Farmers' market is open for planting

The Washington County Farmers' Market opened on April 21 at the Courthouse with vendors offering perennials, vegetable plants and early spring produce, as they become available. In June, the market, at the Courthouse, will offer local clubs/organizations the opportunity to fundraise at the market. For details contact the Extension office.

New in 2012. Stay connected to the market by visiting the new website at http://www.washingtoncountyfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/  for weekly updates and events at the market.

Important dates for markets:

Courthouse: (the corner of High Street and North Missouri)
Saturday from 7:30 a.m. until noon or sell out

• April 21 — pre-season market opens
• June 23 — market opens

Health Department Pavilion: (520 Purcell Drive)
Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

• July 11  — annual market kickoff celebration

Interested in becoming a vendor? Read the Washington County Farmers Market Rules and Regulations (PDF) or call the extension center at 573-438-2671.

Urban Farmsteading

Classes canceled for April 21 to May 26. 

Read below for information about Urban Farmsteading. If you are interested in participating and would like your name added to the contact list, contact the extension office at 573-438-2671.

No matter what your motivation is for living more sustainably, this class is for you! The mission of the Urban Farmsteading Program is to help individuals achieve their self-sufficiency goals by providing reliable information, tools, tips and encouragement. Even those with limited or no space can take steps to achieve their sustainable-living goals. Everyone, regardless of age, experience or space available, is encouraged to sign up.

Topics to be covered by these classes include, gardening basics, container gardening, composting, food preservation methods, saving food dollars, healthy eating for less, reducing household expenses, frugal strategies and much more..

Registration is $50 and includes the 18 hours of class time, resource workbook, resource CD and refreshments.

Registration form (PDF)

Upcoming events

• June 11 — 4-H Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Library
• June 23 — 4-H Pollorum Testing
• June 23 — Farmers Market 2012 season begins
• July 8 — 4-H Mandatory Meeting, 2 p.m, Exhibit Hall  
• July 11 — Farmers' Market opens at Health Department Pavilion
• Aug. 8-11 — Washington County Fair
• Sept. 8 — Washington County Health Fair

Reaching Out Report

The Reaching Out Report is a monthly publication created by the local Extension staff to communicate with Council members and County Commissioners of the happenings with the local extension center.

May 2012 (PDF) — Meetings, school year ending, preparation for fair, 4-H activities are only a few things you will read about in the May edition of the Reaching Out Report.

April 2012 (PDF) — Check out the latest happenings of the local staff.

March 2012 (PDF) — First time reporting from the new 4-H specialist and the Lincoln University Farm Outreach Worker.