Summer Is Here!

The calendar still says it's springtime, but we're declaring summer a little early. The market's summer season is officially underway and that means more farmers and more choices for you. From the best in farm fresh food, dairy, meats, baked goods and unique craft items, we've got what you want and as the summer goes on, the selection of fresh farm goods at the Franklin Farmers Market grows. The summer market hours are 8am - 1pm on Saturdays, now through the end of October.

Berry Good

About this time of the year, the craving starts. Your tastebuds are filled with anticipation, just waiting for that first bite of sweet, juicy Tennessee strawberries. Well, wait no more... the first strawberries of the season are at the market. Kelley's Berry Farm has beautiful ripe strawberries now. This Castalian Springs farm is a long-time favorite with market customers who want the very best in strawberries, along with blueberries and blackberries further on in the season. Get your share of strawberries this weekend from Kelley's Berry Farm. Just remember to come early to the market...you're not the only one craving fresh strawberries!

Who Needs Plastic Bags?

We don't and neither do you. Get the new 100% cotton canvas market shopping bag. This big roomy bag has plenty of room for market goodies and you can get yours this weekend at the Market Info Booth for just $5.

Spring Greens

The green of the garden means spring is really here. And across Middle Tennessee, the gardens of family farms are greening up in a hurry and you can see the proof at the market. Lettuce, spinach and kale are growing rapidly and the first of the asparagus will soon be ready. According to many professional chefs, asparagus quality is largely a matter of how quickly it gets from the farm to the table, so asparagus grown on a local farm is superior to that grown in California or Mexico. To get your taste buds ready, take a look at the market recipe for Pasta with Asparagus, Mushrooms and Spring Onions. You'll find the recipe in our Weekly Feature section.

Beanstalks for Kids

Food does not magically grow in a can. Food does not grow at fast food restaurants. So where does it come from? Ask that question to any child and chances are good won't give the right answer. Many kids have no idea of where their food comes from or what food is both good to eat and good for their bodies. And that plays a part in the increasing obesity problem with kids across the county.

Education at a young age is key to getting a healthier lifestyle, so the Franklin Farmers Market is kicking off the new Beanstalks newsletter. Beanstalks is an fun, education newsletter that will help pre-school and elementary school kids learn more about farms and the environment; how things grow and why eating good food is good for you. Beanstalks will be emailed to kids twice a month and the first edition will go out on May 5th. Beginning April 26th, you can sign-up for the new Beanstalks newsletter on our website. Beanstalks is part of the Franklin Farmers Market “Growing Kids” project.

Become A Part Of The Market

Maybe you're a farmer that would like to sell at the market. Or maybe you would like to volunteer and help out at the market. Find out more details on how you can do just that. Click the Contact Us button and send us an email for more information.

Suggestions, Questions Or Comments?

Tell us what you think about the Franklin Farmers Market or sign up for the weekly Farm Fresh newsletter. Just click the on the Market mailbox or the Contact Us button and talk to us!

What's happening at the market this week? Find out. Sign up for our Email Newsletter.