Each week this summer the Icon will feature a Bluffton Farmers' Market vendor. This series begins with information about Andrew Glover, from Bradner, who offers herbs at the market.
Here's Glover's explanation of his background and interest in farmers' markets:
I originally came to live in the United States in 2003 from the United Kingdom. I am based on Bradner Road just north of Bradner in east Wood county.
I started growing herbs to sell as it was something I could do putting my botanical and horticultural skills to use and still be a stay at home dad.
MORE PHOTOS AT BOTTOM OF STORY.
I started selling at Bowling Green farmers' market in 2007 and my first four hours there taught me more than any book because I was there watching what people were doing.
Another vendor there who sold herbs said that herbs on there own do not make much money and she had branched out into eggs, salad greens, tomatoes, eggplant and a few other things. This made me quickly expand my main growing area ready for the next year.
This first full year was better and I have been slowly expanding ever since and learning how to grow fruit and vegetables in a new climate.
Last year was my most successful year so far with production and sells. I grow everything organically and harvest almost everything for market either the day before or on the day of the market making my produce really fresh, which means that it will last well before used.
Here is a list of some of the items Glover has, as these are in season:
• Butterhead lettuce, one green and one red variety.
• Chives, a herb with an onion flavor
• Garlic and elephant garlic
• Shallots
• Cut bunches of herbs
• Herb, French or true tarragon.
• Sorrel, which has an acidic lemony taste
The Bluffton Farmers' Market, operated by the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce, is held each Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the Citizens National Bank parking lot. Persons interested in vendor information may contact Greg Probst, market manager, at [email protected].
