Sierra Vista Farmers Markets
Growing Together Since 2005
Welcome to the Sierra Vista Farmers Market Update for September 1, 2022
Planting Fall Strawberries Means Early Spring Harvest (Reprinted from Herald Review)
By John Chapman
Strawberries are the most popular small fruit grown in the home garden. By planting a strawberry bed in the early fall months, the strawberry plants are able to fully establish themselves and their root system prior to going dormant for the winter. However when the cold weather arrives, generously pile straw or needles over the strawberry plants as some insulation against the cold and the plants will have a head start for spring growth and an earlier harvest.
TIP: Do not start a strawberry patch where tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, eggplant, strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries have grown in the last three years. They all risk passing on the fungi, Verticillium wilt that will kill your strawberries. Strawberries gradually get virus diseases and production drops off, even with excellent cultural care. When this happens in a few years, plant a new bed in a different spot. Prepare a weed-free site that gets 8 to 10 hours of strong sunlight a day. While strawberries will grow on most soil types found in Arizona, the best site is one that permits good surface and soil drainage so that water doesn’t accumulate in the area of the planting.
When preparing the bed, per 100 square feet add 2-3 inches of compost with 3 pounds of ammonium phosphate (16-20-0). If the pH is higher than 6.5 add vinegar, if the pH is lower than 6.0, add agricultural lime. After incorporating all of these into the soil, water thoroughly to settle the bed for future planting.
While there are many varieties of strawberries, there are basically only two types: 1)June-bearing one crop per year that ripens April thru June. and 2) Ever-bearing strawberries produce both a spring and a fall crop, and continue producing some berries throughout the summer, in the higher elevations when temperatures aren’t too hot. The June-bearing strawberries bloom in the spring and produce about twice as many berries as the ever-bearers. The best strategy is to plant both types in the higher elevations and harvest ripe berries over a long season. The ever-bearers that you plant in the spring should not be allowed to produce fruit the first season (so plant them in the fall). Removal of blooms and fruit strengthens the plant and promotes runners which, result in a larger crop with better fruit the following fall and spring.
Strawberries planted in the fall become well established supporting a crop of fruit the following spring. A small strawberry row usually produces about 1 quart of strawberries per foot. Plants should be spaced 12 inches apart (this allows room for runners to form and spread) with the midpoint of the crown (the point where the stem and the roots merge) needs to be level with the soil. If planted too deep, the plants may fail to grow. Firm the soil around the roots, and then water thoroughly.
If runners are removed, the mother plants will produce fewer berries but they will be larger. If runners continue to develop into new plants more berries will be produced but will be small. It is quantity versus quality. You can use the pups to fill in gaps and balance out the yield. Ripe berries appear about 30 days after bloom. In the late fall, you can also transplant the pups to a new bed.
June-bearing varieties that perform well in the higher elevations are Camarosa, Sequoia, Tioga, Lassen, Shasta and Tufts. Ever-bearing varieties include Gem, Streamliner, Ozark Beauty, Douglas and Chandler. In late winter or early spring and again 3-4 months later apply 1 ½ pounds of ammonium sulfate (21-0-0) per 100 sq. ft.. Scatter the fertilizer on the ground and work it into the soil before irrigation. Be sure to wash off the leaves after fertilizing to prevent salt burn before irrigation. Too much water can yellow the leaves. New plants should receive water almost daily for 10 days to lessen the transplant shock. During the fruiting period irrigate every 3-6 days on light soil and every 7-10 days in heavy soil. Plant Strawberries in the fall for an earlier spring harvest of delicious strawberries.
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
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: Pat Panther
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 –
Beefsteak tomatoes and cherry tomatoes.
Pears, peaches, gala and pixie crunch apples, and Italian prune plums.
Red, white, and yellow onions, red beets, cucumbers, eggplant, okra, fresh basil.
Beatty’s Orchard – – Vendor Grown –
New apples.
520-378-2728 or 520-678-9443
Cazador Ranch
Echoing Hope Ranch – – Vendor Grown –
Variety of greens and herbs from their green house.
Kale, chard, radishes, lettuce, tomatoes, parsley, basil, dill, and more.
Horton’s Farm – – Vendor Grown –
Garlic, onions, tomatoes, patty pan squash, yellow zucchini, carrots, turnips, lettuce, green onions, red Russian kale, and beets. Spaghetti squash and purple bell peppers.
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook
Little Red Hen Farm– – Vendor Grown –
Anna apples, squash, tomatoes, zucchini, flower bouquets.
Meda will be at the market on the 1st and 3rd Thursday.
Nat Hutchins
Local and Asian plant. Seasonal produce. Fresh chicken eggs.
Ravina Arizona – Vendor Grown –
Our mission at Ravina Arizona is to cultivate an abundance of high quality, flavorful nutrition to share with our local community. Our microgreens are grown from organic seeds in nutrient rich soil with clean water from our Sulphur Springs Valley well. We’re currently growing sunflowers, broccoli, peas, radishes, and mustard microgreens. You can learn more about our farm at www.ravinaarizona.com and pre-order your microgreens by texting (520) 276-3997.
Ruth’s Hens & Garden– Vendor Grown –
Fall harvest is underway with picking pears, Asian Pears and apples. We are celebrating a large harvest of ripe fruit. The trees are all relieved to have their heavy load removed. Come see our harvest. We have cukes in all sizes. Nothing better than a freshly picked cucumber for lunch. We also have tomatoes and string beans at Ruth’s Garden, all organic produce.
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 –
“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
L&B Farm
Lisa and Burt will be at the market onthe 3rd Thursday
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
Flour Power Bakery
Bagel specialty – plain, cinnamon raisin, green chili & Jalapeño, and the everything bagel. My pretzel specialty is soft pretzel twists and soft pretzel bites.
Incredible Snacks
An Incredible Variety of Snacks
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook
Katerina’s-It’s Original Greek
Kathy and Jim will be back in October.
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. Look for Kathleen’s baked goods at Tombstone Coffee, North end of the market next to Sky Island Brand.
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
Wolf Den Soap
Handmade soap 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.
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.
Fresh squeezed lemonade and Italian sodas.
New location on south end next to Copper Canyon Designs.
Café Cultiva
Whole bean or ground coffee by the pound.
Fresh Coffee and Hot Beverages.
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook
774-316-2328
Cannonball Teas
Cannonball Tea aims to provide our area with the finest possible boba tea. We prepare in small batches using only the finest ingredients available. We create signature flavors not available anywhere else like the Captain’s Rum and local favorites like Horchata. If you don’t see your drink available let us know and we will supply your favorite.
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, eggrolls, spring rolls, glass noodles
Tombstone Coffee
Specialty coffee drinks, hot and cold on the go.
Kathleen’s Wild Arizona Garden bakery goods available as well.
Zumi Juice
Chris will NOT be at the market.
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/Blue Collar Dog Treats
Maria will NOT be at the market.
All Natural Pet Snacks and Treats
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
Doug and Patty will be back in the cooler season.
Handmade wooden boxes, tables, coat racks, benches, and wind chimes.
The Humble Daisy
Pam will be at the market on the first Thursday of the month.
– 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
Gerry and Gary will be back in in the fall.
New batch of blue oak and mesquite pens.
Cheri’s front license plates.
Suzy Bingham
Framed paintings.
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 back in the fall.
Wood works such as Lazy Susans, checker boards, and unique writing utensils
Rincon Valley Artisans
Ray & Diane will be at the market on the first and 3rd Thursday.
New artisans:
Desert Owl Forge
Tombstone Pottery (7-21-2022)
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