IPFS News Link • Agriculture
Rainy Day Market / Market Schedule & Veggie List 3/8/14
• Tonopah Rob
Twas the first Saturday of March and it was exciting, really wet and at times very muddy. The rain clouds silently moved in over the farm and without warning poured Texas sized drops, then drizzled and stopped. For a few hours we had very little rain and then all the gates from heaven opened up and WOW! But you know what? It was fun and the farm stand was fairly busy. We saw many new customers, scores of CSA members and repeat supporters. Like one fun gal said, “it’s only rain, I’m not gonna melt!” She was right and I liked her goodness, it made the plants grow taller. I also liked how the rain kept the veggies on the tables hydrated and I don’t have to irrigate for several days…..I love it!
I enjoyed the new folks who drove out to the farm they were a hoot! There is something about rain in Arizona people love. I’m not sure why or what it is but us year round and part-time residents love the water in the desert. Even folks who live in the northwest who don’t like the rain in Seattle love the rain in Arizona. So, when you mix rain, desert and all sorts of folks together under the farm stand it makes for an exciting day in the hood!
Pictured here are some of the peach trees in bloom on the farm.
For all of you folks whom have not seen the farm this winter, I suggest you come take a tour and see the beautiful winter crops of lettuce. This year, I’ve planted about 20 different varieties and some of them are my very own crosses. They are so beautiful, they look fake. The Red Iceberg is amongst the favorite of the peeps. The large dark red leaves surround a lime green crisp head. You’ve got to see them to believe them. The beautiful Back 40 plot is bursting with Brassica’s and lettuce. Really, you should come out and see how I grow these gorgeous leafy beauties. After next week, most of them will be on the tables…..and while I’m thinking about it, St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner and green cabbage will be ready for your corned beef.
Also, many thanks to the vendors for their support of my monthly farm-vendor market. The vendors themselves bring fantastic products, they fit nicely with the nature grown vegetables. Judy brought her home-made relishes that compliment the Alaskan salmon, grass-fed beef and Lidia’s home-made bread. If you are coming out to the farm stand, be prepared to shop. My vendors have delicious products. What more can a person ask for? Fresh Eggs, gorgeous vegetables, bread, relishes, meats, organic sprouts/micro greens from Zheka and soothing bath and skin care products from Danielle and Paul’s Smiling Goat Farm. Danielle’s patchouli scented bath bars are awesome for the skin. Mark your calendar on April 5, 2014 all of the vendors will return with their wares to the farm stand for the next farm-vendor market.
As many of you know, Jerry and I flew to Wisconsin last Monday. It was so cold in Madison, WI. Most days never made it above freezing or above zero. We had an extremely busy three days of meetings and medical evaluations. Now, Jerry is waiting for a call to find out his results and placement on the lung transplant list. Both Jerry and myself want to thank all of you for the prayers and well wishes. We are back on the farm and ready to clean more beets and top carrots. All valley market are up and running as usual. Thank you again for your support, care and prayers.
Market Schedule for March 8, 2014:
St. Joseph’s Hospital Farmers Market – Friday 8 to 12:30Here’s the veggie list:
Assorted BeetsWatch Streaming Broadcast Live:
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