Sierra Vista Farmers Market Vendor Update for 5-5-2022 – –

Welcome to the Sierra Vista Farmers Market Update for May 5, 2022

Cinco De Mayo in the grass!

Nutritious Sweet Potatoes Thrive In The Heat

By John Chapman (also appearing in the Herald Review)

According to the Center of Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) ranked sweet potatoes number one in nutrition of all vegetables. Nutritionists at (CSPI), suggest that the single most important dietary change for most people, including children, would be to replace fatty foods with foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes. They are rich in Vitamin A, C, E, beta carotene and other minerals. Beta carotene promotes healthy skin, hair and eyesight. Sweet Potatoes have many times more beta carotene than carrots, the mineral for which carrots claim to be king.            Sweet potatoes are native to Central and South America so grow the best in hot weather. Sweet potatoes won’t grow in cold soil, so there’s no point in planting them until the soil has warmed up to at least 70 degrees. During April and May is the ideal time to plant them.

There are about 50 eyes on a medium sweet potato and each one may produce a sprout so it is possible to grow several bushels of sweet potatoes with sprouts taken from just two or three sweet potatoes.

Since sweet potatoes are grown from transplants or vine cuttings called slips not from seeds, start growing slips by simply selecting a few sweet potatoes from your local grocery store. Pre-sprout the sweet potatoes by placing them on top of the water heater beforehand to hasten the growing process. Plant your slips 12 to 18 inches apart, and cover so that only about ½ inch of the stem is above the soil. It’s alright if a few sprouts show through the soil. Covering the sprouts with clear plastic sheets will also hasten the growing. Another way to grow slips is to stick toothpicks into the midsections of small, healthy sweet potatoes, then submerge them halfway in a jar of water and place in a sunny location. Slips are ready to pull in about 6 weeks. T

he vines are about 6-8 inches long. The sprouts (slips) are planted directly in the garden from the sprout bed.

Instead of allowing the vines to run all over your garden you can grow the sweet potatoes in a car tire tower. Put an old low profile car tire over the newly planted slips. As the vines get longer add more mulch or straw over the vines until the tire is full. As the vines grow continue to grow, add another car tire and then another up to about 4 or five tires high.

Fertilize 3-4 weeks after planting and then fertilize every two to four weeks. Fertilizers high in nitrogen will result in a leafy, green plant at the expense of root development. Good fertilizers for sweet potatoes contain low levels of Nitrogen – the first number in the fertilizer ratio – and high levels of phosphorus like 5-10-10, or 6-24-24, or 8-24-24 – the second number in the ratio. Irrigate only enough to keep adequate moisture. Over watering will rot the sweet potatoes.

There is no perfect time for harvests. The majority of the varieties can be harvested after 4 1/2 months in the field or about 100 to120 days after planting. Dig when leaves turn yellow. Do not water during the last 3 to 4 weeks before harvest to protect the developing roots.

Proper curing could be a problem in the cool fall season. Ideally, the sweet potatoes should be allowed to dry on the ground for 2 to 3 hours, then placed in a warm room for curing (85°F and 85 percent humidity (if possible) for 10 to 14 days and then stored in a cool (55°F) location.

Their sweetness, which increases once they are picked and stored, is wonderful.

John Chapman was, garden teacher on radio, TV and garden columnist in Phoenix, AZ media for years and practices what he preaches. He now lives in Southern, AZ   Questions; john@johnchapman.com

T

Vendor Updates
Please see the vendor listings below with updated vendor information and the products they will be bringing.

Market Hours: Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm at Veteran’s Memorial Park.

Music Entertainment: Rich Kettner

BASA is a volunteer board non-profit with a mission: “to promote local, sustainable food production, marketing and education in southern Arizona.

Webpage: http://basamesquite.org/
Weblog: http://bajaaz.blogspot.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/125627894978189
Email: brownchristie1@gmail.com

Updated Vendor Listing & Contact Information

– – Vendor Grown – –
Agricultural and Produce Vendors with the – – Vendor Grown – – seal are known to grow at least 85% of the products they sell.
– – Vendor Brokered – –
Agricultural and Produce Vendors with the – – Vendor Brokered – – seal do not grow a majority of the produce they sell and are known to purchase  a majority of their products from third parties.

Produce & Plant Vendors

Allred Family Fungi – – Vendor Grown –
Oyster mushrooms and other varieties.

Backyard Gardening & Growing  – – Vendor Grown –

Kale, kohlrabi, bok choi, spinach, lettuce, red and golden beets, iris rhizomes, and plants.

Beatty’s Orchard – – Vendor Grown –

Edith will be back next season.
520-378-2728 or 520-678-9443

Cazador Ranch

Echoing Hope Ranch – – Vendor Grown –
Variety of greens and herbs from their green house.
Kale, radishes, lettuce and more.

Horton’s Farm  – – Vendor Grown –

Mark and Jessica will be back soon.
Cucumbers, Garlic, onions, Eggplant, chilies, patty pan squash, lettuce mix, radish, zucchini, tatsoi, red Russian kale, and beets.
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook

Nat Hutchins
Local and Asian plant. Seasonal produce. Fresh chicken eggs.

Ruth’s Hens & Garden

Ruth’s gardening starts in January planting seeds of tomatoes which she has researched to find the best plants for this hot climate. Her plant varieties include cherry tomatoes, large beefsteak tomatoes and medium sized, plus tomatoes for cooking. All of these produce a variety of flavors and colors which come in a variety of sizes. New this year are Dwarf tomatoes which grow to about 2 ft. and produce large regular sized tomatoes. These sturdy plants do well in containers or in the garden and promise to be fun to grow. Her collection of tomato plants is extensive. Come early to select your variety. For the Farmers Market She will have a complete collection for your viewing.

In addition, a variety of bedding plants, houseplants and perennials will be loaded on their trailer. Winter produces is some of the finest vegetables of the year. The cold brings out the natural sweetness and crispness of lettuce, turnips, radishes, and a large variety of greens. These will be available too at the Farmer’s Market. Come see what they have to offer.

SAS-Z Nuts – – Vendor Grown –
Locally Grown Pistachios
For more information, please visit one of their links: Facebook

Sivonn’s Garden – – Vendor Grown –
Fresh Seasonal Garden Produce such as mushrooms, salad mix, collards.

Tawin’s Gardens and Crafts – – Vendor Grown –

Seasonal Garden Plants

Triple J & R – – Vendor Grown –
Ralph and the children will be back soon.
“We are a family providing homegrown microgreens and sprouts. We carry a varied selection of microgreens and sprouts grown hydroponically on food safe screens using only pH balanced water and food grade nutrients for microgreen growth. If you don’t see one you like just let us know and we will grow it for you. Email us at triplej&r@arizonaremountstation.net or give us a call at (520) 266-2479. Our Website is arizonaremountstation.net.”

Meat, Milk, Egg & Honey Vendors

Golden Rule Dairy – – Vendor Grown – –
NEW: Raw butter and Ghee.
Golden Rule Dairy Special: Their very own chicken eggs!
Fresh Raw Milk, Cream, and Dairy Products and their yummy granola.
Golden Rule Dairy Special eggs will be available in July and August.
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook
Instagram-  golden_rule_dairy
goldenruledairy@gmail.com
www.goldenruledairy.com
520-210-2857

Papa Mike‘s Jerky 
Locally Made Jerky
For more information please visit one of their links: Website Facebook

Rocky Creek Ranch

Duck, chicken, and quail eggs

San Ysidro Farm – – Vendor Grown – -,
Jackie/Nathan will be at the market (first and third Thursday) with beef, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey and frozen pasties.
email jackie.syf@gmail.com
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook

Sky Island/47 Ranch – – Vendor Grown – –

– Locally Raised Range fed Criollo Beef, and Navajo Churro Lamb.
All natural, no hormones, no antibiotics, and no grain feeding.
– Wild caught sockeye salmon from Naknek Fisheries, Bristol Bay, Alaska.
– Apple or Mesquite smoked bacon from Willcox Packing House (uncured bacon, nitrite, and nitrate free), pork chorizo, and pork sausage.
– Homemade Cowboy Style Peanut butter (made with slightly-roasted organic peanuts, no salt or sugar added).

YouTube Channel (Ranching in the Right Hemisphere): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrfx3NWeUSGZ7KOnV8XL4tQ

For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook and YouTube
520-507-5203
crossu@vtc.net

Simmons Honey Ranchito 

Our many varieties of local honey will be available in one pound jars up to one gallon jugs.
520-364-2745, no text, no call id
520-368-2039 text welcome
simmonshoney1@powerc.net

Whitecane Sockeye Salmon

Alaskan caught sockeye salmon, king salmon, halibut, ling cod, shrimp, snowcrab, Bairdi crab, Dungenese crab.

Randy will be back in November 2022.

Baked Goods & Snack Vendors

Designs by Copper Canyon
New: Gluten-free breads by request.
Delicious truffles and sweet & savory breads.
Home decor items.
coppercanyonind@gmail.com

Ginny’s Eclectic Kitchen
Crumb coffee cake, oatmeal sandwich cookies, sourdough, and another fun bread.
Instagram is @ginnyseclectickitchen

Incredible Snacks
An Incredible Variety of Snacks
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook

Katerina’s-It’s Original Greek
Fresh Made Greek Baked Goods and Prepared Food
New: Artisan Greek breads.

McDonald Farm
Baked goods such as cinnamon rolls, pies, and nut bars. Fresh eggs, pecans, beans (black, pinto, 9-bean mix), chicken and duck eggs.
SAS-Z-Nuts pistachios
Leave a message for Dona 520-220-3000

Mystic Eatz
Baked goods such as quick breads, cinnamon roll muffins, and seasonal pies.

Sweet Arizona
Locally made Toffee, Brittle, & Fudge
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook
www.sweetarizona.org
520-312-5351

Wild Arizona Gardens
The bread selection will include na’an, green chili and cheddar bread, 5 seed bread, honey oat bread and rye bread. Also on the menu will be apple pie and strawberry rhubarb crisp. If you would like to have some held for you, please text 520-508-2494.

Personal Health & Household Vendors

Ancestral Herbals (Arizona Soap Company)

www.ArizonaSoapCompany.com
Hand made soap, lotion, balm, muscle rub, etc.
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook

Chloe’s Creations
All-natural hand-made soaps and lotions.

Soaps for every skin type from dry to oily, to sensitive. She uses only essential oils to scent her products (lavender, peppermint, cedarwood) with all natural coloring.
No dyes, no fragrances, no phthalates, no sulfates, no parabens.
Custom made batches at a discount.

Nature’s Premium Skin Care
Aloe Vera miracle cream

Prepared Foods & Beverage Vendors

Big Woody’s
Hot Dogs, Mac & Cheese, BBQ, and Pulled Pork
For more information & their menu please visit one of their links: Facebook

Bombshell Sweets
Variety of cotton candy and new hot cocoa mix and hot cocoa by the cup.

Café Cultiva
Fresh Coffee and Hot Beverages
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook
774-316-2328

Crazy Coyote Concessions

Kettle Corn and Smoothies
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook
520-904-2327
kettlekornaz@gmail.com

Julie & Sammie’s

Variety of ice creams, novelty candies, and more.

Mi Burrito
Burritos from the grill with fresh salsa for lunch.

Lazy KJ Ranch
Locally Grown Organic Pork for lunch specials.
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook

Lasagna and More
Complete line of Take-n-Bakes, sauces, Chef Burritos, SW Spice Blend
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook

Mulcogi

Spices and herb mixes.

Queen Ceviche
Fresh Made Salsa, Ceviche, Hand Sanitizer, and hibiscus syrup.
For more information, please visit one of their links: Facebook
520-904-4715

Sivonn’s Asian Cuisine

Lo mein, fried rice, steamed buns

Specialty Coffee of Colombia- Vendor Brokered

-Fresh Specialty Coffee from Colombian Farms

-SCA Rating of 85 and 83, rich and smooth

-For more information, please email manager.virtualworks@gmail.com

Zumi Juice
Come quench your thirst with a delicious, fresh, raw, cold juice made to order at our bright orange tent.  All of our juices are made from fruit to cup with no additives, just pure goodness.  Fresh Limeade is always served.

Pet Food & Product Vendors

Maggie’s Dog Treats & Accessories
All Natural Pet Snacks and Treats
For more information please visit one of their links:
480-488-1053
ziabischoff@gmail.com

Services

Hone Ranger

Knife sharpening at the market.

Artisan Vendors (are back) 

Greenstone Pottery & Crafts
Hand Made Pottery, Jewelry, & Crafts
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook
520-537-4859
courage.4life4u@gmail.com
530-539-4859
greenstone.collection@gmail.com

Bannuar Trading & Sporting Goods

Handcrafted jewelry and cut antlers for dog chews, Meyer lemons

Bernie & Bill Medley
Paintings, Custom Frames and Woodwork
Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.
For more information please visit one of their links:

Doug Merrill

Handmade wooden boxes, tables, coat racks, benches, and wind chimes.

The Humble Daisy

– Local greeting cards made using Arizona photography, local art, and origami.
– Come get your greeting cards here. Personalization available.
-wire wrapped stones
-Spend time at Pam’s beading table

Sierra Vista Gems
New batch of blue oak and mesquite pens.
Cheri’s front license plates.

Artisan Vendors (once a month)

Chalia’s Craft

•Crochet earrings

•Crochet & Macramé Plant Hangers

•Crochet bags and baskets

•Wall Decor

•Pillow Shams (seasonal item)

•Throw Blankets (seasonal item)

Shop: chaliascraft.Etsy.com

Instagram: @chalias_craft

Jim Williams
Jim will be at the market on May 5 and 19.
Wood works such as Lazy Susans, checker boards, and unique writing utensils

Rita Obenauf’s Windchimes

Up-cycle bottle wind chimes
909-957-0368
Insta-gram Lifeabove100

Rincon Valley Artisans

New artisans:

Buena High School artisans
Leta’s Gallery
Crafts by Kate
Allie’s Attic
Victoria’s Blankets
Rincon Valley Artisans
Jeffrey Block Jewelry
R & W Gifts
Blue Bear Trading
Moonflower Remedies
Black Market
Phyllis Liddle
Native Southwest
Tombstone Pottery
Allie’s Attic

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