Maple Grove Farmers Market Spring Preview May 9

Information provided by Maple Grove Farmers Market

Spring has arrived not a moment too soon for local farmers market growers, whose spring planting is now running at least two weeks behind schedule.

“We’re all anxious for warmer weather,” said Maple Grove Farmers Market Manager Kirsten Bansen Weigle, “but I don’t think anything compares to the anticipation that our growers are feeling this spring. They’re waiting for lower soil moisture and higher temperatures to begin cultivating the soil and sowing the crops that will supply our market.”

Some growers are concerned that seedlings sown early this spring in greenhouses will become overgrown and will need to be tossed before field conditions become suitable for planting.

Early spring vegetables may be in somewhat short supply at the Maple Grove Farmers Market Spring Preview, but shoppers can expect an abundance of plants and local food products.  

The Spring Preview is scheduled for Thursday, May 9, 2013, from 3-7 p.m. inside the Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road, Maple Grove. 

The preview will feature fan-favorite vendors and showcase 2013’s new offerings. Baked goods; family-farm raised pork, chicken, and beef; bedding plants; cheese; eggs; barbeque sauces and rubs; many gluten-free items; honey and maple syrup; flax; Lebanese specialties and more will be available for sampling and purchase. Early spring produce such as lettuce, spinach, asparagus, and rhubarb might be available as well.

Spring Preview-goers can take in live entertainment from the Banjo Dancers, as well as drawings for market gift baskets every half-hour. Sampling and special promotions from vendors will round out the afternoon. 

The Maple Grove Farmers Market will open for its tenth season outdoors on Thursday, June 13, 3-7 p.m. at Maple Grove Community Center, featuring 40-plus vendors offering a wide variety of vendor-grown, vendor-made agricultural products. The outdoor market season, running every Thursday until Oct. 24, 2013 will feature weekly live music, family storytime, chef demonstrations, special events, market birthday parties, and more. 

Minnesotans are experts at taking the long view on the weather, and market goers can expect rewards later in the season.

“There’s always a silver lining to Minnesota’s weather,” said Bansen Weigle. “Growers anticipate a fantastic season for maple syrup, apples, and strawberries—the very same crops that suffered last year when we had an early, warm spring.”