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September 10, 2008
By Cheryl McCord
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Karen and Bob Fleming have operated their farm southwest of Kuna for 36 years. The
staple crops are pinto beans, alfalfa, and wheat, and the farm sustains cattle and
chickens. A family garden has also been a fundamental part of their farm life. Two
years ago, Karen and Bob decided to expand the family garden and became Fancy Pickins
and Home Fixns at the Kuna Farmers Market.
After 22 years working with Greenhurst Nursery during the spring and summer, Karen
wanted to turn her knowledge and hobbies into a business. Karen has a greenhouse
and starts the plants for the garden and the flower and herb baskets she sells at
the Market.
Bob prepares the three-acre garden plot and helps with transplanting and planting
the corn and beans with the tractor. He tends the water all summer and gives Karen
a hand with picking. Bob also comes with Karen to the Market each Saturday to help
set up the booth. Generally he then disappears and is not seen again until the end
of the market. Lately, though, Bob has been at the Market giving Karen’s customers
a hand with the potted plants and big sacks of sweet corn. Either it takes less
time to set water at the farm or he found that he enjoys the Market atmosphere.
Another facet of Fancy Pickins and Home Fixns is Karen’s delicious baked goods.
She makes fruit and berry pies and potato rolls, arts she learned from her mother
and grandmother.
When Karen is not in the garden or in the kitchen baking, she teaches second grade
at Snake River Elementary School in Nampa.
Stop by the Market and visit with Karen. You might also see Bob. Ask them to tell
you more about their farm produce--Russet and red potatoes, green beans pinto beans,
peppers, and Bodacious sweet corn. They have quantities of sweet corn available
for freezing and canning.
Upcoming Events
September 13 – The Bain Family is back by popular demand to perform Irish dancing.
September 20 – The Prime Time Swingers
September 27 – Oktoberfest and Meet the Candidates
The Market hours are 9 am to noon. The Market location is at Sandstone Plaza at
the west end of Main Street. For more information, contact Cheryl McCord at 922-5113
or visit the website at
www.KunaFarmersMarket.com.
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