A Visit to Waldo's Farmers Market

Last night after work I hurried down to the Waldo Farmer's Market to pick up my sweet potato slips, since it was the last time that they had scheduled.  I was a little worried that they might not have any left since I was showing up not too long before they were closing.  But no worries...I got my slips!

They were selling a bundle of 10 for $5.40, so I picked up 2 of the tricolor (on the left), followed by 4 Marquerite in the middle and 4 Blackies (Ace of Spaces) on the right.  That one little tricolor is looking a little worse for wear, so we'll see if it survives.  I hope to get these in the ground tonight after I get off work.

Waldo has a cute little farmer's market with about 10 vendors or so.  While I was there, I chatted with some Amish folks who had fresh cheddar and other cheeses but, unfortunately, they were out of the farmhouse cheddar that I was interested in trying. I'll have to check back next Wednesday. 

Another couple was selling homemade jams and jellies from local K. Kringle and Co in Independence, Missouri and I was intrigued by their Blackberry Chardonnay jelly.  According to those lovely folks, the chardonnay lends a certain creaminess to the jelly. 

My $6 blackberry jelly amid a gang of tomatoes freshly picked from our garden this morning.   About 1.3 pounds!

I couldn't wait to get it home to J. so that we could try it since he fancies himself a blackberry jam connosieur.  All I can say is....WOW!  Just extraordinarily good.  We will be coming back for more, KK & Co.  According to their website, they are at pretty much all of the local farmer's markets so I highly recommend you giving their wares a try.  Make sure you stop and ask them what's in their Black Widow jam.  (HINT:  It's not black widow spiders, but it does have a bite!)

There was one more pleasant surprise waiting for me when I got home from the market.  My Rose of Sharon is finally blooming! 

Hope your day was equally as beautiful,

Sweet Potato Slips Available in KC

Hot off the presses!  (Well, okay, I missed the pickup tonight.) 

Steve, the organizer for the Food Not Lawns class that I took earlier this year, just posted some information about the Kansas City Sweet Potato Project and the slips that they have available for anyone interested in trying their hand at growing these.   If you're in the Kansas City area, go here to find out the pickup times and locations which includes this Saturday afternoon.  Even if you didn't place an advance order, they say they have plenty available for everyone.

I'm seriously considering growing the variety called "Black Heart" in the front yard where their vines can cascade over our 4-foot rock wall.   Since the trim on our house is black and white, I think it would  look pretty cool.

Or maybe "Marguerite" with its gorgeous lime green leaves. Thrives in any conditions and is a great ground cover.

Or check out the "Tricolor".  It's a little less vigorous than the others and provides stunningly beautiful landscaping.  And it's edible to boot!

Actually, I'd love to plant Black Heart and Tricolor together, because I think it would be stunning in striped row or something similiar to this picture.  What do you think?

And did you know....sweet potatoes will store for 1 year without refrigeration?  Plant them in June, so now's the time. 

Sharing this post with this week's Rural Thursday hop.