October is a busy month for local gardeners who are planting seeds or the young seedlings they’ve been tending or pulling up those wandering sweet potatoes they planted around May. And some of those sweet potatoes could be headed from their garden/farm to your table along with a variety of locally grown produce via Farmer’s Markets held on various dates throughout the month.
As the weather cools, local markets – some that have been dormant over the summer months -are also gearing up.
Among them, Farmnet’s Last Saturday Market which will be held from 12 to 2 p.m. this coming Saturday, Oct. 29 and the last Saturday of the month thereafter at Roses Bistro (corner of Grand & Nebraska) in downtown New Port Richey. Among the offerings promised are locally grown produce, homemade jams and jellies, delicious sought-after scones and various fresh, wholesome items. Backyard farmers might pick up some vegetable seedlings or trees and there’s expert advice to spare for those looking to get started or needing help with their own plots.
The seasonal Wright’s Farmers Market, is also back on board. Markets will be held from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and typically on the second and fourth Sundays of each month at Wright’s Natural Market, 5800 Main St., New Port Richey.
Word is they are looking for vendors. Click here for a complete schedule. Click here for a peek at some vendors you might see there.
Other local markets to check out:
Tasty Tuesdays Community Market runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Tuesday at the New Port Richey Public Library, 5939 Main Street, New Port Richey. Organic produce, breads, treats and artisan creations.
The Backyard Bazaar, 6-10 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month Nebraska Ave., downtown New Port Richey
Trinity Farmer’s Market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month at Trinity Commons, 1540 Little Road, Trinity. Shop unique offerings of fresh produce, plants, local foods, artisan crafts and jewelry, farm-fresh products, bread, and more.
Connerton Club House Market, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. the first Saturday of the month at 21100 Fountain Garden Way, Land O Lakes.
Wright’s Farmers Market runs seasonally from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the second and fourth Sundays of each month at Wright’s Natural Market, 5800 Main St., New Port Richey.
Plant Your Garden – UF/IFAS Pasco Extension Offers Free Community Garden Plots
The UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension Community Garden Program is now leasing FREE garden plots to Pasco residents.
Pasco Extension pairs applicants with an appropriate community garden location in Dade City, Land O’ Lakes, San Antonio, Zephyrhills or Shady Hills. A new Wesley Chapel location will open soon to serve neighbors in that area.
A community garden plot is a great opportunity to grow and harvest your own food, work with compost, Gain gardening experience in classes/seminars offered on-site, Learn from experts. Plots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, or to lease a plot, contact the UF/IFAS Pasco Extension Community Gardens Program:
• East Side Community Gardens: 352.521.1255 / kchristmas@MyPasco.net
• West Side Community Gardens: 813.996.2411, ext. 2458 / ccarreiro@MyPasco.net
The Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service assists Pasco County residents by developing
and delivering practical, educational programs in environmental horticulture; sustainable
agriculture; 4-H and youth development; and family and consumer sciences. For more
information, including volunteer opportunities, visit: bit.ly/2I7gTs5 or call 352.518.0156.
Related | From the Archives
PHOTO|MICHELE MILLER
Working the Land: Urban Gardening Guru Jim Kovaleski Nurtures Food from His Front Yard to Your Dinner Table.
“It doesn’t feel like a vegetable patch so much and I think that’s important in a neighborhood,” Kovaleski says, while wrapping bunches of “snow apple” turnips with a rubber band. “I’ve had people take pictures of it and not know it’s food which is really cool. It’s a real compliment.”
Jim Kovalski, Urban Gardener, New Port Richey, Florida
- Urban Agriculture Movement keeps New Port Richey Growing Healthy, Nature Coaster
- How does your (summer) garden grow? What’s What New Port Richey
- New community garden is latest in a growing trend in New Port Richey, Tampa Bay Times
Cool Link/Info – Community Gardens of Tampa Bay Area
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