Daily photo by Sheryl Marsh Ann Martin buys vegetables from Carter Baker's table at the Morgan County-Decatur Farmers Market on Tuesday.

Farmers market closing Saturday

By Sheryl Marsh
smarsh@decaturdaily.com · 340-2437

"No, no, it can't be closing yet. I'm not ready for them to close."

That's the reaction of Ann Martin when she learned that the season's end is nearing for the Morgan County-Decatur Farmers Market.

Saturday is the last day for shopping at the market before it closes for the year.

Martin was doing her usual shopping at the market Monday.

"I love these fresh tomatoes, peppers and potatoes," she said. "But, I understand that it's time for them to close."

Vendors said they realize it's time to go.

"The weather is getting to the point where it's time to hibernate inside," said Ruth Freeman.

Carter Baker of Vest Farms at Eva said he looks forward to the next season.

"We'll be back next year," Baker said.

Drought killed a lot of some farmers' crops and they're hoping for the best next year.

"We need more rain to keep the drought away," said James Hanserd of Limestone County. "We still need it for this year, too because we still have greens in the field."

Burl Slaten, manager of the market, said he has suggestions for farmers to beat the drought so that they have better harvests next time.

"We had a lot of them that didn't show up because of the drought, but those who watered did good," Slaten said. "We're going to try to coach people into irrigating with drip tape that lets out so many gallons of water per hour. I've used it, and it's good. It's a flat tape with pin holes in it."

Another important thing is for senior citizens to spend coupons they received from the Commission on Aging before the market closes.

"They can use them through Saturday," said Slaten. "It's important that they do so because the more they use them the more the county will get next year."

Email This Page