Lettuce Turnip The Beets

​Lettuce just got a whole lot more fun thanks to Gude Brothers Greenhouses located in Middletown. The fourth-generation family owned business and grower of leafy greens is kicking off their inaugural “Lettuce Jam” this Saturday. Come out and celebrate what makes Frederick’s culinary scene so great, it’s local growers. This family-friendly event will include greenhouse tours, live music, fresh foods, and arts & crafts from over 25 local artisans. There is something for everyone! Little ones can learn about plants, potting their own greens and even participate in live painting with pigs! Adults can take a load off, relax and enjoy local libations in the beer and wine garden featuring Milkhouse Brewery at Stillpoint Farm and Distillery Lane Ciderworks.

The festivities bring consumers one-step closer to learning where their food comes from. “This is your greenhouse,” said Larry Gude, owner and proprietor. “We want people to feel connected to their food.” Gude Brothers Greenhouses is the supplier of fresh, naturally grown leafy greens for many area restaurants but you can also grab some for your meals at home. “Come by and get your lettuce here, we would love to see you,” Gude added. Lettuce mixes can also be ordered online or delivered by South Mountain Creamery.

The greenhouses organically produce 2,000 pounds of red and green Romaine, incised, butter, oak leaf and sweet lettuces. There use of natural compost and other environmentally beneficial growing practices make the greenhouse a breeding ground for seeds. Those randomly blown in by the wind regularly make the greenhouse their home. “Biologically speaking things want to grow in here. It’s not uncommon to see a pansy pop up in the middle of a pot. We have great soil. Plus there is something about growing in good soil, the earthiness of the food. It just tastes better,” Gude states.

So pack the family in the car and make a day out of it. You can have fun, support a great cause and learn more about local foods in the process. Gude says it perfectly, “What makes naturally grown local foods prosper are the people. We are tolerating, more and more, a less perfect tomato or pepper and as a result we are keeping farms going and people employed.”

Event: Lettuce Jam

Date: June 13th

Location: Gude Brother Greenhouses

Address: 2730 Marker Road, Middletown, MD 21769

Time: Noon-6pm

Websites: LettuceJam.com & GudeBrother.com

Admission: FREE