So often, the opportunity to enjoy early spring vegetables, fresh from the garden, just passes me by. Salads made with early peas, tender sprouts and lettuces are merely wishful thinking or incomplete thoughts that float by as the weather begins to warm up, but never actually make it to my table. There’s so much to do in the spring. Then, suddenly the rains stop, the temperatures rise, and the delicate spring greens disappear like dew in the morning sunshine.
My sympathy goes out to the farmers and gardeners who planted on time this spring, and were surprised when the weather didn’t seem to be following the same calendar. If I hadn’t been so far behind with my own garden, I might be writing a very different tale – but this time my procrastination was a good thing! No seedlings lost or time wasted here. While early-planted tomatoes and squashes are struggling through chilly nights and unseasonably cold storms, … I’m selfishly enjoying the extended strawberry season.
I realized all of this as I found myself smiling with my mouth full of juicy English peas and tasty mixed lettuces, from a salad that was simply bursting with the flavors of spring. I didn’t miss it! I felt like Ebenezer Scrooge when he found out it was Christmas day – giddy with my guilty pleasure.
So many of our local farmers are recovering from the setbacks brought on by the late-season low temps. But, farmers are tough, resilient, and determined – thank goodness! Markets are open and the sun – finally – is shining. Look for asparagus and apricots, cherries, strawberries and peas. And thank those farmers while you’re there, for staying motivated through this challenging spring weather. I’d like to send a special thanks to Country Rubes’ Farm and Living Lands Agrarian Network/Harmony Valley Farm for my inspiring salad! And to BriarPatch Co-op Market for always featuring seasonal produce from our local growers!
Farmers/Growers Market Schedules:
Tuesday Afternoon: Nevada County Certified Growers’ Market
3pm – 6pm Sierra Presbyterian Church, Nevada City
Thursday Afternoon: Nevada County Certified Growers’ Market
2pm – 5:30pm Seventh Day Adventist Church, Penn Valley
Thursday Evening: Mill Street Certified Farmers Market
5:30pm – 8pm Downtown Grass Valley
Saturday Morning: Nevada City Farmers Market
8:30am – 12:30pm Downtown Nevada City
Saturday Morning: Nevada County Certified Growers’ Market
8am – Noon North Star House, Old Auburn Rd, Grass Valley
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