Newsflash • Prepare for spring gardens with a trip to The Bur

Temperatures are rising, flowers are blooming, and spring is in the air. And with the arrival of the new season comes another popular rite: the opening day of the Burlington County Farmers Market.

Burlington County Agricultural Center Weekly Market to Celebrate 18 Years^th season on Saturday, May 11, with a special opening market dedicated to spring gardens.

From 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., shop from over 60 different vendors selling fresh Jersey produce, seasonal plants and flowers, delicious prepared foods, creative crafts and specialty items. There will also be gardening demonstrations, a free cooking class, activities for adults and children, presentations and live music.

“Our farmers market season started early this year with four pre-season markets in March and April. These first markets were very successful and generated even more excitement for the kickoff of our weekly Saturday markets,” said Burlington County Commissioner Felicia Hopson. “We expect opening day to be our biggest yet, so plan to visit and experience one of the best farmers markets in all of New Jersey.”

Nearly four dozen farm and food vendors are expected on the market’s opening day, along with 15 more artists and artisans.

Among the participating farms and vendors is Fernbrook Farms. Chesterfield Farm is a new entrant to the market and specializes in community supported agriculture and wholesale nursery products including ornamentals, evergreens, flowering plants, trees and d ‘shrubs.

Returning farms and vendors include: Bart’s Flowers, Black Sheep Farm, Cranberry Hall Farm, Foggy Bottom Tree Farm, J&B Farm Fresh, James Durr Wholesale Florist, Little Hooves Romneys, Mill Creek Apiary, Pinelands Produce, Recklesstown Farm Distillery, Armageddon. Brewing, Cheese & More, Fat Belly Bacon, Harvest Coffee, HoopHouse Bakery & Café, Humble Spud, Kismet Bagels, Mom Mom’s Polish Food, Peewee’s Ice Cream, The Soup Bar, Third State Brewing, Tis So Sweet Bakery and more.

In addition to shopping, don’t miss cooking demonstrations in the farm kitchen or planned hands-on activities and presentations, like planting succulents and pressing flowers.

Master gardeners will give a presentation on growing and caring for fig trees at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. The organization will also host a composting demonstration at 10:30 a.m.

Market visitors can also learn about community and wildlife habitats, pollinators and rose care during presentations from the National Wildlife Federation and other groups.

“Expert and novice gardeners, cooks, beer lovers, cheese connoisseurs and coffee lovers, whatever your interests or tastes, you’re sure to find something you’ll love to eat, drink or plant at the County Farmers’ Market Burlington,” said Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel, Department of Resource Conservation and Parks liaison. “You won’t find a better market in a more beautiful destination than our agricultural hub. , so be sure to visit it on opening day and every Saturday.”

The farmers’ market is one of the main attractions at the Burlington County Agricultural Center, a 68-acre former dairy farm located at 500 Centerton Road on the Moorestown-Mount Laurel border. The county preserved the property in 2005 and transformed it into an educational facility devoted to food production, health, nutrition and land management. Part of the property continues to be leased for agricultural purposes, and the site also includes community gardens, demonstration fields and a commercial kitchen.

“Agriculture is an important part of Burlington County’s past and present and we want to make sure it remains an integral part of our county’s future as well,” Eckel said. “The Agricultural Center and Farmers Market helps our local farms stay strong and vibrant and educates our residents about the importance of agriculture.