Henry Daily Herald

People with a desire for fresh food are invited to come to Henry County, to stock up on their favorite fruits and vegetables.

The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Office, at 97 Lake Dow Road, in McDonough, is conducting its annual Small Fruit Plant Sale. Through March 9, the agency is offering asparagus, blackberries, blueberries, figs, muscadines, raspberries and strawberries.

Prices are $25 for 25 asparagus or strawberry plants, and $10 for a one-gallon container of blueberries. Blackberries, muscadines, figs and raspberries can be purchased for $7 each, for a one-gallon container.

Proceeds from the sale, which is in its fourth year, will go to the county’s 4-H program, according to Frank Hancock, agriculture and natural resource agent for the extension office.

“Our plants are good and healthy,” said Hancock. “We’ve switched a vendor or two in the last four years, to ensure that we’re getting the best plants that we can get.”

The extension office obtains items from several local nurseries for the sale. Hancock said the endeavor has enjoyed a positive response from the community since being introduced.

“All of the things that we sell are pretty popular,” he said. “Some of the things we sell, like figs, have a pretty good following, but they tend to be hard to get.”

The agent added that the plant sale typically generates about $2,000 each year.

Order forms are available at www.co.henry.ga.us. Plants are to be picked up March 17 at Heritage Park, in McDonough, from 8 a.m., to noon.

For more information, call the extension office at (770) 288-8421.