To cwhardemon: The Memphis Farmers Market is a great place to shop and purchase your locally grown produce and is also a great way to meet the growers themselves. The majority of the growers at the Memphis Farmers Market are more than happy to answer any questions you have and are extremely knowledgeable about the organic process.

Of course, a benefit of shopping at the Memphis Farmers Market is to get the most nutritious fruits and vegetables possible this time of year. You will find your produce last longer and taste so much better than non local produce. Another benefit is directly impacting the local economy. But a great third benefit is the social connection you will experience at the market. There is a real community spirit when you purchase direct from the grower. You get to meet them, ask questions and build a real report with them week after week. In the realm of wellness having a sense of community and a social connection benefits your overall well being too.

To Therj: You may want to check out some of the vendors listed on the Memphis Farmers Market website (www.memphisfarmersmarket.com). One of the new vendors at the Market is Harris Organic Farms. Alvin and Shirley Harris offer organic vegetables, melons and field peas at their farms. You an contact them at (901) 872-0696.

Also, be on the lookout for the winter edition of Edible Memphis magazine. Diane Meucci of gardensoyvey.com located in Arlington TN tells me that she is putting together a template for building a sustainable organic garden in the midsouth. Diane has been a garden designer and organic advocate for over twenty years so this will be an article you don’t want to miss.