Tag Archives: market

Home Garden Vegetable Plants Sell Fast

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Ford Lincoln of Franklin places a new vehicle every Saturday in front for new car buyers. Thanks for being our corporate sponsor!

The day started off a bit chilly this past Saturday, but it warmed up nicely at the market. We even saw a couple of people with shorts on! It must have been all of those tell-tale signs of spring throughout the market that made that happen, like the plant starts for gardens from Paradise Produce and the happy colors of little Dutch iris and buttercups from Blooming Meadows. And those massive ferns from Purple Tree Farm had everyone thinking about prettying up their porches for the warm weather. Lots of new Franklinites came to the market for the very first time and some out-of-town folks too, including a family from Hawaii. So all in all, it was a pretty good day at the market.

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Purple Tree Farm has beautiful ferns and other new plants for spring

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Garden starter plants grown right on the farm at Paradise Produce

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Garden starter plants sold fast at market

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Herbs and lettuces starters from Earth Advocate Research Farm

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‘Local Farmers are sharing their vegetable plants for all market customers

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Tomato plants from Kirkview Farms deliver sweet tomatoes for your home garden

And with warmer weather, things really start jumping at the Franklin Farmers Market with special days and events. In fact, we’ll kick off the summer season in May with a special day that will make your taste buds oh-so-happy. Details are coming soon!

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This young couple are exited to find healthy tomato plants for their home garden

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Young farm hand Dylem helps out at Hatcher Milk stand

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Fresh Lettuce and green onions from Pilgrims Produce

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Kale, collards, spinach and squash from Kirkview Farm

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Just picked fresh lettuce mix from Norton Family Farm

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Shiitake Mushrooms from Gardner’s Grove

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Easter crosses from Time Traveler Treasures

Finally, there was a little confusion this past Saturday about when the market opens and when it closes. All through the month of April, the market will open at 8am and close at noon. That gives the early birds a chance to get in and out of the market quicker but for you socializers, it’s an extra hour to eat good food and have good conversations while shopping at the market.

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Wonderful goodies home baked at Lucy’s Kitchen

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Even on a cold windy day customer pack the market

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Jams, Jellies and Breads from Jones Mill Farm

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Home baked cinnamon rolls from Pappa C Pies

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Beautiful Spring Flowers from Blooming Baskets

Santa visits Children and Shops for Farm Fresh Vegetables

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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.

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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.

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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

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

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Unique jewelry from Baya Designs.

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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.

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

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Candles by Intoxicating Aromas

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Gift certificates available from Peaceful Pastures

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Beautifully detailed Miniatures by Philip

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Enjoy organic grits from Beaverdam Creek Farm

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Dogs love presents from Antlers!

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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 21st 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!

 

Local Farmers brave Bitter Cold and Icy Roads for Market Customers

A chilly day at the farmers market

A chilly day at the farmers market

It was cold, wet and a little icy on Saturday. Enough to make everyone want to stay home and sip a steaming mug of coffee or hot chocolate. Yet several of the farmers and vendors at the Franklin Farmers Market defied the cold weather and showed up for you. And many of you stepped out into the cold to make it to the market too. Our hats are off to everyone for braving the chilly temps and coming out to the market.  It might have surprised you to hear that the ice cold weather kept Santa from visiting the market. Of course, chilly weather doesn’t bother him, but it can cause problems for other folks. Santa wanted to make sure that all the children around Franklin could come visit him, so he decided to reschedule his visit to the market.  So tell the kids to be on their best behavior this week and get their wish lists ready. Santa will be at the market this Saturday, December 14th!

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Hot Cocoa was perfect for this cold day

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Fresh made hot doughnuts from Elle’s

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Families braved the cold

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Bundled up warm

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Now headed for home

Whether its summer or winter, picking up good fresh food from local farms is what everyone does at the market.

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Fresh veggies loved the cold air

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Rocky Glade Farm helping customers

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River Cottage Farm had meat and eggs

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Delvin Farms Certified Organice Produce

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Jones Mill Farm fresh breads and hot sausage rolls

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Flying S Farm Christmas cookies

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V’s Pottery

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Soy Candles

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A new young vendor braved the cold

But there were quite a few of you doing something else this past Saturday.

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Ann was prepared for the cold day

People were stopping at the Triple L Ranch booth to suggest names for a little calf born on the farm not too long ago. His mom abandoned him after birth and it was a little touch and go at first.

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Steven of the Triple L Ranch needs help with a name for this new bottle fed calf, do you have a name?

Calves need to nurse very soon after they are born to get necessary antibodies and nutrients for their immune system. So this little calf was bottle-fed the right formula for newborn calves and now he’s doing just fine. But he’s still a bottle-baby and he’s become a four-legged member of the Lee family at Triple L Ranch and he needs a name. What do you think it should be? Tell us and if your name is picked as the right one, you’ll win a day on Triple L Ranch with the calf and a market goody basket. Just email lisa@franklinfarmersmarket.com and tell us what you think his name should be!

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Thank you customers for donating so many winter coats and blankets!

And finally, the frosty weather on market day made the “Love Will Keep Us Warm” blanket and coat drives all the more relevant.  Financial hardships such as losing a job can make something as simple as buying an extra blanket or a new coat hard to do. Your donations of winter clothing, blankets and coats as you came to the market were beyond generous. Because of your compassion, many of those in need will stay warm through the winter.  We believe its proof that we have some of the kindest people in Tennessee visiting the market. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone for sharing the warmth this holiday season.  You can view more pictures of the day by clicking here.

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The Franklin Farmers Market is always open every Saturday of the year so local families can buy their fresh farm produce and meats for the week no matter what the weather brings

Fresh Farm Produce, Pumpkins, Great Food and Coffee!

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A fall display from Time Travelers

We have to admit, it was a little chilly Saturday when the market first opened. But a cup of coffee paired with some sweet, warm Ellie’s Doughnuts made everything okay. And even with a lot of fall festivals going on, there were still plenty of people wandering around the market and we’ve now figured out why. The Franklin Farmers Market is not only the best place for fresh food from local farms; it’s a great spot to socialize on Saturday mornings.

Maybe you pick up a yummy sourdough roll with sausage from Jones Mill Farm or you head over to the Biscuit Love truck for a bite of breakfast to munch while roaming the market. Chances are that you’ll run into a neighbor or an old friend who’s doing the exact same thing.

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Kirkview Farms fresh veggies

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Customers of Rocky Glade Farm

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Local tomatoes still available

Plus it seems like a lot of new people are moving to Franklin and Williamson County too. Every market day, there are people who stop at the info booth to find out more about the farmers and the market.

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V’s Pottery is beautiful!

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Lucy’s Kitchen’s yummy soups

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River Cottage Farm’s meats

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Legacy Acres soft & warm Alpaca yarn

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Great barnwood signs from Tom the Furniture Guy!

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Colorful mums and pumpkins from Purple Tree Farm

A lot of them have just moved here. We’ve been doing a little poll of those people and have found out that quite a few of them are here from California, like this mom and her son standing next to the scarecrow. They just moved here from Los Angeles. Welcome to Tennessee!

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Just moved to Tennessee!

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Smiling faces & sunflowers

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Posing with the pumpkin & scarecrow at the market info booth

And you may have noticed at the market this past Saturday that lots pumpkins can now be found from several farms at the market.

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The King Family Farm grows lots of pumpkins!

And with those pumpkins, little scarecrows are starting to pop up everywhere.

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Little scarecrows popped up at Rainbow Hill’s booth

But just wait… The market will soon be took over by scarecrows and they’ll be bringing lots of fun for the whole family.  It’s The Invasion of the Scarecrows, brought to you by our friends at Williamson Medical Center.

There will be a free pumpkin patch for the kids, complete with a tractor-riding scarecrow watching over the patch. After picking out their pumpkin, kids can paint and decorate it at the Perfect Pumpkin Painting booth. The kids can get “decorated” too with face-painting from Tom the Artist. And once the pumpkins and the kids have been decorated, stop by the Williamson Medical Center’s tent for a free family photo to take home and remember the day!

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Beaverdam Creek Farm’s beef cuts

Of course, there will be plenty of delicious fresh food from your favorite farmers at the market too. From big and tall to short and small, lots of scarecrows will be everywhere. It’s all happening next Saturday, October 19th from 8am – 1pm at the Franklin Farmers Market!

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A good selection from Pilgrims Produce

Click here to view pictures from this past Saturday’s market.

 

Farm Fresh Summer Produce still available at our Tennessee Farmers Market

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.

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Ellie’s Old Fashioned Doughnets

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Norton Family Farm Pumpkin Rolls

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Singing in the Rain!

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BB’s Gourmet Pretzels

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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.

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Pumpkin Face Drawing

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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.

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Farm Fresh Tonmatoes

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Just picked Okra

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Summer Veggies from Pilgrims Produce

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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 2nd.

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Pumpkins in market from Purple Tree Farm

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Sweet Potatoes from Colbert Farm

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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 19th 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.

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Cherry Jelly from Norton Family Farm

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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!

Farm Produce Now Purchased in Bulk for Winter Canning and Freezing

Early Saturday morning at the Franklin Farmers Market, there was a just a little touch of fall in the air. Cooler temps made for a nice start to the day. But soon, the day went back into summer mode with bright sunshine and hotter temps. It was fitting though, because there are still plenty of summer favorites available from the farmers.

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Summer Okra still in good supply

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Fresh picked Herbs from Bloomsbury Farm

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Cucumbers, Large and Small Tomatoes from May Lo Fresh Produce

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Green Beans from Rainbow Hill Farm

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Fresh Plump Tomatoes from Rainbow Hill Farm

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Mark Alan Artisan Woods

But this past Saturday was also the very first market day of September and while we are all about fresh food from local farms, September brings more unique arts and crafts to the Franklin Farmers Market.  Every Saturday in September we celebrate the local artisans of middle Tennessee. Long time favorites, such as V’s Pottery, Lovely Beads by Brenda and Mark Alan Artisan Woods are at the market through September, but there are new crafts people too, like El’s Silverware and Glass Gardens by RuthE.

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Hand made beads from Lovely Beads by Brenda

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Hand carved wood from Mark Alan Artisan Woods

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Custom made craft baskets from Bloomin’ Baskets

September also brings the first of big beautiful flowers to market too, like those from Bloomin’ Baskets and the huge mums from Purple Tree Farm. And the first of the pumpkins are also starting to show up. Pumpkins little and big, orange or striped white and green were spotted this past Saturday. Fresh apples are now at the market too, along with apple cider. Fall is definitely just around the corner.

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Nice variety of Pumpkins from Purple Tree Farm

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Just picked Apples from Rainbow Hill Farm

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Apple Cider from Kirkview Farm

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Fresh Carrots from Norris Family Farm

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Sharon talking recipes with a young chef!

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Fresh Baked Cookies from Dozen

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Great Traditional Bluegrass from the Franklin Square Pickers

And with the approach of cooler weather, some of what occurs each fall at the market is quite odd. Things start to look different and curious characters begin to appear. Keep your eyes wide open…They are coming to the market soon. Very soon.

Visit photos from this past Saturday’s Market by clicking here!

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August brings Farm Fresh Produce to Franklin Farmers Market

Ha! The forecast was for a 30% chance of afternoon rain, but apparently nobody told Mother Nature. It was a cloudy day, with off and on rain. But that did not stop anyone from coming to Franklin Farmers Market this past Saturday. After all, it is the tip-top of the summer season, when just about any produce you could possibly want is ripe and ready.

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Farm Sweet Carrots from Norton Family Farm

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Grapes from Rainbow Hill Farm

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Fresh Salad Ingredients

Bell peppers and chili peppers; tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes and corn too.

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Multi colored Peppers from Gardner Grove Farm

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Silver Queen Sweet Corn

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Beaverdam Creek Farm Tomatoes

Cantaloupes were the big star of the show at the market and fresh peaches were also snatched up in a hurry.

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Delvin Farm Cantaloupes have arrived!

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Fresh Peaches from Rainbow Hill Farm

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Heirloom Tomatoes from Bloomsbury Farm

But while this is the high season for delicious summer produce and fruits, it’s almost the end of the road for some of the fresh veggies and fruits. Blueberry season is coming to an end and blackberries won’t be around much longer either, so if you are a big berry lover, head to the market this upcoming Saturday.  And if you are not sure what to do with all of that delicious fresh food, check out the market’s first cookbook, “Eating In Season.” You’ll find lots of great recipes from the market’s farmers and customers. It’s become very popular and is moving fast, so get yours at the market soon!

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Multi colored Peppers from Gardner Grove Farm

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Farm Fresh from Jones Mill Farm

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Ice Cold Chocolate Milk from Hatcher Family Dairy

Of course, the highlight of the day was the little junior farmers taking a field trip around the market. They were the students from the market’s Growing Kids Educational Garden in the Park at Harlinsdale Farm and they had a big time touring the market and talking to the farmers. The kids also made off with some great market goodies too, including corn from the King Family Farm, cucumbers from Zadock the Natural Farmer, peaches from Kirkview Farm and to top it off, chocolate milk from the Hatcher Dairy Farm.

And finally, mark your calendars for August 24th. That’s the date for the Franklin Farmers Market’s popular Watermelon Festival, presented this year by our good friends at the Williamson Herald and Southern Exposure Magazine. It’s a big sweet seed-spittin’ day of fun for the whole family!

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Farm Fresh from Pilgrims Produce

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Potatoes from Sturbridge Farm

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Fresh Basil from Colvin Family Farm

As always you can view pictures from this past Saturday’s market by clicking on “Photo’s” on the market website.  Or just click here to see if you are in any of the pictures.     https://franklinfarmersmarket.com/gallery/

TomatoFest Visitors Enjoy Tomatoes, Food, Contests and Tomato Seed Saving

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The Totally Terrific Tomat-Oh voting table had lots of activity to select this years winners

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I now have new favorites!

And the word for the day was Tomato, with a capital T.  There were tomatoes everywhere you looked –  red tomatoes and yellow ones; striped and purple tomatoes; big and small, heirlooms and traditional favorites. It was all part of TomatoFest at the Franklin Farmers Market this past Saturday.

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So many different Tomato varieties for tasting

Not only did the farms have oodles of delicious tomatoes to pick from, but there were also lots of tomato samples to try along with scrumptious bites of Italian tomato-based dishes from Amerigo.

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Nothing better than Fresh made Salsa from Amerigo

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Plus there was the special TomatoFest salsa, made with fresh tomatoes straight from the Allenbrooke Farm. It was truly a tomato-lover’s heaven at the market.

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Amerigo Chefs Paul and Steven

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Allenbrooke Farm Tomatoes

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Preparation of Tomato Jam

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Tomato Samples anyone?

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Sharon & Jenny presenting over 15 different Tomato varieties to sample

Besides all of the great tomatoes, everyone got the chance to learn how to save tomato and other vegetable seeds. Saving seeds is important as it allows us to preserve heirloom seeds’ genetic diversity.

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So much interest in Tomato Seed Saving

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Farmer Zadok Johnson explaining the art of Seed Saving

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Seeds are the beginning of our existence, our nourishment and how we grow our vegetables

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The Johnson Family answering questions about the tomato and its seeds

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Beaverdam Creek Farm wins 1st Place

But maybe the best thing about TomatoFest was the Totally Terrific Tomat-Oh! Contest between the farmers at the market. There was certainly a lot beautiful heirloom varieties entered in the contest, but the best were the ones that showed just how creative our farmers can be. The overall grand prize winner came from Beaverdam Creek Farm. It featured a “pineapple” heirloom tomato with a parrot fashioned out of a real pineapple! Kirkview Farms nailed down second place with a couple of tomatoes enjoying the day on the “beach”… surf’s up, dudes! And third place went to Flying S Farms, with their miniature farm scene, complete with a little harvest bucket filled tiny “spoon” tomatoes!

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Kirkview Farms wins 2nd Place

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Flying S Farm wins 3rd Place

Our thanks to Amerigo Italian Restaurant for sponsoring TomatoFest and to everyone who came out for a fun and tasty day at the Franklin Farmers Market.  Tomatoes rule!

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Professor Tomato

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RV Tomato Protection

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1st Place winner Beaverdam Creek Farm

View pictures of the entire TomatoFest day here

Farm Fresh Produce being purchased in Record Numbers

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Rocky Glade Tomatoes gone by 10am

And they’re off! When our farmers market opened last Saturday, it was just like the start of a race. Everyone was in a rush to find their favorite veggies and fruits. Farm Fresh Tomatoes were being grabbed in a hurry and blueberries were flying out of the market. Baskets of sweet juicy peaches were also being snatched up, along with beef steaks, ribs, ground beef, pork chops and other naturally raised farm meats for the outdoor grill. We take pride in having the best in fresh, locally grown food at the Franklin Farmers Market. And when produce such as tomatoes first start showing up, they are at the top of the list for everyone to take home.

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Kelly’s Blueberries

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Jones Mill Onions

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Beaverdam Creek Veggies for Foodies

But relax. There’s plenty of good food at our farmers market. And the amount of farm produce and fruits you love increase every week through out the summer. For example, this past Saturday several of the farmers had the first of their tomato crop at the market. And there will be even more tomatoes to choose from this week. It’s the same thing with blueberries and other seasonal favorites. Our farmers grow a lot of food and you’ll always find a great selection at the Franklin Farmers Market.

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Fresh Cut Flowers always popular

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Jim Vaughn of Rocky Glade Farm

A lot of you stopped by the market information booth this past weekend to find out who had fresh corn or where the watermelons could be found. Remember, the food at the Franklin Farmers Market comes from local farmers, so it’s a little too early for both of those goodies to be ripe and ready in Middle Tennessee. But come by the info booth the next time you’re at the market and pick up a free copy of the Local Table magazine. It’s got a big seasonality chart so you can get a better idea of when your favorite veggies could be showing up at the market.

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Delvin Farm Tomatoes

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Kelly’s Blackberries

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All smiles after visiting the market

We also had a lot of people asking where to find the ATM. There is an ATM near the front of The Factory. But the best things is to plan ahead and bring small bills, like ones, fives and tens to the market. And there are several farmers who now accept credit and debit cards too. So come on out to the Franklin Farmers Market this upcoming Saturday and get all of the food you want for your 4th of July weekend!

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Colvin Farms Lettuce

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Colvin Farm Lettuce

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Beautiful Lettuces from Colvin Farm

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A young supporter of Tennessee’s Colvin Farm at the Franklin Farmers Market back lot

Farmers Bring Fresh Green Beans, Squash, Cucumbers, Blueberries, Peppers, Onions and More to Market

You know it’s going to be a good day when you spy the first of the blueberries at the market. They were the early variety, tasty and juicy. Those blueberries didn’t last long though, but that’s okay.

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Deb ringing in the Start of a wonderful Market Day

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Lot’s of new visitors and vacationers enjoying the day

The market was full of delicious food last Saturday. Green beans and new potatoes, along with cauliflower, beets and other fresh produce were plentiful. A lot of good farm eggs were snapped up too, along with tender steaks for the grill. Yummy breads, desserts and honey…. It was a food paradise!

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Fresh Flowers to Fresh Veggies at the market

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Lucy’s Kitchen always has Breakfast Treats ready

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First Cucumbers of Summer

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Where’s my Olive Oil and Outdoor Grill?

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Absolutely Beautiful Potatoes

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The new Franklin Farmers Market Recipe Book has wonderful Recipes from our Famers!

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We still have Strawberries…but not for long!

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Ellie’s Fresh Made Old Fashion Donuts

But sometimes you can’t find the vegetable you really want at the market. A lot of questions were asked Saturday about when would tomatoes show up at market; why weren’t there any watermelons and where was the corn? Georgia and Alabama produce typically is ripe and ready about two weeks before it is in Tennessee. The further south a farm is, the quicker the garden grows. Plus this year, we had a wet and cool spring, so some produce is running a little later than usual. But you need to be familiar with the seasonality of produce and fruit grown in Tennessee. Tomatoes typically are not ripe and plentiful until July. It’s the same thing with corn and watermelons are at their best in July and August too. Next Saturday, stop by the Market Information booth and pick up a free copy of Local Table. It’s a great guide to food and farming in Middle Tennessee, and it also has a big seasonality chart so you can get a better idea of when your favorite veggies and fruits are ripe and at market.

Speaking of tomatoes, nothing says summer like a deliciously ripe tomato. And we’re not talking about those tomatoes that are shipped in from other states or countries. We crave real tomatoes; the locally grown tomatoes. So when those first Middle Tennessee tomatoes are ripe and ready, it’s time to celebrate. And we’re going to do just that with our salute to tomatoes. Don’t miss the Franklin Farmers Market’s TomatoFest, July 27th. Fresh tomatoes are the stars of the show. Enjoy samples of delicious heirloom tomatoes. Watch cooking demos of Chef Steven from Amerigo. Learn seed-saving techniques and take part in the ugly tomato contest. It’s a tomato lover’s heaven… TomatoFest at the Franklin Farmers Market!

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New Fresh Peppers

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Lovely Green Onions

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The clean smell of Lavender was in the Air