Local farmers rolled out everything from peppers to parsley at the Alliance of the Arts Saturday morning offering fresh, organic products to green market-goers.

Grower Bob Donnelly says having unique items is what keeps the market a popular hot spot.

"We try to grow something that you can't get in the grocery store, the lettuces, the arugulas," Donnelly said.

Those naturally grown fruits and vegetables attracted dozens of people looking to stock up on healthy finds.

"It's really a good opportunity to support your community and its home grown so it tastes better," said shopper Liz Johnson

Still recovering from the winter freeze, many farmers say small markets like this are important not just to them, but to the local economy.

"By buying local produce and tropical fruit and honey and all that stuff, you're keeping jobs in this area," said green market organizer Santiago de Choch.

Market-goers also had a chance to learn how to grow their own edible landscape through a free workshop with a master gardener.

"There's a sense of satisfaction when you can plant something and you get to suddenly realize the product of that. it's sustainability for our overall environment," said master gardener Millisa Bell.

The gardeners say even if you don't have a green thumb, with a few tips and some patience you too can grow your own organic garden.

"Sometimes the weather doesn't help but it's a matter of persistence just keep trying if you don't do well the first time maybe the next time you will do better," de Choch continued.

The green market runs every Saturday in July from 8 am until NOON with gardening workshops starting at 10 am. It is located at the corner of McGregor and Colonial in Fort Myers.