One of the joys of shopping at our local farmers markets are the variety of fresh produce and friendly smiles. I find something new every week. This week I saw pink oyster mushrooms, the first mushrooms I have ever seen at our market.

I also love scuppernongs and muscadines. They were for sale at this week at the markets. Have you ever had a muscadine pie or scuppernong jam? Do you want to learn how to preserve all this fresh produce? If so go to: www.homefoodpreserva tion.com

The markets have a huge supply of locally grown tomatoes, squash, okra, peppers, green beans, peas, apples, watermelons and cantaloupes. You also will find corn, cucumbers, onions, eggplant, garlic, collards, beets and potatoes. I also saw some beautiful hanging baskets, bedding plants and cut flowers. You can also purchase locally harvested honey and herbs.

The Hall County Farmer's Market is open on Tuesdays starting at 6 a.m. until sell out and Saturdays 7 a.m. until sellout. The farmer's market is located on the corner of East Crescent Drive and Jesse Jewell Parkway just off Interstate 985 at exit 24.

You can buy locally at the Spout Springs Library Farmers Market on Thursdays from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and at the Historic Downtown Farmers Market on the square on Fridays from 2:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Debbie Wilburn is county extension agent in family and
consumer science with the Hall County Extension. Contact: 770-535-8290.