Several people ask me if it makes sense to start your own vegetable plants or if you would be better off buying them.  If you want to know which one will cost less, I’d say you would be way better off just buying your Michigan vegetable plants.  Most people who prefer to start their own garden plants do so for reasons other than finacial reasons.  A whole flat of vegetable plant, which is around 48 plant will cost somewhere between $10.00 and $13.00 dollars which isn’t much considering what goes into producing a healthy flat of vegetable plants.

Some plants are quite easy to start and others are much more difficult. If you like the idea of starting your own Michigan vegetable plants from seed you could try a good mix of the varieties you plant and see what germinates for you.  Buying the fill in plants that don’t come up is an easy fix to keep the variety you want to see in your vegetable garden.

When to Start Vegetable Garden Seeds in Michigan

Deciding when to start you vegetable plant seeds in Michigan depends on when you want to plant and what kind of protection you have to keep the plants alive in the colder months of spring.  Most greenhouse growers will start their vegetable plants in mid to late March.  I know many people who start them in the house around the same time.  It is very important to keep the plants in an environment where they get enough sunlight or they will become “leggy” or tall and week in the trunk.

Another point to consider when deciding when to start vegetable plant seeds in Michigan is the maturity date of the seed your starting.  Vegetables vary widely in their maturity dates with some radishes being ready for harvest within weeks to watermelon taking over 100 days.  I usually recommend that your be ready to plant your garden around Memorial weekend.  This will give your Michigan vegetable garden time to mature and produce the vegetables  you want in time for a frost free harvest.

If you need to buy Michigan vegetable plants for your garden, we have a good selection during May at our Michigan Produce Market near Clare Mi.

Ok, it’s cold. I know but if your a have a flower bug or your into putting up your own food here in Michigan your probably already thinking spring, I know we are. Last year we had a successful produce market in Clare Michigan just north of Mt. Pleasant and West of Midland Michigan. The farmers market along U.S – 27 opened in August last year and we plan on opening earlier in 2011.

Where to Buy Vegetable Plants in Michigan?

I’ve been talking with local growers about vegetable plants for vegetable gardens and also flowers for planting in your beds, also called bedding plants. It looks like we will offer locally grown vegetables and flower plants this spring at the produce market in Clare. You can buy your vegetable plants for your garden right here in Central Michigan.

Buyers For Flowers and Vegetable Plants in Michigan

If you want to wholesale or sell your michigan vegetable plants or flowers get in touch we’re always looking for more. Also if your looking for produce for yourself we will have a great selection of early season produce in Michgan.

Good luck if your starting seeds (it’s getting close) Let us know if you have any questions or would care to share any information here on Michigan Farm Fresh Produce.

Thanks.

J.Crawford

A new farm fresh produce market is opening Saturday August 14th in Clare Michigan just north of  U.S. – 27  (Near the second Clare Exit Coming from the North)  Stop by and check out the Michigan grown produce if your in the area, the market will be open at 11 a.m. on Saturday August 14th.

Through out the rest of the summer and fall the Market will be open at this location at minimum Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 a.m. till Dusk.

• Available Michigan Produce
• Cantaloupe
• Watermelon
• Sweet Corn
• Tomatoes
• Green Peppers
• Assorted Hot Peppers
• Cucumbers
• Peaches
• Green Beans
• Summer Squash
• Zucchini Squash
• And More….

The availability will change as new things come into season and others go out, so check back often and see what is currently being offered.

For more information, questions or comments you can use the “Comments” section below or call 989-284-8251 We hope to See You Soon!

I came across this video on the importance and impact of eating fresh produce as it pertains to the prevention of cancer.  Eating fresh Michigan produce is a great idea and it taste good too, but a side benefit of eating fresh locally grown produce is the power it provides in the prevention of cancer.

Watch the video I’ve posted and it will explain what it really takes to get the cancer prevention benifits from the fresh produce that your eating.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that roughly one-third of all cancer deaths may be diet related. What you eat can hurt you, but it can also help you. Many of the common foods found in grocery stores or organic markets contain cancer-fighting properties, from the antioxidants that neutralize the damage caused by free radicals to the powerful phytochemicals that scientists are just beginning to explore. There isn’t a single element in a particular food that does all the work: The best thing to do is eat a variety of foods. (www.cancure.org)

Some of the top cancer preventing fresh produce you’ll find right here in Michigan include:

Cruciferous vegetables – broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage contain two antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin that may help decrease prostate and other cancers. (CanCure)

Did you know Tomatoescontain lycopene?  An increased intake of lycopene has already been linked to a reduced risk of breast, prostate, pancreas and colorectal cancer. (Note: Recent studies indicate that for proper absorption, the body also needs some oil along with lycopene.)  Here is a tip: Get some fresh Michigan Tomatoes and combine them with some mozzoralla cheese, olive oil, rosemary and turmeric (which also posses cancer fighting properties)

What about eating fruits to prevent Cancer?

Consumption of fruits and vegetableshas been associated with decreased risk of cancers of the colon and rectum.  The bottom line is that eating fresh Michigan produce is not only good for you, there are also many preventative elements to our produce as well.