Gather and Grow at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market

Whether it’s growing vegetables or nurturing native perennials for pollinators, gardeners tend to share one thing in common: a deep joy in the act of growing. At the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, we believe that connecting with nature is essential to a thriving community, and fostering that bond is at the heart of what we do.

This Saturday, April 11, join us for Gather & Grow at the Wilton Mall, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. The event is inspired by the Master Gardeners of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County — a volunteer group with a decades-long partnership with the market, known for answering gardening questions and conducting soil pH testing. They also bring a free seed library stocked with non-GMO vegetable and flower seeds for growers of all experience levels.

“It’s always a wonderful opportunity to talk to people about their garden because that leads to soil, and then it becomes a whole conversation,” explains Valeri Robinson, a Master Gardener for CCE of Saratoga County. Beyond the seed library, the Master Gardeners bring a deep commitment to education. This Saturday from 9:30 to 10 am, Master Gardener Bella Osborn will lead a free workshop on nature journaling for garden management. 

“Any gardener can be an artist! Nature journaling helps to take the guesswork out of gardening, improves plant success, and boosts observational skills,” shares Osborn. Bring a journal, pencils, and a friend — the workshop takes place in the former Trustco Bank space located at the market’s information table.

At 11 am, Scene One Cinemas will host a free screening of The Biggest Little Farm — a heartwarming documentary following a couple’s journey to build a sustainable farm and learn to work with nature, not against it. Families can also join the festivities and paint terra cotta planting pots with no-mess tempera sticks. Master Gardener volunteers will host an activity teaching children about composting by making edible compost!

Amid all the festivities, don’t forget to support the many growers, makers, and producers who make the Saratoga Farmers’ Market what it is. Their dedication is a cornerstone of the vibrant, locally driven community that makes Saratoga Springs so special. Can’t make it this Saturday? The Master Gardeners will be at Saturday markets all month and when we move outdoors to High Rock Park on May 2 (9 am–1 pm), and at Wednesday markets (3 to 6 pm). 

Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Wilton Mall Food Court. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.