Onslow County Cooperative Extension, farmers market and 'Visit NC Farms' app prepare spring offerings

Onslow County Cooperative Extension previewed its spring activities and said the county farmers market will open for the 2025 season in April with weekly Saturday hours.

Lisa Rayburn, the county’s commercial horticulture agent, said the Master Gardeners’ Spring Plant Festival will be held April 26 in the Discovery Gardens at the Onslow County Farmers Market (4024 Richlands Highway). Rayburn said Master Gardeners will offer perennial plants, tomato and vegetable transplants, herbs, and demonstrations on raised-bed and container gardening tailored to local soils and climate.

Rayburn also encouraged residents to use the Visit NC Farms mobile app, developed by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, to find local growers and farm products (search the app store for "Visit NC Farms"). She said the app is free for users and farmers and allows searches by product or viewing farms on a map. Farmers interested in listing on the app can contact the Onslow County Extension office at (910) 455-5873 for assistance.

Marie Swanafus, who spoke about the Onslow County Farmers Market, said the 2025 market season opens in April and will operate every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon through November. She said spring offerings will include early strawberries, hydroponic lettuces and peas, baked goods including gluten-free options, eggs and several local meat vendors. The market address is 4024 Richlands Highway; organizers noted on-site construction has reduced some parking but will not affect operations, and asked visitors to drive slowly on arrival.

For market updates and vendor information, organizers said to follow the Onslow County Farmers Market on Facebook.