When I arrived in Georgia, finally settling down after a long 25 years of Military service to my Country.  I decided to make Georgia my retirement home.  I had no idea of its long-time history, when it came to produce.  Actually, I knew cotton was a big thing here, but I never had a desire to see it.  

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NEVER KNEW

One day driving the long back roads of Georgia, and there are plenty!  I saw countless roadside stand selling peanuts, fruits and all sorts of vegetables.  Then low and behold, what do my eyes see?  I see fields and fields of cotton!!!  I had to pull over to feel this cotton and to take a close up of what I’ve only heard about cotton for years.  When I picked a small piece, I was examining this piece of cotton like I was examining my first born.  I was taken back by the emotion I felt as I touched and looked this cotton for the first time ever in my life!  Wow… Georgia has a multitude of history.  Another road trip ensued, where I decided to take my daughter to pick strawberries.  We had a wonderful time together, with other families as we all had the same idea that day.  I soon learned Georgia is perennially the number one state in the nation in the production of peanuts, broilers (chickens), pecans, blueberries and spring onions. 

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

We are also at or near the top when it comes to cotton, watermelon, peaches, eggs, cucumbers, sweet corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, cantaloupes, rye and cabbage. {GO GEORGIA PEACH!} Well did you know you can find local farms who will allow you to pick from its land?  They call it U-Pick farms.  Farms offering organic or sustainably grown produce. Many are “organic” and/or “sustainable”.   local farm stand, roadside stand, farm market or local farmer’s market, see our new website, dedicated to those

Spring is here that means Strawberry season is upon us!  It started in February in Florida, Texas, southern California; then March along the Gulf coast, April in the Deep South and west coast, May through much of the country, and June in northern areas. Cherries and Blueberries are next, about a month later. Of course, cool weather crops, like Rhubarb, asparagus and greens should be available almost everywhere. See these pages to find a local Strawberry Festival, or a Cherry or cherry blossom festival or a Blueberry festival.

HENEY COUNTY (MY LOCATION)

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• Court House Square Market – Farmers market (multiple stalls or vendors), Wide variety of seasonal, locally grown fruits and vegetables, some produce is sustainably grown, Uncovered outdoor market, Fresh local eggs, Baked goods, Preserves, jams, jellies, Crafts, artistic products, etc., restrooms
  15 Griffin Street, McDonough, GA 30253. Phone: 770-595-5452. Alternate Phone: 770-355-9064. Email: [email protected]. Open: Saturdays from 8 am to 12 noon. Directions: On the west side of the McDonough City Square. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Click here for our Facebook page. Community supported agriculture box program available and grass-fed beef. (ADDED: July 30, 2012)
• Henry County Farmers Market – Farmers market (multiple stalls or vendors), Wide variety of seasonal, locally grown fruits and vegetables, 
  997 Lake Dow Rd, McDonough, GA, 30252. Phone: (770) 288-8421. Email: [email protected]Open: Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm (May – August). . 
  Facebook: HenryCountyFarmersMarket/.

• Miss Vickie’s Homemade Jelly and Jams – Farm stand / farm market on a farm, Fresh local eggs, Baked goods, Preserves, jams, jellies, farm animals1169 Stroud Road, McDonough, GA 30252. Phone: 678-272-7758. Email: [email protected]. Open: Call between 9 am and 8 pm to order and schedule pickup time, year round. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Also take order for homemade fudge, coconut bonbons, and buckeyes. (ADDED: September 16, 2011)
• Narrow Way Farm – Farm stand / farm market on a farm, Farmer’s market (multiple stalls or vendors), Wide variety of seasonal, locally grown fruits and vegetables, all produce is sustainably grown, Preserves, jams, jellies, picnic area275 Stroud Road, McDonough, GA 30252. Phone: 678-782-5910. Alternate Phone: 678-347-0364. Email: [email protected]. Open: Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Wednesday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: For a map to our farm, click here. Payment: Cash, only. (ADDED: July 08, 2016)
• Rood Farm – Roadside stand, Farm stand / farm market on a farm, Wide variety of seasonal, locally grown fruits and vegetables, Uncovered outdoor market, beans, cucumbers, melons, onions, peppers, summer squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, 2030 Glenloch Road, Franklin, GA 30217. Phone: (770) 876-9086. Email: [email protected]. Open: 7 days a week, from 7 am to 9 pm; Availability of crops varies considerably so Check Facebook page for start date. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: From Carrollton, Drive down highway 27 South towards Heard County. Turn onto Glenloch Road drive approximately 3 to 4 miles. Rood Farm sign on mailbox. {2030 Glenloch Road Franklin, GA. 30217}. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Payment using honor system. All proceeds go to our local church missions (Glenloch Baptist Church). (ADDED: April 26, 2020)

Take time out of your schedule and take a ride through the countless long roads we have, and you will see this state has plenty of produce for you to enjoy and to personally pick from.  The farmers here are an excellent resource for you to learn and grow a variety of fruits or vegetables in your own backyard.

Tastefully, LET’S GO PLACES AND DO THINGS!

Article by Yolanda J. Edwards (AKA Mz. Hooked), Georgia Chapter Guide

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