As the season turns, gardens across Clay County are blooming, offering abundant fresh produce. Gardeners are reaping the literal fruits of their labor, but sometimes the sheer volume of the harvest can be overwhelming. With more crops than one can eat, preserve, or give away, many find themselves in need of a solution.

This year, consider becoming a vendor at the Clay County Farmers Market. The market offers a perfect opportunity for gardeners to share their bounty with the community. Vendor space is free for all agricultural producers, value-added product creators, and bakers.

"Becoming a vendor at the Farmers Market is a great way to manage surplus produce," says Tyler Osborn, Agriculture Program Assistant at Clay County Extension. "It's not just about selling your goods, but also about being part of a vibrant community, supporting local agriculture, and providing fresh, local food to your neighbors."

Interested parties can find guidelines and applications online at https://go.ncsu.edu/clayfarmersmarket or stop by the Clay County Extension office, located at 25 Riverside Circle, Suite 2, Hayesville.

Don’t let your garden’s abundance go to waste. Join the Clay County Farmers Market and turn your harvest into a shared celebration of local produce.