guy and cute little “animal” purses made from felted wool sweaters along with stuffed ‘creatures’ from Upcycled Accessories could be found at the market on Saturday.

Lovely Beads by Brenda

Find unique gifts at the FFM

Tom the Barn Wood Sign Guy knows how to get Santa’s attention.

Unique jewelry from Baya Designs.

Expertly crafted gifts from Mark Alan Artisan Woods

There were also great stocking stuffers such as lavender sachets from Creekbend Herbs. You could have even bought a garden! Elevation Gardens’ whiskey barrel garden container with 10 different herbs would have made a terrific present for the green thumb or the chef in your family.

The Whiskey Barrel Herb Garden is perfect for the chef in the family.

Candles by Intoxicating Aromas

Gift certificates available from Peaceful Pastures

Beautifully detailed Miniatures by Philip

Enjoy organic grits from Beaverdam Creek Farm

Dogs love presents from Antlers!

Smile! It was a jolly good time with Santa.

It’s not too late to get the perfect gift, but time is running out. Get the Santa list together and head to the market. December 21^st is the last day at the market before Christmas! Click here to see photos of all the great artisan gift ideas available now each Saturday at the FFM.

Speaking of Santa, the big man showed up at the market this past Saturday, bringing smiles and handing out jingle bells for all of the kids. Some were very excited to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas, while others were a bit shy. And then there were the big “kids” who sat on Santa’s lap and told him what they wanted for Christmas! Check out the Santa photos in the market photo gallery by clicking here.

Take a look at the calendar – Christmas is just around the corner, so make your list and check it twice, then head to the market this weekend for your last chance at great fresh food and unique presents for the holiday. You’ll find it all at the Franklin Farmers Market!

What the Farmers Market has for your Thanksgiving Shopping List

November 21, 2013

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Thanksgiving gives us the chance to eat ourselves silly, with a big spread of delicious food. So get ready to pig out! Make those yummy holiday recipes with healthy fresh produce, meats and dairy from the Franklin Farmers Market and you’ll feel a little less guilty about stuffing yourself this Thanksgiving.

Triple L Ranch great tasting hen right out of the oven!

Saturday will be a day of Families doing their Thanksgiving shopping

Here’s a handy shopping list of some of the goodies you’ll find from the farmers at the market this Saturday to create the best Thanksgiving dinner ever.

Beets – delicious roasted with honey!
Broccoli – a broccoli casserole hits the spot.
Cabbage – try it grilled or sautéed
Carrots
Cauliflower – pick up some fresh cheese and drizzle over the cauliflower
Celery
Chard
Chives
Greens – lots of winter greens available now
Leeks
Lettuce
Mushrooms
Onions
Potatoes – Got to have mashed potatoes with gravy
Radishes
Shallots
Squash/Pumpkins
Sweet Potatoes – sweet ‘tater casserole is a must!
Turnips

Fresh Herbs and Lettuces from Rocky Glade Farm

Pick up fresh cheese at the market. Moonshadow Farm has delicious varieties of Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese and Noble Springs Dairy has fantastic goat cheese in different flavors. Hatcher Family Dairy Farm has the milk, cream and buttermilk you need for your recipes and the kids would love some Hatcher chocolate milk with Thanksgiving dinner.

Farm Fresh Harvest from Pilgrims Produce

Don’t forget the eggs you need for special Thanksgiving desserts. Moonshadow Farm, River Cottage Farm, Gardners Grove and Triple L Ranch are just a few of the farms with fresh eggs at the market.

Who says you have to eat turkey on Thanksgiving? From chicken to beef or ham, you can find the meat you want at the market. Check out Triple L Ranch, Bear Creek Farm, West Wind Farm, Peaceful Pastures, River Cottage, Gardner Grove and Beaverdam Creek Farm for the cuts of meat you want. Johnson’s Honey Farm and Pilgrim’s Produce have the honey you need to spread on fresh rolls. And if you don’t feel like doing all the baking, you can pick up delicious breads, pastries, cakes and more at the market. Norton Family Farm, Lucy’s Kitchen and Jones Mill Farms have what you need. Jams, jellies and preserves can be found at the market too.

Fresh Baked Breads from Flying S Farm

Jams, Jellies and Preserves from Jones Mill Farm

So go ahead…. Eat it up! Happy Thanksgiving from the Franklin Farmers Market.

Fresh Lettuces and root vegetables from Zadok the Natural Farmer

Wonderful Thanksgiving fresh picked veggies from Paradise Produce

Rocky Glade at your service!

Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes and Honey from Pilgrims Produce

Beaverdam Creek fresh Veggies

Organic Fennel from Delvin Farms

Winter Vegetables and Homemade Soups make for Nutritious Family Meals

November 17, 2013

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What happen to the sunshine and 60-something degree weather that was forecast? No matter, we still had good food at the market last Saturday. Broccoli and winter greens; carrots, radishes, turnips and lettuce were plentiful. We even came across a few cherry tomatoes from Delvin Farms.

Fresh cut Broccoli from Kirkview Farm

Beautiful farm fresh lettuces from Zadok the Natural Farmer

Organic Cherry Tomatoes from Delvin Farms

Sweet Potatoes from Rocky Glade Farm

Turnip Greens, Radishes, Sweet Potatoes, Butternut Squash and so many winter greens!

Carl and son ready to serve you each market Saturday

Golden Yellow Baby Mangel Beets from Paradise Produce

Lucy’s Kitchen and Jones Mill Farm had delicious varieties of soups and great fresh breads… the perfect winter supper!

More Homemade Soups from Jones Mill Farm

Fresh Baked Breads from Jones Mill Farm

Homemade Soups from Lucy’s Kitchen

Farm Meats from River Cottage Farm

Triple L Ranch provides local farm Beef, Chicken and Sausages right off the farm.

Check the calendar. It won’t be long for before the holidays arrive and you know what that means… lots of yummy sweets! One of the biggest hits at the market Saturday was Noble Springs Farm’s new goat cheese fudge. That’s right… goat cheese fudge and boy, is it sweet and rich with chocolate. It was a full house at the market. Besides all of the farms, there were quite a few artisans with unique crafts that would make the perfect Christmas gift.

Great tasting Fudge made with Goat Milk from Noble Springs Dairy

Many different varieties of Goat Cheese from Noble Springs Dairy

Sweet little dogs!

A lot of people were stopping at the info booth to let us know what they thought about having dogs at the market. Hundreds of you have filled out the dog survey form or emailed your opinions on whether dogs should be allowed or banned at the market. One of the biggest complaints about having dogs at the market is about sanitary concerns, while others say they’ve never seen any dogs relieving themselves in the market. Unfortunately, we found out first hand on Saturday that it does happen. While a customer was at the market info booth filling out the survey form, her dog decided it was a good place to potty! We love dogs, but there are some issues with having them at market. How can we solve them? You’ve got until November 30^th to tell us whether dogs should be allowed or banned from the market and give us your ideas of what else could be done. Either stop by the market booth to fill out the survey or send an email to lisa@franklinfarmersmarket.com and let us know what you think. A decision on the dogs will be announced the first week of December.

And we also had a lot of people asking this past Saturday about the blanket, coat and winter clothing drive that will be taking place at the market soon. The Franklin Farmers Market is happy to be a part of the “Love Will Keep Us Warm” charity drive to help those in need stay warm this winter. You can drop off your donation of gently used or new blankets, sweaters, coats, hats and more at the market on November 30^th or on December 7^th. If you are unable to bring your donation to the market on those dates, you can visit other drop off locations on different dates in Rutherford and Williamson Counties. For more information, email dottie@mixtapeanthology.com or norabp78@yahoo.com . Share the warmth!

You can visit pictures from this past Saturday’s market by clicking here. So much beautiful produce in the market now!

Enjoying Community at the Franklin Farmers Market is a Traditional Family Activity for many local Tennessee Families

Fall Vegetables Now in Full Supply for Winter Farmers Market

November 4, 2013

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What a beautiful fall day at the market! Last Saturday was perfect for strolling around and picking up tasty fresh cool weather veggies at the market. A lot of delicious sweet potatoes, greens and root vegetables, like beets, turnips and carrots could be found.

Sweet Potatoes from Rocky Glade Farm

Radishes, Turnips and Greens from Pilgrims Produce

Organic Celery, Tatsoi and Collards from Delvin Farms

Fresh Farm Green Onions from Pilgrims Produce

Fresh Lettuces from Zadok the Natural Farmer

Red and Yellow Baby Carrots from Zadok the Natural Farmer

Farm Fresh Beets from Paradise Produce

And the fresh baked goods were lip-smacking good. Holiday sweets are sneaking into the market too. Rumor has it that Noble Springs Dairy has created goat cheese fudge that is a fantastic experience for your taste buds.

Fresh baked Sweets and Bread from Flying J Farm

Farm Preserves from Jones Mill Farm

It was a good day for socializing too, with friends and farmers. A lot of folks made a point to welcome Paradise Produce back to the market. Stacy Gentry got married and took a year off to settle into married life. He and his lovely wife Sonia were at the Paradise Produce booth with beautiful vegetables. It was her first time working at the market with her new husband and it paid off…. They sold out of everything! You can visit all photos from Saturday here.

Deb, LeeAnn and Ben enjoying some market community time

Sonia and Stacy Gentry of Paradise Produce happy to be back at the Franklin Farmers Market

A beautiful fall day was enjoyed by many

We asked a question before Saturday about whether dogs should be allowed at the Franklin Farmers Market or if they should be banned. And a lot of you had something to say about it while at the market. In fact, we ran out of the survey forms about dog issue at the FFM info booth. Some of you were quick to say that dogs were a big reason why you like to come to the market, while others told us the dogs shouldn’t be allowed because the large number of canines and big market crowds just didn’t mix too well. This past Saturday, quite a few dogs came with their owners to the market. And while most were well-behaved, there were still a few that relieved themselves inside the market shed or growled at other dogs that were there. We really love dogs. But concerns over safety and sanitary issues keep growing, so we’re asking for your help in deciding whether dogs should stay or go. Tell us what you think. You can take part in our survey about the dogs by either stopping at the market info booth on Saturdays or emailing your thoughts to lisa@franklinfarmersmarket.com . We’ll be conducting the survey through November 23rd.

There were two other big questions at the market this past Saturday that people kept asking. The first one was “when does the market close down for the year?” It doesn’t. The market goes year-round, so the farmers will be here with fresh winter produce all through the winter season.

Beautiful Organic Tomatoes from Delvin Farms

Fresh Apples from Kirkview Farm

Freshly picked cabbage and radishes from Kirkview Farm

Fresh Spinach, Garlic and Lettuces from Rocky Glad Farm

The other question was “what time does the winter farmers market open and close?” Normally, the winter market begins at 9am. But we want to give you more time to shop the market, especially for holiday food and gifts. So November through December, the market is open every Saturday from 8am – noon. In January, the winter market hours will change to 9am-noon.

Beautiful hand carved woods from Mark Alan Artisan Woods

Custom made signs made from old barn wood from Tom the Furniture Guy

Hank Delvin, Sr of Delvin Farms helping customers on a beautiful fall day at the Franklin Farmers Market

Farm Fresh Root Vegetables Carrots, Cabbage, Turnips, Sweet Potatoes now at Market!

October 28, 2013

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It was a Cold October Morning

Too cold for market? Ha! We laugh in the face of winter weather. Yes, it was cold this past Saturday. But munching a warm doughnut from Ellie’s Doughnuts while sipping hot coffee always makes a cold morning at the market much better. Lots of us also enjoyed a hot roll with sausage from Jones Mill Farms or noshed on a huge yummy muffin from Lucy’s Kitchen at the market, making that chilly weather not so bad after all.

Roast was busy selling Hot Coffee

Lucy’s Kitchen helped keep everyone fed

You can certainly tell the weather is changing just by looking at the fresh veggies at the market. Winter root vegetables, like turnips and sweet potatoes are plentiful. Collard greens are back at the market and so is cabbage.

Beautiful Sweet Carrots from Norton Family Farm

A beautiful Crop of Sweet Potatoes from Colbert Farm

Sweet White Turnips from Colvin Family Farm

Wonderful fresh lettuces from Zadok the Natural Farmer

Fresh Picked Ginger from Earth Advocates

White and Black Carrots and Red Radishes from Colvin Family Farm

But summer veggies are not quite gone yet. The last of the tomatoes are hanging on, with cherry and plum tomatoes still available from farmers with hoop houses to protect them from the frost.

Fresh Green Beans from Norton Family Farm

Large Radishes from Kirkview Farm

Red and Green Tomatoes still in good supply

The Eating in Season Cookbook has great recipes for Fall

There are a couple of things that do change with the cooler weather at the market. You can always get meats from local farms, fresh baked goods and vegetables at the market no matter if it’s summer or winter. But the selection of vegetables grown locally does change with the drop in the temperatures. If you are not sure what qualifies as a winter vegetable, stop by the market’s info table and pick up a free copy of Local Table magazine so you can see the big seasonality chart.

Number two, the hours at the market change. Starting November 2nd, the opening hour will still be 8am, but the market will close at noon. Cold weather is no big deal. Just get the fuzzy socks and mittens ready.

Soft hand knitted Alpaca ski caps from from Legacy Acres Alpaca

Custom barnwood signs from Tom the Furniture Guy

Deb missing Cecil

My ears are warm!

Fresh Picked Ginger from Earth Advocates

Delvin Farms CSA Pick Up

Winter market has begun!

New Fall Events Coming to Farmers Market

September 30, 2013

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Norton Family Farm Fresh Carrots

Fall is definitely in the air. At the market this past Saturday, it was a bit cool with a light breeze, making it the perfect morning to stroll around with a warm doughnut and a cup of hot coffee from Ellie’s Doughnuts.

Flying S Farm White Chocolate Friendship Bread

Pumplin Rolls sell out fast from Norton Family Farm

Other signs of fall at the market too, like the first appearance of winter squash, more root veggies, apple cider…

…and lots of pumpkins.

A Pumpkin Helper

Cinderella Pumpkins

King Farm Pumpkins Invade the FFM

Small Pumpkins for young visitors

King Farm Flat Bed Trailer Filled with Pumpkins of all colors and sizes

But the thing that tells us that fall is really here is the big question we’re asked every year – When do you close down for winter? The answer is, we don’t. The Franklin Farmers Market goes on year-round. Surprised? You’re not alone. A lot of folks wonder how a farmers market that’s dedicated to food from local farms can be open during the winter. In Tennessee, our winters are a bit milder and that allows farmers to extend their warm weather crops a little longer.

Beautiful Tomatoes still in good supply

Beaverdam Creek Farm Fall Eggplant

Trish holding a CSA from Beaverdam Creek Farm

Bloomsbury Farm Wheat Grass and Beets

And a number of farmers now use “tunnels” which consists of metal frames with plastic stretch over them. The plants are in the garden patch like they normally would be but the protection of the tunnel keeps frost from killing the plants. And finally, there are quite a few vegetables that prefer to grow in cool weather, like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage or carrots and potatoes. The winter season for the Franklin Farmers Market begins in November.

Fall Mums and Custom Baskets from Bloomin’ Baskets

Fresh Jams and Preserves from Jones Mill Farms

Brenda of Moonshadow Farm hosting Kenny of Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese

Pilgrims Produce with their fall produce selection

Meat lovers, rejoice! Next Saturday, October 5^th is the Day of the Grill at the market with samples of tender beef, pork, chicken and lamb from our Tennessee meat farms at the market. Enjoy tasty bites of meat from Triple L Ranch, Bear Creek Farm, West Wind Farm, Peaceful Pastures, River Cottage Farm and Beaverdam Creek Farm. Chef Jeff Lunsford will use his talents on the grill to prepare the delicious samples. Chef Jeff is a grill expert extraordinaire from The Hearth and Grill Shop. The Hearth and Grill Shop is locally owned and has been Middle Tennessee’s favorite spot for top-notch grills for over 40 years. This is your chance to enjoy mouthwatering samples of meat grilled to perfection on a Big Green Egg Smoker & Grill, which considered by many to be the best grill ever made. Don’t miss it… next Saturday, the Day of the Grill at the Franklin Farmers Market!

Persimmons bring a smile to Lauren of Bloomsbury Farm

Giant smiling pumpkins and tiny little scarecrows were spotted at the market this past Saturday and they were all pointing to one thing… The Invasion of the Scarecrows is coming soon with lots of fun for the family. How about a kids pumpkin patch, funny face painting and a pumpkin decoration booth? And the best part is it’s free. It’s happening on October 19^th – The Invasion of the Scarecrows at the Franklin Farmers Market. Presented by our good friends at Williamson Medical Center.

Visit our Photo Gallery to view pictures from this past Saturday’s Market and all Saturday Markets since May of this year.

Farm Fresh Summer Produce still available at our Tennessee Farmers Market

September 22, 2013

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Maybe it was that yummy roll with sausage from Jones Mill Farms. Or it could have been a deliciously sweet treat from Ellie’s Doughnuts with a good cup of hot coffee. Or perhaps some of Hatcher Dairy’s famous chocolate milk was the way to start the day. Whatever it was, despite the wet weather, a whole lot of you showed up and munched on breakfast goodies while walking around the market this past Saturday morning.

Ellie’s Old Fashioned Doughnets

Norton Family Farm Pumpkin Rolls

Singing in the Rain!

BB’s Gourmet Pretzels

Wonderful Granola MIx

And our farmers and vendors really appreciate that, because whether it’s rain or shine, hot or cold, there’s good fresh food harvested every day. So again, big thanks to everyone who came out to shop at the Franklin Farmers Market in less than ideal weather.

Pumpkin Face Drawing

Peaceful Pastures now taking Turkey orders

The cooler, wet weather shouldn’t have been a surprise though because Sunday was the official first day of autumn and that means some changes are coming in the produce at the market. There are still a lot of your summer favorites, like tomatoes and cucumbers or squash and field peas.

Farm Fresh Tonmatoes

Just picked Okra

Summer Veggies from Pilgrims Produce

Produce variety from Pilgrims Produce

But with the change in the season, different veggies start showing up. Not everything in the garden is harvested during the hot days of summer. There are a number of vegetables that grow better in cooler temps and are ready to be harvested during both spring and fall. That’s why there is a good supply of such veggies like radishes, beets and carrots during the cool months at the market. Turnips, lettuce and sweet potatoes are plentiful during the fall and spring too. Many farms in Middle Tennessee grow all year long, so the Franklin Farmers Market stays open all year long. The winter market officially begins on November 2^nd.

Pumpkins in market from Purple Tree Farm

Sweet Potatoes from Colbert Farm

Wagon of Pumpkins from King Farm

And of course with the fall season, pumpkins come to the market. And when the pumpkins start showing up (like they are now), scarecrows are not too far behind them. October 19^th is the day for scarecrows to take over the market. The Invasion of the Scarecrows is great day for family fun, with a free pumpkin patch for the kids, yummy pumpkin goodies to eat, plus the kids can paint pumpkins and get their faces painted too! The Invasion of the Scarecrows is presented by the Williamson Medical Center.

Cherry Jelly from Norton Family Farm

Sunflowers and Veggies from Beaverdam Creek Farm

Great veggies to eat and enjoy; lots of pumpkins and a market takeover by scarecrows… We love fall at the Franklin Farmers Market!

Heavy Rain visits the Farmers Market and Farms across Middle Tennessee

July 8, 2013

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Rain can’t keep away CSA customers

Rain, rain go away, come again some other day. We need rain to help the crops grow. However, what fell last week was a little more than we wanted. But it didn’t stop the farmers from getting out there and picking the best in fresh,Tennessee produce. And it didn’t stop the Franklin Farmers Market or our loyal customers either. Thanks to everyone who visited the market this past Saturday.

The market information booth was rain prepared

Families seemed to enjoy the rainy day

Despite the downpour, quite a crowd came out to get delicious veggies, such as carrots, cabbage and okra. More ripe and juicy tomatoes were at the market too, plus some unripe ones that were perfect for fried green tomato sandwiches.

Okra now in supply

Jones Mill Farm Heirloom tomatoes

Beaverdam Creek Farm and their CSA baskets

Blue Honey Farms Blueberries

Blackberries and blueberries were snatched up, along with yummy sweet peaches. And the first ears of corn were spotted at the market too. By the way, all of you corn lovers, take note: Rumor has it that the King family farm will have delicious Silver Queen corn this upcoming Saturday.

Fresh Blackberries from Kirkview Farm

1st Corn of 2013

Fresh Eggs from our youngest Farmer

And welcome to a new farmer at the Franklin Farmers Market. The fresh eggs that Zach Whitler brought to market went fast this past Saturday. And even though he’s only 11 years old, Zach already has quite the brood of chickens, such as Silkies, Leghorns and Ameraucanas, producing multi-colored eggs that are almost too pretty to eat. If you missed out on Zach’s eggs, don’t worry. He’ll be back at the market this Saturday, along with the sunshine we’ve been missing!

Jones Mill Farm Onions and Heirloom tomatoes

Norton Family Farm cherry tomatoes

This market visitor is so happy she found just what she was looking for!