Previous | Next

There's a Little Time Left

October 25, 2006
There's a Little Time Left

Farmers' Markets DENISE MILLER For the Journal

With lower temperatures and a hard frost not too far away, growers' markets are closing for the season.

But growers are busy -- taking down old tomato vines, cleaning up dead weeds, putting in compost or covering crops that will nourish the soil during the winter. Their focus has turned to ensuring the productivity of their land for next season and beyond.

Growers who use row cover or a greenhouse to extend the seasons may also be planting cold-weather crops like spinach, which can be started now and nursed over winter, producing a strong early crop in spring.

Some markets will stay open after Halloween, including:

Albuquerque Nob Hill Growers' Market: Last day is Nov. 9.

Los Ranchos Growers' Market Winter Market: Second Saturday of each month starting Nov. 11, 10 a.m.-noon.

Los Alamos Winter Market: Once a month November through April. Call Cindy Talamantes at (505) 581-4651.

Santa Fe Winter Market: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays from Nov. 11-March, El Museo Cultural, in the railyard.

The winter pantry

While our farmers are getting some rest this winter, what should faithful shoppers of growers' markets do to supplement their need for fresh, local food?

First, before the season officially closes, you might try asking your favorite growers if they sell privately during the winter. Sometimes they continue to grow small amounts of greens and other crops in a greenhouse during the off-season and will be willing to sell to a few customers.

Next, eat the locally produced food you have put in the freezer, or have canned or pickled. It will bring a smile to your face and it will remind you why it was worth the effort during the busy summer.

You can also shop at a local food co-op like La Montañita in Albuquerque, The Marketplace in Santa Fe or the Co-op in Silver City. They usually try to buy as much local produce as possible.

Here's a rundown of growers' markets schedules:

Albuquerque Downtown Market: Season is over.

Albuquerque Growers' Market, 7 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and Saturdays, Caravan East Parking Lot, 7605 Central NE.

Belen/Valencia County Growers' Market, 5 p.m .- sellout Fridays, Anna Becker Park, Hwy 309/Reinken Ave.

Bernalillo Farmers' Market, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Fridays, 282 Camino del Pueblo, South of Our Lady of Sorrows Church.

Cedar Crest Farmers' and Arts Market: October hours are 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Wednesdays, Cedar Crest Center, 12127 N. Hwy 14.

Corrales Growers' Market: 9 a.m.-noon Sundays, Recreation Center, 500 Jones Road next to post office. Wednesday market season has ended.

Edgewood Farmers' Market: New October hours are 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Mondays, behind NAPA Auto Parts, One Eunice Court.

Los Ranchos Growers' Market: October hours are 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Saturdays. Winter hours: 10 a.m.-noon, second Saturday of each month starting Nov. 11, City Hall, 6718 Rio Grande NW.

Nob Hill Growers' Market: 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Thursdays, Morningside Park, 299 Morningside SE (Morningside and Lead). Season ends Nov. 9.

San Felipe Farmers' Market: 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Wednesdays, San Felipe Casino grounds, off I-25.

South Valley Growers' Association: 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Cristo del Valle Church, 3907 Isleta SW.