We are fortunate to live in a part of the state that offers a diversity of agricultural products all year round. Here in Lee County, spring has officially sprung, and we are especially lucky to have a number of on farm stands, “U-Pick” berry operations and a vibrant Sanford Farmers Market located downtown behind the historic Buggy Building.

During early through mid-spring, some of the products grown locally you can expect to find at the market include cool season favorites for a fresh salad like lettuce, spinach, kale, broccoli and carrots. Collard green lovers are in luck, as its soon peak season to seek out this robustly flavorful southern favorite. It’s also a great time of year for locally grown new potatoes, onions and asparagus, along with a variety of seasonal herbs to enhance nearly any dish. No Sandhills spring produce list would be complete without highlighting the strawberry, a versatile and delicious fruit eaten right out of the bucket or on your favorite dessert. And I haven’t even mentioned the eggs, meat, and various baked goods and artisan crafts that you can expect to find at the market on any given Saturday.

This year’s market kicked off on April 20th and will run through the middle of November with a diverse offering of products for everybody to enjoy. To learn more about the Sanford Farmers Market, be sure and visit our N.C. Cooperative Extension – Lee County Center website or call 919-775-5624.

Bill Stone is the County Extension Director for North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Lee County.