Farmers markets, pick-your-own plots, and roadside stands are our way of doing what countries all over the world have been doing for hundreds of years: direct marketing to shoppers. What could be fresher than buying directly from the person who planted, maintained and harvested the produce and fruits you like? Add the health benefits to the fun of picking your favorite tomatoes and then throw in the experience of learning how to choose the perfect melon and you have a wonderful experience only available during the growing season. On top of all that, you are helping the local economy and that is a wonderful thing!

As summer moves along, more fruits and vegetables will mature and be ready to market. To get the most nutrients from your fruits and vegetables limit the storage time. Their quality can deteriorate in the refrigerator so plan to buy only what you will use in a few days.

Research shows that the longer fresh food is stored, the greater the loss of nutrients. Fragile produce like berries, tomatoes, and peppers should be stored for only two or three days. Bagged greens deteriorate quickly after opening – use them in a day or two.
You have the basics to farmers market shopping so get out there and have fun. Many also have flowers, mushrooms, cheeses, baked goods and crafts. Following are some of the markets in Ogle County.

Rochelle Farmers Market
Thursdays, 2 pm – 6pm through Sept. 24
The Gazebo on Main St., North Main and 5th Ave.
815-562-7813
mcclark@rochelleparkdistrict.org

Barnharts Stone Corner Organic Farm Market
Sun 1-5 pm, Mon-Fri 4-7, Sat 8-6pm through Nov 1
2169 E. Honey Creek Rd.
Oregon
815-732-7816
stonecornermarket@hotmail.com

Oregon Farmers Market
Sat 7:30 – 1pm through Sept. 26
304 S. 5th St.
Oregon
815-732-3101
Debbie@oregonpark.org

Mt. Morris Farmers Market
Wed. 4 – 7 pm through Oct. 21
Mt. Morris Public Library
105 S. McKendrie
815-734-4927
mmlib@comcast.net

Polo Chamber of Commerce Farmers' Market
101 E. Mason Street
Polo, IL 61064
Paul Wiemken
815-946-2654
Thursdays through October 5th
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Home cooked meals are served from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. each Thursday evening. Fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, pork products.

Forreston Farmers Market
Fridays, 8 am to noon
Routes 72 and 26
Monty Cotter, 815-938-2240

Granny’s Berries
Blueberries and raspberries
Daily while available
3405 S. White Rock Rd.
Rochelle
815-562-4462 or 866-562-4462
www.grannysberries.com

Other resources are the “Local Foods Directory” for northern Illinois and Farm Direct web site at http://www.illinoisfarmdirect.org/market_search.html . For more information on farmers markets, check the U. of I. Extension website, www.extension.uiuc.edu/ogle or call 815-732-2191.

The Ogle County Extension office is at 421 W. Pines Rd., Suite 10, Oregon. A Master Gardener is on hand at that number Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 am to noon to help answer your gardening and horticultural questions.