Farmer's Market Participant Links

On my last trip to the Farmer's Market just before Christmas, I gathered as many business cards as I could from the participants. This is not a complete list, but it's a start.

If you're looking to purchase items from these fine folks during the winter/early spring season before the market opens, you may find the contact info helpful.


Broken Arrows Farm "All Natural Pasture Raised Animals"
email: brokenarrowsfarm@aol.com
http://www.brokenarrowsfarm.com/

Sauces 4 U "The best Hot Sauces you will get your hands on!"
(757) 641-7829
email: info@sauces4U.com
http://sauces4u.com

Batten Bay Farm "Naturally Grown Fresh Produce and Cut Flowers"
email:drbyrum@verizon.net
http://battenbayfarm.com/default.aspx

The Old Man and the Seafood "from the shore to your door"
email: pat@theoldmanandtheseafood.com
http://theoldmanandtheseafood.com

Stonefield Soaps "Handcrafted Goats Milk Soap"
email: keenandhawes09@gmail.com
http://stonefieldsoaps.com

Off Season Sales Venues for Farmers

The Portsmouth Farmer's Market will be starting up again this spring. In the meantime, a potential, free marketing strategy for our farmers may be to post produce, meat, etc. on Craigslist under the "For Sale" "Farm and Garden" section. I've created this short tutorial outlining how to set up an account on Craigslist. I did it for another project and thought it may be useful here. It's a straight forward, four-step process.

I'll set up another on "Selling on Craigslist" and use the Farm and Garden section for the demo.
Our local Craislist link is: http://norfolk.craigslist.org/

A Green Growing Thought

Although snow threatens us as I write this entry and winter is not yet over, it may be a good idea to spruce up on those gardening skills. The Virginia Cooperative Extension(VCE) will be offering Master Gardener Classes. A Master Gardener Volunteer is a person who successfully completes the master gardener course and then acts on behalf of the VCE as an educator in their community. Course topics include: botany; diseases and weeds; perennials and annuals; pest management; organic gardening; fertilization; vegetables and herbs; soil science; pruning; interior plants; lawns, trees, and shrubs; plant ID; and composting. Master Gardeners must complete the course work sponsored by VCE and a 50 hour hands on internship in Master Gardener Volunteer projects. The Portsmouth Master Gardeners Office may be able to help you hone you gardening skills for the next planting season. They will know of projects and other educational offering in the area. For more information about the Portsmouth VA program, call: (757) 393-5197. Their web site is: http://offices.ext.vt.edu/portsmouth/