ELKRIDGE, Md — From fruit and flowers to honey and cheese, Frank's Produce and Greenhouses in Elkridge has lots to offer, including a new hobby.
"We’ve got a ton of vegetable plants. They’re super popular right now. Everyone’s at home and wants to start gardening," said manager Taylor Rhodes.
They've made some adjustments for social distancing, limiting the amount of people in the farm stand or greenhouses, and adding curbside pick up and local delivery options too.
"I think people really appreciate the curbside produce stuff," said Rhodes.
Although it's not as busy as usual, Rhodes said they have had a steady flow of customers and some new faces to. She said a new tool created by the Howard County Government has been helpful. HoCo Farms Connect is an online list and map of farms in the county.
"Not a lot of local people have had to reach out to these local farms so I think it’s a good tool for people to find these local farms near them and check them out and try to support local," said Rhodes.
Farms sign up to be listed and can include what they are selling, their hours and if they offer pick up or delivery.
The goal is to connect customers with a way to shop safe and shop small.
"It’s helpful for the egg farmers. It’s helpful for the local dairy guys that are selling cheese and milk. It’s helpful for us local nursery centers and I think it’s a win win for everyone," said Rhodes.
26 farms are listed now, which is about 10 percent of all the farms in Howard County.
