As sure as spring rain (its coming), the Durango Farmers Market is ready to launch into another season of good energy and the freshest food of the year. The market kicks off at 8 a.m. this Saturday morning in the First National Bank of Durango parking lot and will run through October. Despite the dry and windy days and cooler than average nights this spring, local farmers have been busy getting the years first harvest ready. They all seem optimistic that the next five months will be bountiful. Growing food in the high desert is no easy task, and you may not see some of your favorite growers at the first market. But rest assured they are out there turning the soil and prepping for the many weeks to come. Keep space in your bag for the heavier greens and root vegetables; good early season growers that deal well with not-so-perfect weather. Plan on fresh fruits a little down the road and expect the usual fresh local meats and cheeses that Durango is so fortunate to have.All in all, plan for a fresh and fun start to a season of local food, good friends, and people supporting people, the way it should be.

Spinach begins to rise from the earth at Cottonwood Creek
Farm. Sara Buscaglia uncovers her young tomato plants in preparation
for watering earlier this week at R.A.S. Farm. Farmer Dave Travieso, with Cottonwood Creek Farm, samples one of
his white carrots while watering some greens. Suzy Maynard, with Clear Water Farm, waters tomato transplants
in the greenhouse of her Hesperus farm. The first of many sweet and crunchy asparagus plants pop out of
the ground at Evening Star Farms. Peg George laughs as Chloe, right, and Lucy goof off in her row
of pansies at Evening Star Farms on Monday.

 

In this week's issue...

January 25, 2024
Bagging it

State plastic bag ban is in full effect, but enforcement varies

January 26, 2024
Paper chase

The Sneer is back – and no we’re not talking about Billy Idol’s comeback tour.

January 11, 2024
High and dry

New state climate report projects continued warming, declining streamflows