Dry Spring Hampers Produce At Huntley Farmer's Market

Veggie vendors at the Huntley Farmers' Market Saturday were hoping from some rain soon.  The National Drought Monitor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln classifies all of northern Illinois (and parts of Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin) as "abnormally dry", particularly so far this month.

"I would say things are at least a month behind," said Wayne Workowski of Wayne's Home Grown Fruits & Vegetables, Harvard.  Workwoski runs the rain off the roof of his barn into a 500-gallon tank to water his crops, he said.  "A good 3/4-inch rain will fill it," said Workowski.  "Only we haven't had a good 3/4-inch rain."

Elaine Book at Providence Farm, Belvidere, said she's had the same problem only she has an ace in the hole.  "We just pump from the creek," she said.  "It's a lot more work, of course," she added.

Next Saturday's Huntley Farmers' Market will include a live cooking demonstration and offer some tips about picnicking.  July 7 will be All American Family Fun Day at the Farmers Market with produce, pastries, pierogi and pickles (to name a few edibles), as well as a craft fair, a moon walk,  kids' games and the annual parade around the park for children.

Huntley's Farmers' Market is held from 8 am to 1 pm each Saturday on Coral Street between Church and Woodstock streets.

In the pic:  Warm temps haven't helped area vegetable gardens much, according to grower Wayne Workowski.  "Without rain it's like trying to live without blood," he said.