Get Garden-Ready at the Saratoga Farmer’s Market

Whether you have a large vegetable garden or a few vegetables or herbs in planters, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market has many varieties of plants to get you started.

In May, several vendors offer herbs, vegetables, and fruit for you to grow and harvest right at home. One of my favorites is the lettuce bowls filled with different leafy finds you don’t have to transplant. You simply grow, clip, and enjoy. Some herb selections come similarly, making container gardening easy on a sunny porch or patio.

Whether you are searching for individual herbs or vegetable plants, there are many sizes and plants at various growth stages to consider. Staggering various sizes of plants can assist with spreading your vegetable harvest throughout the season.

Shoppers will also find hanging strawberry plants and patio tomato varieties at the farmers’ market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Both options make gardening more accessible and provide fresh produce without the responsibility of a large garden.

Tips for transplanting your newly purchased plants:

Plant height

Ensure plants are 4 to 6 inches tall and haven’t flowered before transplanting.

Weather ready

Be sure to acclimate plants from inside to outside before transplanting immature plants, which is known as the hardening process. Also, ensure temperatures are ready for your plants, and you have proper coverage as needed.

Soil

Overturn and fertilize the soil before adding plants to the garden. Laurie from Kokinda Farm encourages gardeners to use organic compost, which can be purchased at most local garden stores.

Measure and match

Know your plants and the space they need to grow before transplanting them. Consider researching companion planting for an optimal growing environment. Planting specific vegetables together can prevent plants from reaching their total productivity while, if done correctly, can increase yield.

Ask a farmer

Farms selling starter plants like these have years of experience and knowledge. They can answer your questions and guide home gardeners toward a successful growing season. 

The Saratoga Farmers Market is 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays in the food court of the Wilton Mall. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for previews of what’s fresh. 

Vendors Offering Starter Plants

Garden plants can be found on Wednesdays:
Burger’s Market Garden, Gomez Veggie Ville, & Scotch Ridge Farm

And on Saturdays:
Balet Farm, Burger’s Market Garden, Gomez Veggie Ville, Green Jeans Farm, Lovin’ Mama Farm, & Scotch Ridge Farm