Add Some Kick to Your Deck

The Minneapolis Farmers Market at 312 E Lyndale Ave N is in full swing. Well, as full swing as is possible in May in Minnesota. If you are looking for leafy green things, those will not arrive for another few weeks. The produce is also not local, being from as far away as Florida, California, and even Mexico. The localvore will have to wait to sample Minnesota’s best. The nine-month winter is finally over, but the growing season has just begun. However, there are other reasons to head down to market near International Market Square.

Plants. If you have not gotten your green thumb out and planted something yet this spring, now is the time to do it. The Minneapolis Farmers Market has several local growers to choose from selling a diverse array of seedlings, decorative plants, and flowers. (You can see the full vendor list by clicking: Plants & Cut Flowers.) There were just too many lush green things to choose from, and I’m not particularly good at keeping plants alive. I’m also on a limited budget.

My hot-tooth, if there is such a thing, won out. I bought a Thai Dragon pepper plant that will mature in 70 days. The soil card says, “…fruits are 8 times hotter than standard jalapenos...” It already has a few green peppers, but they will need to turn red before use. Being a novice at keeping plants alive, I read the instructions thoroughly. Care: “Full Sun,” check; “keep well-watered,” check. Well, if that is it, I’m set to have a few hot meals ahead me.