‘Garden Market’ is now open

Posted

Row after row of watermelon, musk-melon, tomatoes, cucumbers and sweet corn rise above roughly 5,500-feet of soaker hose that waters the garden of William Watson.
His garden covers five acres of land behind Dakota Manufacturing, a business operated by his son on Highway 14 West.
It’s a hobby-business that fills his time and keeps the retired farmer close to the soil.
What is he planning to do with all those fruits and vegetables?

“We just opened the Garden Market,” said Watson, who sells produce from his garage at 1973 Idaho Ave. S.E. (three blocks east of Lewis.) “We have a permit and license with the city.”
His hours will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. He can be reached at 554-0314 (home) or 350-3495 (cell).
His household includes his wife, mother-in-law and a brother-in-law, who is staying with them while recuperating from an injury.
“There is always somebody home,” Watson said. “If somebody comes by at 9 p.m., we’re just in the house. Everything is refrigerated in the garage.”
Watson said he is willing to take orders and deliver produce to customers in Huron on a specific date.
“I’ll take orders for any amount,” he said. “I’ve sold 10 bushels of cucumbers for canning. Quantity is no problem for me when its available.”
Watson bought the land where he developed his garden two years ago. He drilled a well on the property which provides water for his irrigation system.
“In three weeks we’ll start to have watermelon and cantaloupe,” said Watson, who will be 70 this fall. “I’ve raised watermelons for 57 years. The biggest weighed 54 pounds in 2015, a Crimson Sweet.”