FARMER'S MARKET STARTS UP FOR SUMMER

The Cape Girardeau Area Farmers Market got an early start this year.

Five vendors, featuring mostly house plants and "bedding" plants, opened the market this week at the Plaza Galleria parking lot in Cape Girardeau.

"It's still a little early for vegetables," said John Knaup, one of the vendors at the Thursday market. "You can expect to see a few vegetables by the end of May."

Several members of the farmers market group grow "bedding" plants like peppers, tomatoes, and various flowers which they will be offering for sale to the public.

This marks the sixth year for the weekly market, which will be held each Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. for the next five months.

The market is designed to allow area producers of fruits and vegetables an opportunity to sell directly to consumers and to provide consumers with a place to purchase home-grown products.

The Cape Girardeau Area Farmers Market is one of about 60 located throughout the state.

Only vendors who have produced fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers may sell at the market. Producers who sell jelly, jams and baked goods must have produced the principal ingredient included in the product.