Three years ago, Vic Vanik was begging vendors to come to the winter market. Now in its sixth year, the winter market at Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery boasts 30 permanent merchants and a waiting list.
Just after the Cortez Farmers Market shutters for the season, Vic and Gail Vanik, owners of the nursery, put on a winter market offering fresh produce, coffee, meat, eggs and handmade crafts and jewelry. The market runs every Saturday from Nov. 3 through March 9 at 26650 County Road P from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“It just keeps getting better and better,” Vic Vanik said.
The Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery grows broccoli, lettuce, green peppers, cucumbers, Swiss chard and spinach throughout the cold months. Suzan Clifford, a horticulturist at the greenhouse, said they aren’t traditionally thought of as winter produce, but a greenhouse makes it possible.
Cortez resident Kari Cockrill, who purchased some fresh greens on Saturday, said the market has a great selection.
“I love it,” Cockrill said. “So great to get fresh produce after the Cortez market closes.”
Four Seasons isn’t the only farm in town with a greenhouse. Carolyn Ower, owner of Ower’s Farm, grows radishes, turnips, kale, spinach, lettuce and bok choy in an unheated greenhouse. Without the winter market, however, she said she would probably give up winter farming. Fortunately for her, the market stays busy.
“People just come and spend the morning here,” Ower said.
sdolan@the-journal.com