The "Dirt" - behind the scenes at your local farmer's markets

Experts say that the perfect growing soil for gardening is an even mixture of Loom, Sand & Clay. Many folks ask how you get your soils to the perfect mixture. Well, I guess people can buy pre-made mixes of topsoils or whatever, but for hardcore farmers like myself - you find it, and then you mix it.

Slinging Mud is how I spent my Holiday Weekend and my hands have been permanently stained black since (reminisce of days of yesteryear of when I owed a day spa and there were such things as manicures and massages, hummm). But the Mud Slinging that went on at our farm this weekend is nothing compared to the Mud Slinging, Tomato Bashing and Zucchini Stabbing that goes on behind the scenes at your local Farmer's Market.

You may see all smiles coming from the market vendors, but dont let that fool you! As soon as you buy that heirloom pepper and walk away, the survivorlist mentality of the farmer kicks in. Farmer's play by their own rules, and have their own code of ethics that has been handed down generation after generation. The sabatouge that happens is down right scandelous, and if you love soap operas you don't need to turn on your t.v. - just take a trip to the market!

So it's gonna get dirty folks. It's gonna all come out. I've been back on the farm for three years now, and I was rosey eyed entering into the market circuit - thinking it was a bunch of local friendly farmers selling their wares - Wrong!

I was told by a local Squash Slayer about a year ago that spreading rumors about others is in bad taste. Well, I always try to use my manners and it is never my intention to gossip about others - I'm too busy creating! So no names, no direct shots - nothing meant to put anyone in the hotseat or hurt anyone's business - the economy is rough as it is.

But this is stuff local consumers should know. I was born and raised on a farm, and I know when things arent just adding up. These are things people should be on the lookout for at the market, to make sure they are buying genuine quality items for their families.

Now, this does not apply to every farmer, and there is plenty of local goodness that is abundant at every market. You all love your favorite vendors and look forward to seeing them every week. That is great, and thank you for supporting our CT farms! I have been a part of and gone to many Ct farm markets for the last few years, and there are some things going on that just make you go hummm???

So stay tuned  to learn about the dirty side of the business, where things are seedy and vines creep. Where something smells rotton, and it's not coming from the garden....